pbusulwa's blog

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness” - Desmond Tutu, South African Human Rights Activist

“The past of slavery is experienced daily as if it were happening again….” - Toni Morrison, Beloved

In commemorating Black History Month, we can reflect on the various contributions that Black Canadians have made, and continue to offer, that strengthen this nation. This year, the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (COH) marks the month by highlighting Black Joy, Resistance, and Resilience. 

“A truly effective response to youth homelessness must consider the important role the family and community connections can play for any young person.” - Family and Natural Supports: A Framework to Enhance Young People’s Network of Support.

I’m writing an open access e-book on homelessness entitled "Introduction to homelessness in high-income countries: An open access e-textbook" and have just released Chapter 3 titled “Rough sleeping and encampments.” The PDF version of the full chapter is available here.

Nine things to know:

In Toronto, Ontario, the COVID-19 pandemic placed an already-strained homelessness shelter system under greater pressure. With shelters forced to decrease their capacity by 35%, a group of youth-focused service providers worked with the City of Toronto to move 70 young people experiencing homelessness from shelters into a downtown hotel.

Written by Alliance Research Council member Marybeth Shinn (Organizational Development Professor, Department of Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University) and Molly Richard (Doctoral Student, Department of Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University)

On 7 April 2022, Canada’s Minister of Finance tabled Canada’s 2022 Federal Budget. It included important commitments for climate change, dental care, Indigenous Peoples and Ukraine. Additionally, it included measures requiring financial institutions to assist with Canada’s post-COVID recovery effort. But it also had a very strong housing focus.

Here are 10 things to know.