Solutions in Action
The causes of homelessness are complex. But there are solutions. The right supports offered in the right place at the right time can literally turn a life around.
Read about some of the exceptional agencies across Canada whose passion, innovation and resourcefulness are making a huge difference for homeless and at-risk youth in their communities.
Homeless people have one thing in common - a lack of housing. For many, the gap between the cost of adequate housing and their income is simply too big.
But without a stable, affordable home, it’s hard to achieve stability at work or at school. So it’s important to have the right combination of:
- an adequate, affordable home;
- sufficient money to live on; and
- support services.
Other important needs may include:
- skills and employment training;
- finding a job;
- overcoming substance abuse;
- transitional shelter;
- education;
- physical and mental health care.
Prevention is a key part of the solution. We need a national strategy to address and prevent homelessness, complemented by local strategies which take into account local needs.
To address the root causes of homelessness, Canada, its provinces and its municipalities must address:
- poverty and affordable housing problems;
- strategies for adequate social assistance benefits, job training and employment options;
- rental housing market and social housing options;
- discrimination in the housing and job markets;
- specialized services for people with mental illness, chemical dependencies and other problems; and
- adequate settlement services for newcomers.