Displacement Grief

Displacement Grief is the deep emotional and psychological distress experienced by individuals and communities when they are forced to leave their homes, neighbourhoods, or cultural spaces due to external pressures such as rising costs, redevelopment, gentrification, or systemic inequities. This grief extends beyond the loss of physical shelter, encompassing the erosion of community ties, cultural identity, and the sense of belonging that comes from shared spaces and relationships. It also reflects the collective sorrow felt when community members—friends, neighbours, and family—are displaced, breaking the social fabric that sustains trust, support, and cultural continuity.

For CP Planning, understanding and addressing displacement grief is central to our mission. This grief is not just an emotional response but a critical signal of the systemic failures that perpetuate housing insecurity and community disintegration. It reinforces the urgency of our work to protect and generate affordable housing and community spaces that honor the economic, social, and cultural rights of marginalized groups. By prioritizing stability, equity, and community cohesion, we aim to alleviate displacement grief and foster environments where all people, regardless of their background, can experience joy, belonging, and well-being in the places they call home.