ekaplan's blog

Evictions and Homelessness in Canada: A Historical Perspective

Evictions in Canada have a long history, beginning with the forced displacement of Indigenous Peoples due to colonization and European settlement. In this three-part blog series focusing on shelter diversion and eviction prevention (SD-EP), we will explore past policies and governing documents that continue to contribute to homelessness and impact SD-EP efforts in Canada today.  

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Victimization, Safety, and Overdose Risk in Homeless Shelters

Shelters are a key component of many homeless service systems. However, the risk of victimization and overdose are serious issues that can lead people experiencing homelessness to feel unsafe in shelters and avoid them altogether. A team of researchers conducted a systematic review to better understand the factors that contribute to safety, victimization, and overdose in shelters. 

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How Does Upstream Canada Work?

In this blog, we will explore how Upstream Canada accomplishes its mission to address barriers to resiliency for youth, with the underpinning goals of preventing homelessness and school disengagement. 

Through the collaborative design of the program model and support of cross-sector partners, students are identified as at risk through a universal assessment and validation process. 

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Decolonizing Research Ethics Using Indigenous Knowledges

Research involving Indigenous Peoples often results in little or no benefit to the communities involved and, in many instances, is still causing harm. To ensure such research is safe and beneficial to the communities involved, current research practices need to undergo fundamental changes.

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What if community was part of the solution to youth homelessness?

Put yourself in the shoes of your thirteen-year-old self. If you couldn’t stay at home, where would  you turn? I would have asked for help from my best friend’s family, or my aunt who lived in town. I’ve heard others say that they would turn to teachers, relatives, pastors, or mentors for support in this scenario. These people are all “natural supports”. Natural supports are people who can have a significant impact on the lives of youth experiencing homelessness. Sometimes, natural supports also offer youth a place to stay. 

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