Introduction to Homelessness

What is Homelessness

describes the situtation of an individual, family or community

• no stable, safe, permanent or appropriate housing

Homelessness is a Result of

systemic or societal barriers

lack of affordable and appropriate housing

Do People Choose to be Homeless

most people DO NOT choose to be homeless

Experience in Homelessness is Often

negative, unpleasant, unhealthy, unsafe, stressful and distressing

The Way Homeless is Defined

has important policy implications

• definition can influence the percieved extent of the problem

Homelessness

in the absence of a place to live (person who has not regualr place to stay)

Relative Homelessness

“hidden” or “concealed”

Relative Homelessness - Where do They Live?

in spaces that DO NOT meet minimum standards

• staying with family or friends, surf couching

Relative Homelessness - Lack of Adequate Protection From

• Safe water or sanitation 

• Lack of secure tenure (legal right to live in home safely for long term) 

• Personal safety (domestic violence) 

• Access to employment, education and healthcare 

• Affordable

Absolute Homelessness

“visible”

Absolute Homelessness - Where do They Live?

No fixed adresses

• people living on the street (public spaces)

• victims of a disaster with no home at all

• complete absence of shelter

Homelessness Has Emerged

from alley ways to a position of prominence

• does not only occur within poor countries

Continuum of Homelessness

range of housing/shelter circumstances

• unsheltered → emergency sheltered → provisionally accommodated → at risk of homelessness

Unsheltered

• absolute homelessness

• not accessing emergency shelters or accommodations

• living in public or private spaces without consent (e.g. sidewalks, parks or forests)

• living in places not intended for permenant human habitiation (e.g. cars, makeshift shelters, tents)

Emergency Sheltered

• individuals with no permenant housing

• accessing emergency shelters

Emergency Overnight Shelters

• minimal eligibility criteria

• may or may not offer food, clothing or other services

• shared sleep facilities

• expected to leave next morning

Challenges of Emergency Overnight Shelters

not pets allows, no drug policies

Shelters for Individuals/Families Impacted by Family Violence

• basic emergency and crisis services

• include safe accommodations, meals, information, referrals

• not required to leave during the day

• private family rooms

Emergency Shelter Following A Natural Disaster

• short term often set up following the natural disater

• may include emergency housing, information, food, clothing, personal services, etc.

Provisionally Accommodated

individuals who may be accessing temporary housing

Provisionally Accommodated Individuals May Be

• accessing interim housing

• living temporarily with others

• accessing short-term, temporary rental accommodations

• in institutional care but lack permanent housing

• utilizing accommodation centers for newcomers to Canada

At Risk of Homelessness

• “not technically homeless”

• housing conditions are dangerously lacking security or stability

• living in housing that is NOT intended for permanent human housing

Two Main Categoies of at Risk of Homelessness

1. people at IMMINENT RISK of homelessness

2. individuals and families who are precariously housed

People at Imminent Risk of Homelessness

have housing but risk of losing housing

• sudden unemployment

• supported housing support are discontinued

• household facing eviction

• division of household

• violence or abuse

Individuals and Families who are Precariously Housed

• adequate: housing not requiring any immediate repairs

• affordable: dwelling costs less than 30% of total before-tax household income

• suitable: has enough bedrooms for size of residents

How Many Canadians are Homeless

• 35,000 Canadians are homeless on a given night

• 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness each year

• 1,690,000 Canadians reported they have experienced some form of homelessness

% of Homeless People

• 27.3% are women

• 18.7% are youth

What Group of People Experiencing Homelessness is Growing

older adults (50-64) and seniors (65+)

• combined 24.4% of shelter users

What Percent of Shelter Populations is Indigenous

28-34%

Familes Stay in Shelters

2x as long as individuals

How Many Veterans Experience Homelessness

2950 (2.2% of shelter population)

How Many Rental Household Spend >50% of Their Income on Rent

1 in 5

% of Homeless Based on Kind

• absolute homelessness: 2.2%

• relative homelessness: 10.5%

Indigenous Households

29.5% more likely to experience homelessness

Leading Cause of Homelessness

financial issues (41%)

Causes of Homelessness

• relationship issues (36.9%)

• more likely to report fair or poor mental health (38%)

Pathways to Homelessness

• felling abuse: 13.3% overall - more common in women

• health issues

• relocation/moving - 20.9%