What is SAFE housing?
Now that we’ve looked at the types of housing and the reasons a person may need housing, I think it’s important to discuss what SAFE housing is. I happen to believe that all of the options I went through two days ago have the potential to be “safe” housing, so what is it about a place that makes it safe as oppose to unsafe.
Safe Housing Has
- Proper fire safety equipment and meets fire codes
- Clean hot and cold running water
- Appropriate locks and security systems
- Proper insulation and heating systems
- Repairs are performed in a timely manner
- Common areas are kept clean and quiet
- Quiet times are respected and observed
- Free from toxic mold and harmful pathogens
- Bedbug free and when bed bugs are find adequate fumigation takes place
- Enough space for each resident to have privacy when necessary
- Rent and lease are clear and understandable
- Some housing is assessable for persons with disabilities
Note: Safe housing does not mean that every person has the right to a mansion with an in-ground swimming pool! While in an ideal world, every housing unit would be assessable for the majority of people with disabilities, considering the age of many buildings, this is unrealistic, there needs to be enough housing available, but it doesn’t need to be all housing. Safe housing does not guarantee that the housing will be in what is considered a “safe” neighbourhood. However, locks and security systems should be appropriate. In more dangerous areas, this may mean extra precautions are necessary.
Thoughts, ideas, comments? What does safe housing look like for you or your clients?
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