The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (COH) has developed a definition and typology of homelessness intended to improve understanding, measurement and responses to homelessness in Canada by providing a common ‘language’ for addressing this complex problem. Working in collaboration with national, regional and local stakeholders, including people with lived experience, we have developed a definition that draws on our shared history of attempting to define homelessness in Canada, but also on effective models from other jurisdictions (most particularly, the ETHOS definition from Europe). The result is a useable, understandable definition of homelessness that is uniquely Canadian yet allows for national and international comparison.
Based on national consultation, the definition was revised in 2017.
Download the Definition and related documents
Canadian Definition of Homelessness |
Canadian Definition of Homelessness - One Pager |
Making the Case for the Canadian Definition of Homelessness |
Backgrounder to the Canadian Definition of Homelessness |
Last updated: 2017