Property Management

November 24, 2021 Published by London and Area Chapter - By Laura Gurr

Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity in Housing Sector

From the CCI Review 2021/2022—November 2021 issue of the CCI London Chapter

Now, more than ever, cultural awareness and sensitivity are skills that are essential for those operating multi-residential housing. As society changes, every sector, including the condominium industry has an obligation to take steps to review their practices and keep moving forward and progressing towards greater equity, diversity and inclusion.

There are a variety of definitions that are accepted. Generally speaking, cultural awareness and sensitivity is the knowledge, awareness, and acceptance of other cultures. This includes knowing that differences exist between cultures, but not assigning values to the differences (better or worse, right or wrong).

There are many resources available to support organizations and individuals as they look to build their cultural awareness and sensitivity skills. LUSO Community Services has developed a Cultural Awareness & Sensitivity for Housing program for London, Ontario housing providers that may be of interest to those in the condominium community. The Cultural Awareness & Sensitivity for Housing program works directly with housing representatives to develop awareness of newcomer communities; capacity to work with various cultural groups and provide training. The program is responsive to the newcomer demographics in London.

The program has developed tools and resources for 3 different cultural groups: Syrian newcomers, Latin American communities (Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, and Venezuela); and Nepalese Speaking/Bhutanese Refugees.

For more information, you can visit here.

Laura Gurr, JD is a partner with Cohen Highley LLP and a member of its management team. She is actively involved in the con-dominium and multi-residential housing industry.
Laura regularly writes and speaks about legal issues affecting the in-dustry.

Her affiliation with CCI as a Pro-fessional Member began in 2011, followed by her election to the Board of Directors at the AGM of 2016. Laura energetically partici-pates as a writer, instructor, pre-senter and trusted advisor. She shares her expertise with other chapters of CCI as well.