🏠 Unsung Heroes of Covid – Part 3: Housing Pressures, Homestays, and Community Impact 💔

In the first two parts of our series, we explored how young workers kept society running during Covid and the financial and emotional toll they endured. Now, we turn to a hidden but critical part of the story: housing pressures, unsafe living conditions, and the exploitation of youth and international students. 🏘️💥

💸 Skyrocketing Rent and Housing Scarcity

As Covid disrupted the economy, housing in cities like Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey became increasingly unaffordable. Youth workers, already financially strained, faced:

• Exorbitant rents for small rooms or shared apartments 💰
• Competition with international students whose tuition often subsidized higher rents 🏫
• Pressure from landlords to work multiple shifts just to cover rent 🏢

Many young people were forced to live in unsafe, overcrowded conditions — sometimes in basements or houses divided into multiple units — simply to survive. 🏚️

🏠 Homestay Scams and Exploitation

Homestays, originally structured to provide safe housing for students, became a source of exploitation during the pandemic. Key issues included:

• Private rentals masquerading as school-organized homestays, charging above-market rates 💵
• Students pressured to work illegally to cover rent 🛑
• Little oversight or accountability from schools or government authorities 🏫

Both local youth and international students were affected. Many faced unsafe living conditions, poor treatment from landlords or homestay families, and no clear recourse for help. ❌

🌍 Community Strain

These housing pressures didn’t just affect youth. Communities felt the ripple effects:

• Neighbourhoods once home to families became densely rented student housing 🏘️
• Community resources like transit, libraries, and food banks were stretched thin 🚍📚🍎
• Local residents, especially low-income workers and single parents, struggled to find affordable housing 🏚️

The rapid growth in student populations created tensions and resentment, particularly when schools and governments prioritized tuition revenue over local well-being. ⚖️

⚠️ Exploitation Across Systems

The intersection of work, housing, and education exposed systemic failures:

• Youth working long hours to pay rent and support themselves 💪
• Denied support or benefits like CERB 💸
• Unsafe housing situations with little oversight 🏚️
• Educational opportunities sidelined or disrupted 📚

These unsung heroes were forced to navigate multiple crises simultaneously, yet society continues to overlook their sacrifices. ❌

📣 Call to Action

It’s time to recognize and support these young people. Solutions include:

• Government oversight of student housing and fair rent protections 🏛️
• School accountability for safe homestays and housing guidance 🏫
• Support programs for youth facing financial and mental health challenges 💰🧠
• Community engagement in planning and resource allocation 🌍

In Part 4, we will explore mental health, societal neglect, and long-term impacts on youth who endured these pressures — and why their experiences should never be forgotten. 🧠💔