There has been a 50 per cent increase in families using homeless shelters in the last decade, according to a three-year study prepared by the advocacy group Raising the Roof. And they are staying an average of more than 50 days—longer than in the past.
On any day, 35,000 people are homeless in Canada. Over a year the number is 235,000. And many more are living in substandard housing or are on the brink of losing their homes.
While Canada is a wealthy country, the number of homeless shelters in Canada has increased dramatically over the years. A government website says that “as of November 2012, there were an estimated 1,082 shelters serving homeless individuals and families in Canada. These shelters had 27,824 beds available on a regular basis. In March 2006, there were 859 known shelters with 21,988 regular beds.”
Poverty, violence, joblessness to blame
Carolann Barr, executive director of Raising the Roof says there are several reasons, why so many children and families are homeless. “It’s a lack of access to income, poverty, and sometimes facing violence in intimate partner violence situations and…a lack of affordable housing in this country.”
ListenSome children and families go to homeless shelters, others bunk in with friends or live in substandard, overcrowded housing and some even live in their cars. “Children are very vulnerable to the effects of homelessness and also families who are fleeing violent situations,” says Barr. “There’s trauma and it can really have a life-long impact on children—on their mental health issues and their ability to stay focussed in school.”
Prevention, early intervention crucial, says report
Prevention of homelessness would be best, she says, an early intervention is needed when a family falls through the cracks. The report calls for development and funding of a national housing strategy and a poverty reduction strategy. It suggests action on children’s mental health and has specific recommendations for all three levels of government in Canada.
Barr is encouraged that the new federal government which came into office in October 2015 is paying attention to this issue. It is currently conducting research to see how many people are homeless and who they are.
The report includes examples in Toronto where networks of community groups are helping families in need. And it suggests models be stepped up and implemented elsewhere.
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