Causes Of Homelessness

People who experience homelessness are not distinct or separate from the rest of the population. In fact, the line between being housed and unhoused is quite fluid. In general, the pathways into and out of homelessness are neither linear nor uniform. Individuals and families who experience homelessness may not share much in common with each other, aside from the fact that they are extremely vulnerable and lack adequate housing, income and the necessary supports to ensure they stay housed. The causes of homelessness reflect an intricate interplay between structural factors, systems failures and individual circumstances. Homelessness is usually the result of the cumulative impact of a number of factors, rather than a single cause.

Structural Factors

Structural factors are economic and societal issues that affect opportunities and social environments for individuals. Key factors can include the lack of adequate income, access to affordable housing and health supports and/or the experience of discrimination. Shifts in the economy both nationally and locally can create challenges for people to earn an adequate income and pay for food and housing.

Poverty

Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked. People who are impoverished are frequently unable to pay for necessities such as housing, food, childcare, health care and education. Poverty can mean a person is one illness, one accident or one paycheque away from living on the streets.

Housing

A critical shortage of housing that is affordable, safe and stable directly contributes to homelessness. The millions of Canadian families and individuals living in "core need" (spending more than 50% of their income on housing) are at serious risk of homelessness, as are families and individuals spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Arguably, the most impactful factor is the lack of affordable housing nationwide. As well, discrimination can impede access to employment, housing, justice and helpful services; racial and sexual minorities are at greater risk of such discrimination.

System Failures

Systems failures occur when other systems of care and support fail, requiring vulnerable people to turn to the homelessness sector. Examples of systems failures include difficult transitions from child welfare, inadequate discharge planning for people leaving hospitals, corrections and mental health and addictions facilities and a lack of support for immigrants and refugees.

Personal Circumstances and Relational Problems

Individual and relational factors apply to the personal circumstances of a person experiencing homelessness, and may include: traumatic events (e.g., house fire or job loss), personal crisis (e.g., family break-up or domestic violence), mental health and addictions challenges (including brain injury and fetal alcohol syndrome), which can be both a cause and consequence of homelessness, and physical health problems or disabilities. Relational problems can include family violence and abuse, addictions and mental health problems of other family members and extreme poverty.

Domestic Violence

There is an undeniable connection between domestic violence and homelessness. Family violence, estimated to affect 336 per 100,000 people (Statistics Canada, 2021), can force individuals and families to leave home suddenly, without proper supports in place. This is particularly an issue for youth and women, especially those with children. Women who experience violence or live in poverty are often forced to choose between abusive relationships and homelessness. Young people who are victims of sexual, physical or psychological abuse often end up experiencing homelessness. As well, seniors who are experiencing abuse and neglect are increasingly at risk of homelessness.

Reference: Stephen Gaetz, Erin Dej, Tim Richter, & Melanie Redman. (2016). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2016. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.