Research and Knowledge Building

Donde Vivimos (Where We Live)

Donde Vivimos (Where We Live) is a community-engaged research project led by the Hispanic Development Council (HDC) and the University of Toronto that examines how housing conditions shape the health and well-being of Spanish-speaking newcomers from Latin America in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Drawing on census data, a survey of 308 participants, and 31 in-depth interviews, the study found that 63% of participants were living in core housing need, with housing that was unaffordable, overcrowded, or in need of major repairs. Nearly one in four participants had experienced eviction, over half reported hidden homelessness, and many described significant barriers to accessing healthcare and nutritious food.

The findings show that these challenges are driven by broader structural factors, including immigration status, language barriers, income insecurity, and discrimination. The report provides evidence to support more equitable housing and health policies and offers practical recommendations to improve housing access, strengthen tenant protections, enhance culturally responsive services, and advance housing justice for newcomers.

Download here >> the full report to explore the study’s findings and recommendations.

If you have any questions about this project, contact: 

David Sanchez Villa: davidsanchezvilla.hdc@gmail.com