Housing Is the Answer: A Three-Question Feature with Kaite Burkholder Harris
As part of the Housing Affordability Symposium hosted by the Centre for Studies on Poverty and Social Citizenship (CSPSC) at Carleton University, CSPSC invited Kaite Burkholder Harris, Executive Director of the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, to reflect on three critical questions shaping the future of housing policy and homelessness response in Ottawa.
Her responses offer a clear and urgent call for system level change grounded in prevention, non-market housing, and community informed solutions.
What Are We Still Failing to See?
Burkholder Harris highlighted a critical but often overlooked reality. Children represent the largest group experiencing homelessness in Ottawa. Approximately 1,400 children are currently affected, with an estimated 600 to 700 families staying in shelters. She also pointed to the growing gap between rental costs and affordability. Rent is too expensive. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ottawa is approximately $2,100 per month, while the maximum affordable rent for many households is closer to $1,700, based on the standard that housing should not exceed 30 percent of income.
According to Burkholder Harris, current systems are contributing to increasing complexity. By focusing primarily on chronic homelessness and waiting until individuals have been without housing for extended periods, systems are inadvertently creating new cycles of need. She emphasized that most individuals in shelters do not require intensive supports and would benefit from access to housing with lighter-touch assistance. However, approximately 15 to 20 percent of individuals have more complex needs, and the level of support required for this group is increasing.
As she put it, “Shelter is not the answer. Housing and the right supports are the answer.”
What Solutions Are Already Working?
Burkholder Harris pointed to diversion strategies as one of the most effective approaches currently in use. Diversion focuses on preventing individuals and families from entering the shelter system in the first place, helping to reduce long-term demand and pressure on emergency services. She noted that these approaches are already producing measurable results and should be expanded as part of a broader strategy.
In addition, she emphasized the importance of scaling supportive housing and expanding non-market housing options. These models provide more stable and affordable pathways for individuals and families and are essential to addressing the structural roots of the crisis.
What Must Change Now?
Looking ahead, Burkholder Harris called for a significant shift in how institutions, policymakers, and communities respond to housing insecurity. She emphasized the need to prioritize prevention and diversion as the starting point of the system, rather than relying on emergency responses. This includes investing heavily in non-market housing, particularly family-sized units that reflect the needs of those most affected.
She also suggested rethinking the role of shelters and transitional housing. This includes converting congregate shelters into single-room occupancy models for individuals and transitioning many existing transitional housing programs into permanent non-market housing, reflecting how they already function in practice.
For individuals with complex needs, Burkholder Harris stressed that incremental changes will not be sufficient. New models must be developed, and these must be designed in partnership with people who have lived experience of homelessness.
A Clear Path Forward
Burkholder Harris’ remarks reinforced a central message for housing stakeholders. Ending homelessness is achievable, but it requires a shift toward prevention and diversion as the starting point, alongside sustained investment in non-market housing, particularly family-sized units. She also emphasized the need to rethink existing systems by converting congregate shelters into single-room occupancy models for individuals and transitioning many transitional housing programs into permanent non-market housing, reflecting how they already function in practice. For individuals with more complex needs, she stressed that entirely new models are required, designed in partnership with people who have lived experience. Her call to action was direct. Housing, supported by the right services and shaped by lived experience, must be at the center of Ottawa’s response.
The Centre for Studies on Poverty and Social Citizenship remains committed to advancing research, dialogue, and partnerships that support equitable and sustainable housing solutions. As this feature makes clear, the challenge is significant, but so is the opportunity to build a system where housing is recognized as essential to dignity, stability, and well-being.