“Research is just a small part of advocacy and change. We need to educate, mobilize and consciously pursue change for social policy planning.”
Humber College met with Professor Salomeh Ahmadi, Faculty of Social and Community Services, Humber College. Salomeh is a passionate researcher and has demonstrated leadership in program evaluation, youth mentoring, engagement & empowerment, conflict resolution, community development, grassroots organizing, human rights and social justice.
In 2020, four applied research projects led by professors in the Faculty of Social and Community Services received over $1.2 million in funding obtained through grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Salomeh Ahmadi is leading the research project “Affordable Housing Needs in South Etobicoke” as Principal Investigator, through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grant, in partnership with local community organizations—this project was awarded $360K. With over 25,000 new housing units on the books in South Etobicoke, and with the population increasing at twice the rate as that of the City of Toronto, the timeliness of housing research is vital, as all levels of government are discussing housing policy.
The City of Toronto and South Etobicoke, where the research study is taking place, are in the midst of an affordable housing crisis. Income inequality, an increase in seniors’ population, rapid condo development, and a lack of rent price moderation are elevating the housing crisis. In addition, there is no cap on exceeding the average market rent, inadequate appeal processes for evictions and notices, and an improper or even lack of a definition of affordable housing.
In addition, we’ve noted that the current Toronto liveable minimum wage averaged for the city is $22.08. The city’s minimum wage is at $14.35. However, areas with higher rental rates and lower rental rates reflect how much you need to earn to afford rent, read more on that here.
Follow along through our Q&A session with Salomeh here.
