Homelessness and Causes
Homelessness has become more prevalent across Canada, and there is an urgency for governments at all levels to address the root causes while providing services that respect human rights and dignity.
Below are some common questions that are asked regarding homelessness and causes:
What is homelessness? |
According to the Canadian Definition of Homelessness, homelessness can be defined as “the situation of an individual, family, or community without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect means and ability of acquiring it.” It is important to note that this definition does not fully encompass every experience of homelessness, and every individual’s experience is unique. The Indigenous definition of homelessness considers the traumas imposed on Indigenous Peoples through colonialism. According the Definition of Indigenous Homelessness in Canada, it is “a human condition that describes First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals, families or communities lacking stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means or ability to acquire such housing…Indigenous homelessness is not defined as lacking a structure of habitation; rather, it is more fully described and understood through a composite lens of Indigenous worldviews.” Additionally, youth experience homelessness in fundamentally different ways than adults, due to their age. The Canadian Definition of Youth Homelessness outlines that it is a “situation and experience of young people between the ages of 13-24 who are living independently of parents and/or caregivers, but do not have the means or ability to acquire stable, safe or consistent residence.” Further, research indicates that there is low service utilization rates and service availability to youth, resulting in homeless youth “falling through the cracks”. |
Who is experiencing homelessness? |
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Why do people experience homelessness? |
In most situations, homelessness is caused by several different factors over time rather than one single incident or cause. As identified by the Homeless Hub, there are three distinct reasons by people may become homeless:
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What are some common myths about homelessness?
Myth 1: People choose to be homeless |
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Myth 2: People experiencing homelessness are lazy |
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Myth 3: People experiencing homelessness are not "from here" |
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Myth 4: You can easily see who is homeless |
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Looking for more information?
- Do you or someone you know need access to emergency shelter? Please visit our Emergency Shelter page.
- Are you wondering how we provide homelessness services in Brantford-Brant? Please visit our Homelessness System of Care page.
- Are you looking for information about what community supports are available in our community related to housing, health, eviction prevention, food and clothing? Please visit our Community Supports page.
- Do you want to know more about how our community support individuals living in encampments? Please visit our Encampment Response page.
- Are you wondering what can you do to help? Please visit our Take Action page for more information.