At the forefront in designing, developing and ensuring the sustainability of social and affordable housing in Quebec, housing offices (OH) are changing the lives of some 170,000 low-income people, while generating positive socio-economic benefits for the community. the whole of society.
United within the Regroupement des offices d’habitation du Québec (ROHQ), the OHs present in the 17 administrative regions of Quebec, manage more than 106,000 housing units intended for people with modest incomes (singles, families, couples, seniors, people with specific needs, etc.). Their contribution to society is essential.
According to the most recent study carried out by the firm AVISÉO, the construction of 12,500 new social housing units would reduce the poverty rate by 0.8 percentage points, thus helping to lift approximately 65,000 people out of poverty.
Still according to this study, an investment of $2.5 to $5 billion in social housing would generate tax revenues of $844 to $1,600 million for all levels of government. Other significant social and economic impacts would result from this type of investment. For exemple:
Creators of living environments
Equipped with excellent knowledge of social housing needs and a wealth of experience of more than 50 years in management, maintenance and modernization of a vast real estate portfolio, housing offices are important players in development “sustainable, efficient projects adapted to needs, from design to operation,” says Mr. Dany Caron, general director of the Office municipal d’habitation de Québec.
Receiving a large part of the requests for subsidized housing across the province, the housing offices take into account the needs in terms of housing typology, particular clientele and territory to be served, “to develop specific projects, which respond to real needs,” says Mr. Caron
In addition, in conjunction with municipal authorities, the health network and the community sector, they offer services that promote the development of tenants, as well as harmonious cohabitation and integration with the community. “Having a roof over your head is fundamental. But beyond that, we create living environments,” underlines Mr. Caron.
Louise Brunel Girard, resident of a building managed by the Trois-Rivières municipal housing office, can attest to this: “The activities and community support offered by my housing office make it possible to break isolation, increase the feeling of security and to promote a healthy and dynamic living environment,” she says.
Guardians of our HLM heritage
Credit: Les Habitations Dupuis of the Outaouais Housing Office
Under the responsibility of the OH, the sustainability of the public rental stock is in good hands. “We ensure that housing remains in good health both in terms of buildings and the quality of the living environment, which involves, among other things, maintenance, investments and constant communication with residents,” says Mr. Caron .
By developing social and affordable housing, supporting its tenants towards a fulfilling life and ensuring the sustainability of the public housing stock, housing offices form the basis of a more inclusive and supportive society. Access to a home and residential stability are essential factors in preventing homelessness.
To find out about the housing offices in your region, visit the website https://rohq.qc.ca/publicite/!