Shelter is one of the most basic needs of humanity, along with clean water, air and food. Our health, safety and security revolve closely around our homes and the lack of quality, affordable housing impacts our personal well-being and our society greatly.

CORE HOUSING NEED

Core housing need is a two-stage indicator that helps to identify who need housing assistance. It has been used in Canada since the 1980s.

Assessing a household for core housing need involves two steps to determine if:

1. the household lives in acceptable housing
2. the before-tax income is sufficient to access acceptable local housing

"According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) housing is considered to be affordable when a household spends less than 30% of its pre-tax income on adequate shelter. Households that spend more than 30% of their income on shelter are deemed to be in core housing need."
From The Homeless Hub.ca

Core housing need happens when:

1. major repairs are required and residents don't have the means to move to a good unit in their community
2. there are not enough bedrooms for the residents, and they don't have the means to move
3. the current home costs more than the residents can afford, and they do not have the means to make a move or find an available affordable home in their community