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Housing: Shelters and Hostels
Emergency shelters and hostels provide temporary accommodation to individuals and families who must leave their homes during a crisis or who do not have a permanent place to live. For many people, shelters and hostels are their only housing option; it can at least provide a bed for the night. Emergency shelters and hostels vary in terms of length of time residents may stay. They also range in size, with small shelters having a handful of beds, to large shelters in big cities with many hundreds of beds.

In some jurisdictions, shelters have been set up to provide separate provision for particular groups such as women and youth. For example, programs have been developed for youth that offer accommodation, training and employment programs, often on-site. The intent is to ensure that services are appropriate and accessible to all homeless people and they are housed in conditions where they are less likely to face discrimination and harassment. There is still a ne...ed to provide specific services for various populations such as seniors and families.

In addition to providing accommodation, emergency shelters and hostels have staff that offer support to residents, recognizing that many homeless people have support needs as well as housing needs. Support can vary from simple information and advice on day centers services (food, clothing, etc.), to more in-depth help with independent living skills, emotional support and assistance with finding move-on accommodation. Some hostels provide specialist support for residents with alcohol, drug, health or mental health problems and other health care needs.

AUTHOR: Power, Asetha (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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