Halton calls on high school students to get creative and help raise awareness about affordable housing

Halton Region is calling on high school students across the Region to pull out all the creative stops and enter the second annual Be a Hero. Be a Voice for Affordable Housing contest. Created to help raise awareness about the need for more affordable housing in Halton, the contest is open to students in grades nine through 12 from the Halton District School Board, the Halton Catholic District School Board, and local independent schools. Students are invited to develop an entry using their choice of format, such as video, song, or poetry that best captures why Halton needs more affordable housing. Full contest details and entry criteria can be found at www.halton.ca/beahero.

“After the impressive entries we received last year, we cannot wait to see what Halton’s high school students create for this year’s contest,” says Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We want the youth in Halton to be a part of the community for many years to come which is why they need to get involved in the discussion of affordable housing now and help ensure there are housing options they can afford in the future.”

Prizes will be awarded to students whose entry best depicts why Halton needs more affordable housing. Entries will be judged by an independent panel of judges consisting of representatives from local community agencies, the media, and past contest winners. The Grand Prize winner will receive $1000, the Runner Up receives $500, and four Honourable Mentions will be awarded $100 each. Winners will be announced and all entries will be on display at the Be a Hero. Be a Voice for Affordable Housing awards ceremony on November 19, 2008 at the Milton Sports Centre.

The 2007 Grand Prize was awarded to Jesse Mortensen of Bishop P.F. Reding High School in Milton. His video, entitled Amar’s Story, can be viewed on YouTube.

In 2006, Regional Council adopted a Comprehensive Housing Strategy for Halton. A key component of the strategy includes building awareness and acceptance of the need for affordable housing in Halton.

“Affordable housing is critical to creating healthy communities in Halton,” added Chair Carr. “As we plan for the future, it is important that we have a mix of housing types and affordability levels so that residents can remain in Halton through all phases of their lives.”

Submissions for the contest are due by 5 p.m. on October 31, 2008. Students can visit www.halton.ca/beahero for contest details, and contact Stephanie O’Keefe at 905-825-6000, ext. 4432 for more information.

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