Understanding Homelessness: Definitions and Scope

On a single day in 2018, more than 25,216 individuals lived in a situation of homelessness in Canada. [Report 5 - Chronic Homelessness, Reports of the Auditor General of Canada, (2022).] Similarly, it is estimated that an average of 235,000 people in Canada experience one of the many types of homelessness each 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] Homelessness, a complex and deeply entrenched social issue remains a pressing concern across the globe. While it might seem like a simple concept, the definitions and scope of homelessness are multi-dimensional and require careful examination to fully grasp the extent of the problem.

Defining Homelessness: Beyond the Absence of Shelter

Homelessness describes the situation of an individual, family or community without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability to acquire it. It is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical

challenges, and/or racism and discrimination. Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, unhealthy, unsafe, stressful and distressing. [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 Scope of Homelessness: Diverse Populations and Hidden Realities

The scope of homelessness is far-reaching and affects diverse populations across age, gender, and social backgrounds. Contrary to common misconceptions, homelessness is not limited to individuals who sleep rough on the streets. It includes families living in shelters, youth couch-surfing or living in unstable housing situations, veterans without a stable residence, and those fleeing domestic violence. [DIONNE, M., LAPORTE, C. LOEPPKY, J., & MILLER, A., A Review of Canadian Homelessness Data, 2023, Income Research Paper Series, Statistics Canada, (2023).]

Since homelessness is not one single event or state of being, it is important to recognize that people may find themselves experiencing different types of homelessness. [Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy Directives, Infrastructure Canada, Government of Canada]

1. Unsheltered: This includes people who lack housing and do not access emergency shelters except in extreme weather conditions. In most cases, they live in places not suitable for human habitation.

1.1) People living in public/private places without a contract/consent; for instance, in public spaces such as sidewalks, parks etc., or private spaces such as vacant buildings

1.2) People living in places not intended for permanent human habitation; for instance, in cars, garages, attics, makeshift shelters, tents etc.

2. Emergency Sheltered: This includes people who access emergency shelters because they cannot secure or afford permanent housing.

2.1) Emergency overnight shelters for people who are homeless are designed to meet the immediate needs of people who are homeless and may target sub-populations. They require minimal eligibility criteria and expect clients to leave in the morning.

2.2) Shelters for individuals/families impacted by family violence provide basic emergency and crisis services including safe accommodation, meals, information,

and referral. They provide a high-security environment for people fleeing family violence or other crisis situations.

2.3) Emergency shelters for people fleeing a natural calamity or destruction of accommodation due to fires, earthquakes, etc.

3. Provisionally Accommodated: This describes situations in which people, who are technically homeless and without permanent shelter, access accommodation that offers no prospect of permanence. They are expected to find short-term accommodation independently, such as, through government or non-profit initiatives.

3.1) Interim housing is a supported form of housing that is meant to bridge the gap between unsheltered homelessness or emergency accommodation and permanent housing.

3.2) People living temporarily with others, but without guarantee of continued residency or immediate prospects for accessing permanent housing are colloquially called ‘couch surfers’ and experience hidden homelessness. This living situation is understood by both parties to be temporary.

3.3) People accessing short-term, temporary rental accommodations without the security of tenure are also considered to be a part of the ‘hidden homeless’ population. Although occupants pay rent, the accommodation does not offer the possibility of permanency.

3.4) People in institutional care who lack permanent housing arrangements are considered to be provisionally accommodated and ‘at risk’ of homelessness if there are no arrangements in place to ensure they move into safe and permanent housing upon discharge from institutional care.

3.5) Accommodation/reception centres for recently arrived immigrants and refugees temporarily house them while they receive settlement support and orientation to life in Canada.

4. At Risk of Homelessness: Although not technically homeless, this includes individuals or families whose current housing situations are dangerously lacking stability. They live in housing intended for permanent human habitation. However, as a result of hardship, poverty, discrimination, a lack of other available and affordable housing or insecurity of tenure, residents may be “at risk” of homelessness.

4.1) People at imminent risk of homelessness: People can be put at imminent risk of homelessness due to several underlying causes, including but not limited to precarious/unstable employment, sudden unemployment, households facing eviction, severe and persistent mental illness/active addiction/substance use/behavioural issues, abuse or neglect, inadequate institutional care etc.

4.2) Individuals and families who are precariously housed face challenges that may or may not leave them homeless in the near future. Precarious and inadequate housing not only relate to household income and the physical structure of the dwelling, but also to lack of access to necessary supports and opportunities, including employment, health care services, clean water and sanitation, schools, child care centres and other social supports and facilities.

A Call to Action

In conclusion, understanding homelessness goes beyond a simple definition of lacking shelter. The factors contributing to homelessness are multifaceted, stemming from economic disparities, mental health challenges, systemic inequalities, and more. As individuals, communities, and governments, we have a collective responsibility to take action and make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

References

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

Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy Directives, Infrastructure Canada, Government of Canada

Report 5 - Chronic Homelessness, Reports of the Auditor General of Canada, (2022).

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