Living on $500 per month or less would be a major stretch for most of us but, that's the harsh reality for those on social assistance.
Local teens are learning about the importance of affordable housing at a youth conference hosted by the Human Development Council and Safe Harbour.
Colin McDonald of the HDC tells CHSJ News there are a lot of run-down buildings in this market, which aren't safe or healthy places to live.
He says home should be a place where you can can recharge and when you're denied that right your overall well-being suffers.
The high school students sat in on sessions on housing for homeless youth and mentally ill individuals and created works of art on the topic.