Financial Insecurity and Housing Stability: Empowering Afro-Canadian Seniors for Dignity and Security

Tresha Wallace
21 hours ago
2 min read

Economic security is foundational to dignity in later life. Yet, many Afro-Canadian seniors confront significant financial barriers—rooted in historic inequities, limited pension access, and ongoing responsibilities to support family and community. These challenges often lead to difficult choices around housing, healthcare, and daily living essentials, threatening both stability and peace of mind.

Ubuntu’s Approach: Reducing Barriers, Restoring Agency

At Ubuntu Legacy Community Care, we believe that financial stability and secure housing are not privileges, but rights. Our community-driven approach addresses these barriers at multiple levels:

Eliminating Venue Costs: Through strategic partnerships, we have removed venue expenses for our programs, ensuring that no senior is excluded due to cost.
Subsidized Memberships: We offer sliding-scale and subsidized memberships so that seniors of all financial backgrounds can access our holistic health, wellness, and social programs.
Connecting to Local Resources: Ubuntu actively connects seniors with local supports—whether it’s food banks, housing resources, or financial assistance programs—helping particularly those who are immobile or isolated.

Planning for the Future: My Life In Order Workshop

We recently hosted the "My Life In Order" workshop, facilitated by Eileen Evans a trusted real estate agent, and a valued member of Ubuntu Legacy. This session was designed to equip seniors with practical tools for planning their health, housing, and legacy. By guiding participants through the process of creating a comprehensive roadmap for their families, the workshop helps reduce stress and uncertainty for loved ones. Through proactive planning, we empower seniors to face the future with greater confidence and a renewed sense of agency.

Member Testimonial

"Before joining Ubuntu, I worried about how I’d manage my bills and whether I could stay in my home. The ‘My Life In Order’ workshop gave me a plan and the confidence to talk to my family. Now, with the support of Ubuntu’s team, I feel secure and part of a community that looks out for one another."— M.C., Ubuntu member

A Shared Responsibility

Ubuntu challenges our broader community to see financial stability and housing security for seniors as a collective responsibility. By supporting one another and advocating for equitable access to resources, we can ensure that every elder lives with dignity, security, and peace of mind.

Local Supports for Seniors: