This is the first in our new series to help unpack our toolkit, Mobilizing on the Right to Housing for Women & Gender-Diverse People in Canada: A Community Organizer’s Guide
Housing is a human right. Yet, across Canada, women and gender-diverse people—particularly those who are Indigenous, racialized, or otherwise multiply marginalized—face significant barriers to safe, affordable, and secure housing. While these challenges are systemic, they are not insurmountable. Communities have the power to drive transformative change, and grassroots mobilization has proven to be a critical force in shaping housing policies and practices.
The Power of Local Mobilization
Community mobilization leverages the collective strength of individuals and organizations to demand systemic change. It starts with identifying local challenges and building a unified voice to address them. This approach has led to meaningful victories, from securing rent control measures to preventing evictions and advocating for inclusive housing developments.
Steps for Effective Mobilization
Our toolkit provides a “Steps for Effective Mobilization” template to guide communities in organizing locally. Here are the key steps:
1. Identify the Issue: Pinpoint the housing challenges in your community. Use data, personal stories, and testimonials to build a clear picture.
2. Engage Stakeholders: Bring together those directly affected and allies who can amplify the cause. Build coalitions with tenant groups, advocacy organizations, and local leaders.
3. Develop a Strategy: Set clear goals and outline the actions needed to achieve them. Use tools like petitions, public forums, and media campaigns to build momentum.
4. Raise Awareness: Educate the broader community about the issue. Share stories, host events, and leverage social media to spread the word.
5. Advocate for Change: Meet with policymakers, attend public hearings, and submit proposals. Show the collective power of your group to push for systemic reforms.
Learning from Success Stories
The toolkit highlights several examples ways to mobilize, pulling from successful housing movements in Canada. For instance:
- Tenant Advocacy in Action: In 2017, tenants in Toronto’s Parkdale neighborhood, organized by Parkdale Organize, launched a rent strike against MetCap Living to oppose Above-Guideline Rent Increases (AGIs) and demand better living conditions. The strike, involving tenants from over 12 buildings, succeeded in forcing MetCap to withdraw most AGIs and commit to addressing maintenance issues. This victory showcased the power of collective tenant action in challenging unfair landlord practices and improving housing conditions. They did this through community organizing, media advocacy, and collective action.
- Right to Housing in Canada: In 2019, the federal government enshrined the right to housing in Canada in legislation. This was the result of decades of advocacy from Right to Housing Toronto and other coalitions such as the Right to Housing Campaign. This was done through collective organizing, government relations, media advocacy, and community support.
These stories underscore the importance of organizing and the tangible impact communities can achieve when they mobilize effectively.
Amplify Your Voice with the Neha Review Panel
The Neha Review Panel is a shining example of how collective storytelling and advocacy can shape housing justice. This initiative collected testimonies from women and gender-diverse individuals across the country, spotlighting their lived experiences and systemic barriers. The review’s findings have been instrumental in advocating for policy changes that centre equity and inclusion.
By participating in similar initiatives, you can help amplify the voices of those most affected by housing injustice, ensuring their stories drive meaningful change. The Neha Review Panel is now accepting written submissions. The deadline is March 14, 2025. Learn more here!
Take Action: Join the Movement for Housing Justice
Are you ready to make a difference? Here’s how you can get involved:
- Join a Housing Justice Group: Connect with local organizations advocating for housing rights.
- Start Your Own Initiative: Use our toolkit to launch a mobilization effort in your community.
- Sign Up as a Community Champion: Become a leader in the movement by signing up here and accessing training and resources to amplify your impact.
Together, we can build a future where safe, affordable, and secure housing is a reality for all. Let’s mobilize for change and ensure that every voice is heard in the fight for housing justice.
