The Intersection of Homelessness and Poverty

At least 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness in a year. [STROBEL, S., BURCUL, I., HONG DAI, J., MA, Z., JAMANI, S., & HOSSAIN, R., Characterizing people experiencing homelessness and trends in homelessness using population-level emergency department visit data in Ontario, Canada, Statistics Canada, (2021). DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.25318/82-003-x202100100002-eng] The complex challenges of homelessness and poverty have become inextricably intertwined in the modern world, forming a troubling cycle of disadvantage that affects millions of individuals worldwide. This intersection between homelessness and poverty is more than a mere correlation; it represents a deeply rooted systemic issue that demands comprehensive understanding and practical solutions.

Defining the Terms

Homelessness and poverty, though distinct concepts, often overlap, exacerbating each other's effects. Poverty refers to the lack of sufficient financial resources to meet basic needs such as shelter, food, healthcare, and education. [Deanna Williamson and Linda Reutter, “Defining and Measuring Poverty: Implications for the Health of Canadians,” Health Promotion International 14 (1999): 355-64, http://heapro.oxfordjournals.org/.] Homelessness, on the other hand, involves lacking a stable and adequate living situation, which may result from various factors including economic hardship, mental health issues, substance abuse, or systemic failures. [GAETZ, S.; BARR, C.; FRIESEN, A.; HARRIS, B.; HILL, C.; KOVACS-BURNS, K.; PAULY, B.; PEARCE, B.; TURNER, A.; MARSOLAIS, A. (2012) Canadian Definition of Homelessness. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press]

The Vicious Cycle

The intersection of homelessness and poverty creates a self-perpetuating cycle that is difficult to break. Poverty can contribute to homelessness by limiting an individual's ability to afford housing, leading to eviction or the inability to secure stable accommodation. [DIONNE, M., LAPORTE, C. LOEPPKY, J., & MILLER, A., A Review of Canadian Homelessness Data, 2023, Income Research Paper Series, Statistics Canada, (2023).] Conversely, experiencing homelessness often exacerbates poverty, as individuals without a stable address struggle to find employment, access social services, or maintain personal hygiene – all of which are critical for escaping poverty. [Poremski, D., PhD; Distasio, J., PhD; Hwang, S.W., MD, MPH; Latimer, E., PhD; Employment and Income of People Who Experience Mental

Illness and Homelessness in a Large Canadian Sample, The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 379-385, 60(9), (2015).]

Factors Amplifying the Cycle

Several factors contribute to the entwined nature of homelessness and poverty:

Lack of Affordable Housing: In many societies, a shortage of affordable housing options places immense pressure on individuals with limited financial means. As housing costs rise faster than incomes, low-income individuals are often pushed to the brink of homelessness. [Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Statistics Canada, www12.statcan.gc.ca (2017).]

Limited Access to Education and Employment: Poverty can hinder access to quality education and employment opportunities. Without a proper education or stable job, escaping the cycle becomes exceptionally challenging, making homelessness more likely. [Giving Voice: Peterborough’s 2016 Point-in-Time Count of Homelessness, (2016.)] Healthcare Disparities: The homeless population often lacks access to adequate healthcare, exacerbating both physical and mental health issues. These health challenges can prevent individuals from maintaining steady employment or pursuing education, thus perpetuating poverty. [ZHANG, L., NORENA, M., GADERMANN, A., HUBLEY, A., RUSSELL, L., AUBRY, T., TO, M.J., FARRELL, S., HWANG, S., & PAPLEPU, A., Concurrent Disorders and Health Care Utilisation Among Homeless and Vulnerably Housed Persons in Canada. Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 14(1), 21-31. (2018). DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2017.1392055. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29494795/]

Criminalization of Homelessness: Some areas have resorted to criminalizing homelessness, imposing fines or penalties for sleeping in public spaces. This approach further entrenches individuals in poverty by burdening them with unpayable debts. [Homelessness, Victimization and Crime: Knowledge and Actionable Recommendations, Institute for the Prevention of Crime, Public Safety Canada.]

Stigma and Discrimination: Homeless individuals face societal stigmatization and discrimination, which can impede their ability to access resources and social services. Such prejudices can also hinder their efforts to escape poverty. [BELANGER, Y., AWOSOGA, O., & WEASEL HEAD, G., Homelessness, Urban Aboriginal People, and the Need for a National Enumeration, aboriginal policy studies, 2(2), 4-33, (2013). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5663/aps.v2i2.19006]

Breaking the Cycle

Addressing the complex interplay between homelessness and poverty requires multifaceted and holistic solutions:

Affordable Housing Initiatives: Governments and organizations should prioritize the development of affordable housing options, ensuring that individuals with limited financial means have access to stable shelter.

Education and Employment Programs: Investing in educational opportunities and job training programs for low-income individuals can empower them to secure stable employment and break free from poverty.

Healthcare Access: Improved access to healthcare services, including mental health support, is crucial for both homeless individuals and those living in poverty. This can enhance their overall well-being and enable them to work towards a more stable life.

Supportive Services: Establishing comprehensive support systems that address various needs of homeless and impoverished individuals, including addiction treatment, mental health counselling, and social services, can help them regain their footing.

Policy Reforms: Advocacy for policy changes that focus on decriminalizing homelessness and reducing systemic barriers can create a more inclusive environment for those in need.

Combating Stigma: Public awareness campaigns can help dispel the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding homelessness, fostering a more empathetic society that is willing to support those in need.

References

BELANGER, Y., AWOSOGA, O., & WEASEL HEAD, G., Homelessness, Urban Aboriginal People, and the Need for a National Enumeration, aboriginal policy studies, 2(2), 4-33, (2013). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5663/aps.v2i2.19006

Deanna Williamson and Linda Reutter, “Defining and Measuring Poverty: Implications for the Health of Canadians,” Health Promotion International 14 (1999): 355-64, http://heapro.oxfordjournals.org/.

Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Statistics Canada, www12.statcan.gc.ca (2017).

DIONNE, M., LAPORTE, C. LOEPPKY, J., & MILLER, A., A Review of Canadian Homelessness Data, 2023, Income Research Paper Series, Statistics Canada, (2023).

GAETZ, S.; BARR, C.; FRIESEN, A.; HARRIS, B.; HILL, C.; KOVACS-BURNS, K.; PAULY, B.; PEARCE, B.; TURNER, A.; MARSOLAIS, A. (2012) Canadian Definition of Homelessness. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press

Homelessness, Victimization and Crime: Knowledge and Actionable Recommendations, Institute for the Prevention of Crime, Public Safety Canada.

Illness and Homelessness in a Large Canadian Sample, The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 379-385, 60(9), (2015).

Poremski, D., PhD; Distasio, J., PhD; Hwang, S.W., MD, MPH; Latimer, E., PhD; Employment and Income of People Who Experience Mental

STROBEL, S., BURCUL, I., HONG DAI, J., MA, Z., JAMANI, S., & HOSSAIN, R., Characterizing people experiencing homelessness and trends in homelessness using population-level emergency department visit data in Ontario, Canada, Statistics Canada, (2021). DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.25318/82-003-x202100100002-eng

ZHANG, L., NORENA, M., GADERMANN, A., HUBLEY, A., RUSSELL, L., AUBRY, T., TO, M.J., FARRELL, S., HWANG, S., & PAPLEPU, A., Concurrent Disorders and Health Care Utilisation Among Homeless and Vulnerably Housed Persons in Canada. Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 14(1), 21-31. (2018). DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2017.1392055. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29494795/