Breaking the Cycle: A Deeper Look at How Education Can Help Fight Homelessness

(From: https://www.immigration.ca/give-international-students-from-poor-countries-open-work-permits-committee-tells-ircc/ )

Homelessness, a harsh reality that thousands of Canadians face every year, intersects with many societal issues, one of the most pivotal being education. By addressing educational barriers for homeless youth, we can contribute to breaking this persistent cycle (Gaetz, Donaldson, Richter, & Gulliver, 2013).

Approximately 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness annually, with a considerable portion being youth who are trying to navigate the challenges of education amidst their circumstances (Gaetz, Dej, Richter, & Redman, 2016). The intertwining of homelessness and lack of education forms a formidable barrier in the battle against social inequality.

Education provides opportunities for individuals to change their life trajectories. In the context of homelessness, education can play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle (Roche, 2017). A robust education offers improved job prospects, thereby increasing the likelihood of stable housing. However, the journey to acquire an education is often riddled with challenges for homeless youth.

Homeless students grapple with several significant barriers. Lack of stable housing can lead to frequent school changes, disrupting their learning process and relationships with teachers and peers (Raising the Roof, 2009). They often lack essential resources for school, such as textbooks, stationery, uniforms, and sometimes, even food. Besides the material challenges, they face social stigma and judgement that can affect their mental health and overall well-being (Hallett, Skrla, & Middleton, 2017).

There is a pressing need for comprehensive support systems to help homeless students overcome these barriers. Specialized programs offering resources, educational support, and emotional assistance have shown promise in addressing this issue (Raising the Roof, 2009). Such programs aim to not only help students keep up with their education but also to prepare them for the future, ensuring they have the skills and qualifications for stable employment.

Across Canada, several initiatives are already showing positive results. The "Horizons for Youth" program in Toronto provides shelter and education support for homeless youth, assisting them in their pursuit of a better future (Horizons for Youth, 2020). The federal government's Homelessness Partnering Strategy also emphasizes the importance of education in its approach to tackling homelessness (Employment and Social Development Canada, 2018).

Education-based interventions have far-reaching impacts beyond the individual. They contribute to creating a better-educated population with a lower risk of homelessness, leading to a more inclusive and equal society. As society becomes more equal, we start to dismantle the systemic barriers that contribute to homelessness and educational inequalities (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2016).

Although strides have been made, there is much work left to be done. Education and homelessness are complex, interconnected issues that cannot be solved independently. As young people preparing to enter the adult world, we must continue to advocate for initiatives that help homeless students achieve their educational goals.

In conclusion, the role of education in breaking the cycle of homelessness cannot be overstated. It's crucial to promote policies and programs that ensure every young person, irrespective of their housing situation, has access to a good education. We are the next generation—the future policymakers, educators, and advocates. We must step up to shape a more equitable society.

References

Employment and Social Development Canada. (2018). Homelessness Partnering Strategy. ESDC.

Gaetz, S., Donaldson, J., Richter, T., & Gulliver, T. (2013). The state of homelessness in Canada 2013. Canadian Homelessness Research Network.

Gaetz, S., Dej, E., Richter, T., & Redman, M. (2016). The state of homelessness in Canada 2016. Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.

Hallett, R. E., Skrla, L., & Middleton, K. J. (2017). "I'm in survival mode": Homeless students and the pathways to postsecondary success. Education and Urban Society, 49(8), 815-839.

Horizons for Youth. (2020). About us. Horizons for Youth.

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2016). The Chief Public Health Officer's report on the state of public health in Canada 2016: A focus on family violence in Canada. PHAC.

Raising the Roof. (2009). Youth homelessness in Canada: The road to solutions. Raising the Roof.

Roche, B. (2017). Homeless and working: A profile of a forgotten population. Journal of Poverty, 21(3), 222-243.