The Town of Princeton has revealed the results of its most recent survey which was released to the public earlier this month.
At the regular meeting of council on March 19, the town provided an in-depth overview of its strategy for reducing housing challenges and homelessness in Princeton, as well as the results of the survey that was made available to the public on March 7. According to Mayor Spencer Coyne, the survey turnout and results were both "really good."
The strategy entitled A Place to Call Home received a total of 362 interactions, with 315 participants taking a hard copy of the housing survey, 19 participating via the online comment form, 18 attending a stakeholder sharing circle and 10 participating in one-on-one interviews.
"Probably the best we ever had," Coyne said of the turnout during the meeting. "I sat in on one of the round table discussions and there were great conversations, great dialogue and really good ideas."
The strategy outlined five key poverty reduction themes and recommended actions that were identified through community engagement and secondary data. Housing affordability, housing diversity, access to healthcare services, physical and mental well-being, and compassion and connection are all related to housing and homelessness on their own, but are also interrelated, according to the strategy.
"Ending poverty will take more than a single action, but a series of interrelated actions implemented by multiple organizations," the strategy stated. "A key finding within the strategy is that ending poverty requires the collective actions of many people working together—all doing their part."
In Princeton, it is projected that approximately 200 housing units will be needed within the next five years to address the housing needs across town. Of these units, 32 are needed for those living in suppressed households who otherwise cannot find suitable and affordable housing elsewhere, 11 to address core housing needs and eight for people experiencing homelessness.
"The data show that there is a lack of affordable rentals and houses for sale in Princeton," the strategy stated. "This is demonstrated by the town’s low rental vacancy and the rising cost of buying a home."
Princeton's population continues to age, as seniors 65 and older make up 29 per cent of the total population, and the demand for housing to support this demographic is growing. Many seniors have indicated that they wish to remain living in Princeton, but there are no suitable or accessible housing options available to meet their downsizing needs.
Along with increased population growth, the demand for healthcare also continues to increase, including the need for specialized healthcare. People living in poverty face more barriers to accessing health care, which can lead to increased emergency room visits and medical issues.
Of the 315 survey respondents, 134 said that they have used at least one support service or program in the past year, with mental health being the most used service. Emergency medical care, food bank, medical care for chronic conditions and income assistance round out the top five.
Over 69 per cent of respondents said they and their family are impacted by poverty, with 20 per cent indicating that they are greatly impacted.
Fifty-two out of 282 respondents, 18 per cent, said that they have been discriminated against when trying to secure housing, with the most common reason being pets, followed by children, low income, race, age and disability.
The main objective of the study was to improve the conditions for people who face barriers and discrimination when trying to access services.
"Through awareness and the implementation of the actions in the poverty reduction strategy, it is our hope that people will learn more about those with lived experiences and develop more compassion," the strategy stated. "By bringing this conversation out into the community and continuing the dialogue across multiple sectors through engagement and education, we hope to create a common understanding of the issues, complexities and potential solutions to end poverty in our community."
