Canadian Observatory on Homelessness
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.
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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.
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Author(s): Bruce Wallace, Bernie Pauly, Kathleen Perkin, Geoff Cross
Publication Date: 2019
This project examined the effectiveness of a transitional program in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Within a community-based research approach, the authors conducted a case study to describe the program and participants within a context in which housing is largely unavailable and unaffordable. Although most participants successfully transitioned to housing few transitioned from homelessness to economic self-sufficiency in market housing and...

Author(s): Bernie Pauly, Geoff Cross, Derek Weiss
Organization: Union Gospel Mission
Publication Date: 2016
Executive Summary:
Recent point-in-time homeless counts in Metro Vancouver and City of Vancouver indicate a growing number of people experiencing homelessness in our community. Despite government investments in social housing and rent supplements, more people are homeless in Metro Vancouver than ever before.
Homelessness is the result of the interplay between structural factors (e.g. cost of housing and income), systemic failures where people “f...
Author(s): Bernie Pauly, Kathleen Perkin, Geoff Cross
Publisher: Canadian Observatory On Homelessness
Publication Date: 2016
As a result of inadequate housing and income, people experiencing homelessness face multiple health challenges, including poor health outcomes and lack of access to health care services (Frankish, Hwang, & Quantz, 2005; Hwang et al., 2011; Hwang et al., 2010). As a consequence of their living situations, people experiencing homelessness are more vulnerable to transmission of disease, especially during public health crises such as pandemics (O...
Author(s): Geoff Cross
Publisher: University of Victoria
Publication Date: 2015
In response to the continuing challenges of homelessness in Victoria, BC, a variety of homeless-serving agencies are active in the region. Community concerns about these services have given rise to the practice of developing Good Neighbour Agreements (‘GNA’) and forming Good Neighbour Groups (‘GNG’) with local community members to monitor the social services, mitigate conflict, and prevent undesired impacts on the neighbourhoods. Based in an inte...
Author(s): Marika Albert, Bernie Pauly, Geoff Cross, Tanya Cooper
Organization: Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness
Publication Date: 2014
Family homelessness is increasing throughout Canada with increasing numbers of families staying in shelters. This national concern is mirrored in Greater Victoria. On one night in February, 2014, 70 families including 105 children were found to be using temporary or emergency accommodation. The number of families counted on one night does not adequately reflect the scope of the problem or the daily challenges that families face who are experienci...
Author(s): Marika Albert, Bernie Pauly, Geoff Cross, Tanya Cooper
Organization: Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness
Publication Date: 2014
On one night February 5, 2014, there were 1,089 individuals enumerated in 87 facilities, and 78 people were turned away from a facility. In total, 1,167 individuals were enumerated. Among those enumerated there were 70 families including 116 children. Of the 87 facilities 6 numerated, 56 of these facilities are located in the City of Victoria. The extreme weather facilities and emergency shelters were operating at 90% to 92% capacity on the night...
Author(s): Bernie Pauly, Geoff Cross, Kate Vallance, Andrew Wynn-Williams, Kelsi Stiles
Organization: Centre for Addictions Research of BC; Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness
Publication Date: 2013
Facing Homelessness, provides information about some of the key factors contributing to homelessness. The Report also provides information about those at risk of homelessness, the extent of homelessness and our community response to homelessness.