What are the limitations of Housing First?
This question was asked anonymously via our latest website survey.
Visit our Research Matters blog for weekly posts from the homelessness sector here
The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is the largest national research institute devoted to homelessness in Canada. The COH is the curator of the Homeless Hub.
Canadian Observatory on HomelessnessThe Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is the largest national research institute devoted to homelessness in Canada. The COH is the curator of the Homeless Hub.
This question was asked anonymously via our latest website survey.
We’ve received a number of questions about the new federal government and the promises made during the 2015 election. The first I’ll address comes from Jeannette S.: “Will the new liberal government continue with the current provincial and federal agreements regarding rental subsidies and supplements? Especially for seniors.”
This question came from Jo A. via our latest website survey: “I would like more information on out of the cold sheltering. How many are there, how are they funded, and how long do they stay open for? What gaps do they fill in the shelter system? Why do they exist? Why do some choose this type of sheltering instead of regular hostel settings?”
This question came from Tammy M. via our latest website survey: How many homeless or at risk older adults are there in Canada? In Ontario? What are the most preferred housing options chosen by older adults/seniors?
This question came from Gaynor H. via our latest website survey: “How do choices made by social workers affect youth aging out of care and their risk of experiencing homelessness; and what influences support for programs like support and financial agreements (SFAs)?”
Given the unfortunate relationship between foster care and youth homelessness, these are important questions.
This question came from Glenda L. via our latest website survey: “How will the needs of seniors with dementia who are at risk of becoming homeless be effectively met? These are vulnerable individuals who may need a high level of support to obtain and retain housing.”
This topic was inspired by a recent post in the Community Workspace. Ali wrote to the community to learn about how other organizations handle banning, asking: “Do any communities have consistent policies related to clients being banned from shelters that are consistent across the system?”
This question came from Justin S. via our latest website survey: Homeless youth now receive the Basic Needs Allowance of Ontario Works ($250/month), where as previously youth would receive Personal Needs Allowance ($30/week). This appears to have resulted in a decrease in participation in programming activities (life skills, employment, etc.) as young people report not needing to participate in programs for income. Is receiving the Basic Needs Allowance helping or hindering young people moving out of the homelessness experience?
This question came from Ryan W. via our latest website survey: How can we develop policy solutions which bridge the urban/rural differences in homelessness in some way?
This question came from Charles N. via our latest website survey.
Too often when we talk about “advocacy,” we are talking about the kind that’s done by other people on behalf of people experiencing homelessness. While this is an important activity, it is crucial that we also value and pay attention to the ways that people experiencing homelessness participate in self-advocacy.