Housing is a fundamental human right, but for about 1.7 million households in Canada, housing that is affordable, in decent shape, and suitable for them or their families is simply not available. When people can’t access housing that meets their needs, the impacts ripple throughout their lives, the economy, and our communities.

Maytree works with civil society, people with lived experience of homelessness and housing need, and governments at all levels to improve the housing system and ensure everyone in Canada has a place to call home. Our work includes researching, shaping and sharing policy ideas, investing in innovative solutions, and supporting partners working on finding solutions to homelessness and housing need.

We work on advancing solutions that will further the recognition and protection of housing as a human right, contribute to the progressive realization of this right, prioritize those in greatest need, pave the way for accountability mechanisms, and include ongoing and active participation of those with lived experience of housing insecurity at all stages of decision-making.