Homelessness is gendered and yet there is limited uptake of gender- based approaches to community planning across Canada. This research report explores if/how communities use a gender-based approach to community planning to prevent and end homelessness.

Key Findings/Outcomes

Women and girls (cis and trans) are under-recognized and underserved.
While service providers recognize the unique needs of women and girls, they encounter barriers to the broader community accepting a gender-based analysis and approach to ending homelessness.

Ending homelessness for women and girls means changing perspectives among leaders, policy-makers, and funders.Transformation must take an intersectional approach that targets actions at the individual, relationship, community, and societal level.

Recommendations for Policy, Practice, and Further Research

Collect and develop accurate data on homelessness experienced by women and girls, including the diversity therein (e.g. transgender, Black, Indigenous, and women of colour). Bring/provide awareness of effective gender approaches to ending homelessness to empower leaders to create meaningful change.

Enhance the diversity of who participates in decision making, including those with lived experience(s).
Eliminate or reform policy that continues to limit and restrict diverse women's choices.