Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan will study the impact affordable rental housing has on the lives of people in the prairies
Dr. Isobel Findlay, professor emerita, says the USask team will collaborate with researchers in Atlantic Canada and Central Canada.
She says they wanted to pick regions that have particular histories that will give researchers access to understanding how different communities are impacted by programs in the regions.

Over 5 years the team will focus on three projects.

They will study the experiences of people living in affordable units provided through the Rental Development program.
The 2nd project will compare the experiences of tenants living in subsidized non profit housing with those living in market rentals.
Findlay believes that evictions have been an issue in the past and fears the it could be a bigger issue when the COVID-19 eviction ban is lifted.
The 3rd project will focus on how well rental housing providers will work together with humans service providers, like child welfare assistance or people coming out of the justice system.

Findlay says they want to know to what extent affordable rental housing programs are helping.
The team will work with nine Saskatoon community organizations to examine the overall effectiveness of affordable housing programs in the city.