At Habitat for Humanity, our vision is to create a world in which everyone has a safe and decent place to live. As we know, COVID-19 has created many new challenges for our communities, while exacerbating others that existed prior to the pandemic, including affordable housing. Today, more than ever, Canadians need a safe and decent place to shelter, live, and work. That's why Habitat for Humanity is continuing to urge the Government of Canada to invest in the full range of affordable housing along the affordable housing continuum; from emergency shelters to home ownership and other equity-building models. We can't focus on only one part of the continuum; we all need safe and appropriate housing we can afford.
In Canada, home ownership is the single greatest enabler of multi-generational economic advancement. Home ownership provides people with the stability of an adequate place to live as well as a pathway to build wealth and equity for their families. People can use the equity to start businesses, to finance their children's education, plan for a secure retirement, and pass on wealth to the next generation.
When it comes to the health of children and youth, housing impacts their ability to develop optimally and achieve life's goals. It is important to note that home ownership and equity-based housing models also help municipalities manage their limited resources. These models relieve pressure on social and emergency housing, for which community lists can be several years long.
Habitat for Humanity has called for an increase in the national housing strategy and is pleased to see the government moving forward with $750 million in funding for the national housing co-investment fund and adding $1.5 billion to its rapid housing initiative, with at least 25% going to woman-focused housing. These funds, combined with investments in affordable housing innovation, a homelessness strategy, and rental and transitional housing, will provide badly needed housing and smooth the pathway to affordable home ownership for many families across Canada.
In that context, the budget contains some important new investments in housing and homelessness, building on the national housing strategy. However, the 2021 budget does not go far enough or fast enough. It does not make important progress toward ending homelessness by 2030. We acknowledge this government's commitment towards continuing to invest in the national housing strategy to support those most vulnerable with shelter and with supportive and transitional housing.
Habitat for Humanity presented its recommendations in the pre-budget submission for the 2021 federal budget. These items include the following: advancing the national housing strategy with increased, deep and accelerated investments for CMHC programs, including the new rapid housing initiative; continuing the attention to improve the application process and terms and conditions for program participants, particularly with an emphasis on having less red tape; increasing access to lands for affordable housing providers, including through the federal lands initiative and a new property acquisitions program; and incenting other levels of government to facilitate the creation of more affordable housing, including through land designations, buildings, zoning processes, and differentiated taxes and fees.
By leveraging community partners like Habitat for Humanity, the Government of Canada will alleviate some of the severe financial pressure confronting cities and communities and help their low-income families to create the homes they need to build their futures and to rebuild and sustain local economies.
We asked the federal government to commit to the goal of having all Canadians able to afford a home that meets their needs by 2030, backed by a comprehensive plan for achieving this goal. We will continue to work collaboratively and in partnership with all levels government to help achieve this.
Once again, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. As is everyone else, I'm open to answering any questions.
Thank you.