The housing crisis in Huron and Perth counties is being highlighted by the United Way.
The United Way of Perth-Huron has released a pair of videos of two residents who have faced challenges with evictions and high rents in the region.
Emily is an accountant from Perth County, evicted at the height of the pandemic when the new unit she found was $1 thousand more per month, while being much less desirable.
Victoria is a minimum wage worker from Huron County.
She and her husband pay more than half their income for a small one-bedroom unit.
The videos were sponsored by the Four County Labour Market Planning Board (FCLMPB). Research by the FCLMPB shows that housing is the top barrier to hiring for local employers.
Perth-Huron has chronically low unemployment and a persistent shortage of workers in fields like retail, hospitality and healthcare.
“With a low pool of available workers in our region, employers need workers to fill many vacancies,” said Dana Soucie, FCLMPB Executive Director.
“In order to attract and retain the workforce required, we must address the affordable housing crisis.”
“Suddenly I was paying $1,000 more for an apartment that was less desirable than the one I had.”
We want to see new community housing at a scale that can help workers find units they can afford. Add your name to 'Speak Up for Housing!' petition >> https://perthhuron.unitedway.ca/speakupforhousing/Workers need housing — but these days, the cost of housing and the average income don’t work. 'Four County Labour Market Planning Board' has found that housing is the number one barrier to hiring in our region. Even young professionals like Emily — highly educated and savvy with money — are struggling to get ahead.
Posted by United Way Perth-Huron on Monday, July 21, 2025
