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Homelessness: Preventive Approaches
There are many different responses by communities and governments to the problem of homelessness . This can include efforts to move people out of homelessness, by providing housing, income and other necessary and appropriate supports. The most common response to homelessness in Canada is emergency provision and supports. That is, most resources go to managing people while they are in the state of homelessness by providing emergency shelter, drop-ins, soup kitchens, etc. An alternative response to homelessness is prevention. This means providing appropriate services and supports to respond effectively to the causes of homelessness. Preventive approaches focus on housing supply, income supports, and social and health services. Ensuring an adequate supply of safe affordable housing, and support to people who are at risk of losing their housing (because of inadequate income, unemployment, and eviction), can minimize the risk of homeless.

Income is an important i...ssue as well. For many people, housing would not be a problem if they had adequate income. Social and health supports are key. Women and children experiencing domestic violence need options other than staying in an unsafe home and conversely, moving to a homeless shelter. People with mental health problems, substance use challenges and chronic disease need supports that keep them safe and sheltered. Children and youth who live in troubled families require ongoing support to enable them to stay safe, sheltered, in school, as well as adult support until they reach adulthood. Prevention, then, along with emergency supports and programs to move people out of homelessness, are all key strategies to effectively address homelessness.

AUTHOR: Gaetz, Stephen, (2008) Homeless Hub. [Show More][Show Less]
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A Canadian Homelessness Research Network (CHRN) initiative. The CHRN has received financial support from the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada

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