St. Thomas-Elgin Affordable & Social Housing Strategy

The importance of safe, adequate and affordable housing to a household and community
cannot be understated. Beyond the basic human need for shelter, proper housing has been
shown to improve the physical and mental health of households, reduces stress and help
improve the economic vibrancy of a community. The latter is reflected in the ability to free up
income to spend on shelter related costs in the community and the ability to retain and attract
residents and staff of local employers.

The intent of the St. Thomas – Elgin County Affordable and Social Housing Strategy is to help
support Strategic Direction 1 of the local Housing and Homelessness Plan: Increase affordable
housing supply to meet projected need. In addition, this strategy also looks at how the St.
Thomas and area municipalities within Elgin County can preserve the existing supply of social
and supportive housing.