TENANT TO OWNER PROGRAM (TOP)

Through research, it is found that the “The Nunavut Housing Corp. supplies 5,955 public housing units in the territory… Eight per cent of social housing tenants who disclose their salary earn more than $60,000 per year, and five per cent of them make $80,000 or more annually, according to NHC’s 2022 fiscal year report.” (Nunatsiaq News, 2023). Through this understanding, a handful of Inuit would be eligible for the Tenant to Owner program (TOP). Those under Public Housing units will have the autonomy of choosing whether they’d like to invest in their housing unit under the Rent to Own program.

A group of Social Service Worker students were assigned to tackle a Social problem across Nunavut; Through this, we have identified many issues around the high cost of living. Which is why we are attempting to lessen the effects through advocating for individuals in Public Housing to transition from tenants to owner; furthermore, we are advocating for Inuit to have options in investing towards their homes.

What is a social problem? A Social Problem can be defined as “Any condition or behavior that has negative consequences for large numbers of people and that is generally recognized as a condition or behavior that needs to be addressed.” (Social Problems: Continuity and Change, 2015).

“In the 2022 fiscal year, Nunavut Housing Corp. built 175 public housing units at an average price of $923,447 each…”. (Nunatsiaq News, 2023). The cost to build a home has greatly increased due to the inflation of the various material used to build a home. With this information, it is important to note that “The number of NHAP houses delivered will be limited to the funds available.” (Nunavut 3000 Homeowner Support Programs, April 1st, 2024). There are 25 communities across the territory, many of which who may be eligible for the HAP 2.0 program; yet only a variety of Inuit among the territory will be lucky enough to benefit from this, until the funding becomes available again.

When the HAP 2.0 is reintroduced, the “Year-to-year delivery of this program may be focused on specific communities.” (Nunavut 3000 Homeowner Support Programs, April 1st, 2024). This means that those who missed the opportunity for HAP 2.0 will also miss out the next time funding becomes available until the program reaches their community again.