The Atlantic Equity and Research Alliance (AEARA) is tackling the housing crisis, through innovation and an Afrocentric lens. As housing shortages and inequities continue to challenge communities across Canada, AEARA’s commitment to developing sustainable housing solutions offers a blueprint for addressing these issues. By emphasizing research, community collaboration, and partnerships, AEARA is not only helping to alleviate housing disparities but also building stronger, more resilient communities.
With its pulse on youth and families through its extensive services and programs addressing social determinants of health in education, the arts, and STEM, AEARA is uniquely positioned to take on the challenge of tackling the disparities underpinning the housing crisis. Its deep understanding of community needs enabled AEARA to focus on disaggregating data that sheds light on the largely unspoken and often overlooked racial disparities affecting access to adequate housing in New Brunswick. As newcomers, Black Canadians, and other racialized groups continue to face disproportionate barriers in the housing market, AEARA's work is critical in shedding light on how these inequities contribute to the broader national housing crisis.
This effort is not just about identifying the obvious gaps but about uncovering the hidden realities of homelessness, particularly within Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities. AEARA’s disaggregated data will provide granular insights into local experiences—families struggling to secure housing, single mothers at risk of losing shelter, youth on the verge of hidden homelessness—all of which have remained under the radar in many housing policy discussions. By revealing these anecdotal and somewhat invisible struggles, AEARA aims to create a more comprehensive picture of homelessness and housing instability, ensuring that future interventions are both targeted and inclusive, ultimately contributing to solutions that span across all cultural and socioeconomic groups.
At the heart of AEARA’s work is a vision deeply rooted in the lived experiences of Black communities. Through this lens, AEARA seeks to create housing projects that serve as both safe havens and opportunities for empowerment. Housing project is more than just housing —it is a foundation for health, education, and economic mobility. AEARA recognizes the critical need to provide secure, affordable housing to support the broader well-being of Black communities, and it has designed its pilot project to meet those specific needs.
Afrocentric Vision and Community Collaboration
The success of AEARA’s work stems from its Afrocentric vision, which places culture, history, and the unique challenges faced by Black communities at the core of its approach. This project is not just about providing housing; it is about fostering a sense of belonging and community pride. AEARA’s commitment to culturally relevant housing means that its developments are intentionally designed to reflect the needs and values of the people they serve.
Collaboration has been a key factor in driving the project forward. AEARA has built strong partnerships with experts such the New Brunswick Housing Hub, who have lent their expertise and resources to help navigate the complexities of housing development. Additionally, the Canadian Housing and Training Coalition (CHTC) has provided invaluable support, standing alongside AEARA as an ally in addressing social disparities. Together, these collaborations have laid the groundwork for creating housing solutions that are sustainable, inclusive, and grounded in community needs.
AEARA is also expanding its reach with four other B3 organizations (Nigerian Canadian Association of NB (NCANB), New Brunswick African Association, "Goals, Growth, and Greatness", and Pure Gold, by creating a social media website in collaboration as part of the New Brunswick Black Summit. This platform will serve as a vital tool to share news, progress, and lessons learned from the housing project. Highlighting the project’s achievements through this medium will not only keep the community informed but also serve as inspiration for others seeking to undertake similar initiatives.
Navigating Challenges Through Adaptability
Despite the excitement and progress, the project has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles has been the acquisition of disaggregated data specific to Black communities. The lack of detailed housing data has required AEARA to shift its approach, extending the planning phase to gather more qualitative insights through community consultations. This has been an invaluable process, allowing AEARA to develop a clearer understanding of the unique housing needs of Black families in New Brunswick and beyond.
Next Steps: Building a Model for Change
Central to this phase will be continuing grassroots engagements with the communities the project aims to serve, ensuring that their voices remain integral to the development process.
AEARA’s vision goes beyond addressing immediate housing needs. The organization is determined to create a replicable model that can be used to address housing disparities in other regions and communities across Canada. By sharing its findings with policymakers and housing advocates, AEARA is laying the groundwork for systemic change that will benefit Black and marginalized communities for years to come.
The excitement surrounding this project is palpable, and AEARA’s leadership is honoured to be at the forefront of such a crucial initiative. Being able to collaborate with a wide array of allies, across sectors and cultures, speaks to the inclusivity and importance of the work being done. The challenges faced have only strengthened AEARA’s resolve to bring this project to fruition, ensuring that Black communities have access to safe, affordable housing in a supportive environment.
Conclusion: A Vision for Equity and Empowerment
AEARA’s housing project is more than just a solution to the housing crisis—it is a powerful statement about equity, empowerment, and the future not only with Black communities but building unity and innovation of housing design within all communities across the Atlantic region. With the continued support of partners like CHTC, and the collective efforts of researchers, community leaders, and housing experts, AEARA is well on its way to making a lasting impact. As the project progresses, it will serve as a beacon of what can be achieved when communities come together to address systemic inequalities through an Afrocentric lens.
