Digital Place, Belonging and Infrastructure: Leveraging Technology-Enabled Intergenerational HomeSharing to Strenghten Immigrant Integration in Canada
Project Lead
Team Members
Shirley Chau (external link) , Neha Gupta (external link) , Samantha Biglieri, Raza Mirza (external link)
Sub-Theme: Housing and Migration
This sub-theme explores the impact of the rapid increase in immigration on the housing market in various regions of Canada and the challenges that immigrants, refugees and international students encounter in securing housing.
Objective
The research tackles the major challenges faced by permanent and temporary immigrants in securing safe and affordable housing, compounded by language and cultural barriers that hinder their social integration. An effective and promising solution is homesharing, which pairs those seeking affordable housing with people who have empty rooms.
Canada HomeShare (CHS), the only non-profit homesharing program in Canada, has embraced this innovative approach by offering a technology-enhanced intergenerational housing program.
Research Question
How can the homesharing program leverage digital communication tools to improve intergenerational housing for immigrants and older adults, addressing housing challenges, ageism and social isolation?
Methodology
The project uses focus groups, in-depth interviews and surveys.
Status
This project is active and currently in the plannig phase.
Keywords
Homesharing; immigrant integration; affordable housing; intergenerational connections; digital communication tools
