Criminalization of Homelessness and Midsize Cities

Vocabulary flashcards covering the socio-economic context of the criminalization of homelessness in Canada, relevant municipal and provincial policies, and key concepts from the 'Bridging Divides' lecture on homelessness in midsize cities.

Neoliberal shifts

Federal and provincial policy transitions in welfare provision that preceded the punitive turn and contributed to homelessness emerging as a widespread problem in Canada during the 1990s.

National Housing Strategy

A Canadian federal initiative canceled under the unfulfilled belief that the private market would supply affordable housing.

Economic restructuring (Canada, 1990s)

Transformations across the Canadian economy that lowered incomes for the bottom $40\%$ of the population and accompanied significant cuts to welfare supplements and low-income benefits.

Emergency services and supports

Homelessness interventions focused on crisis management rather than proactive prevention or permanent rehousing, resulting in individuals becoming locked into chronic and episodic homelessness.

Moral panic (late 1990s)

Widespread public, political, and media alarm surrounding homeless youth visibly begging and squeegeeing car windscreens, which framed them as threats to public safety, tourism, and local economies.

Ontario Safe Streets Act (2000)

Provincial legislation enacted to curb begging and restrict the use of public spaces without explicitly naming homeless persons or youth.

Bridging Divides: Voices & Visions About Homelessness in Midsize Cities

A project and lecture bringing together an individual who experienced homelessness, an individual with housing insecurity, a service provider, a business owner, and a law enforcement officer to explore homelessness in midsize cities.

Brokered dialogue

A filmmaking technique that facilitates conversations among individuals holding diverse perspectives on a complex social issue to encourage critical thinking.

Disorderly conduct laws

Pre-existing regulations against minor offences—such as public drinking, loitering, and jaywalking—that police use to regulate public space and exclude marginalized populations.

Housing First

A strategic model implemented in cities like Calgary and Lethbridge focused on ending homelessness through prevention and direct investment in affordable housing.

Assertive Community Treatment teams

Specialized teams that collaborate with police, outreach workers, and local service providers to assist individuals experiencing homelessness in accessing necessary supports.

Chronic homelessness

The condition of experiencing homelessness for an extended period of time, identified as being at an all-time high in the midsize city of Guelph.

Invisible homelessness

Homelessness that remains concealed from public view, such as sleeping in vehicles or staying at other people's residences, often maintained intentionally to avoid relocation or property confiscation.

Shelter access barriers

Impediments preventing people from using temporary accommodations, including restrictive regulations (such as bans on pets), lack of privacy, social stigma, and limited bed capacity.