Homelessness: What Causes It and Who Does It Affect?
Shelter — it’s a human necessity. Yet, homelessness has forever been an issue. The number of individuals who experience homelessness roughly wraps around to 235 000 people per year, and 35 000 per night. With growing economical and environmental issues, the amount of homelessness cases continues to increase substantially. This issue has no age range. No number. Babies to the elderly — anybody can be homeless. The amount of cases is also an estimate, as there are many undocumented cases of homelessness. No matter the number, homelessness is a serious issue that we as humans must take seriously. Shelter is a human necessity; it is not something we deserve — it’s something we need.
Causes of Homelessness
Structural factors
Structural factors are economical and societal. These factors affect matters such as opportunities and social environments. The main structural factors include:
- Lack of income
- No access to affordable housing
- No access to health support
- Economical shifts
Poverty
Poverty is the leading factor for homelessness. With inadequate forms of income being common, many families are forced to live in extreme debt and extreme poverty. This causes families to live on the streets, as they do not have enough income to afford a home — a shelter. Those who live in poverty endure the daily struggle of being able to afford food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
In Canada, 1 in 7 people or 4.9 million people endure poverty. In the past 25 years, poverty has only increased. Statistically speaking, poverty has increased over 30%.
Poverty is an issue that can affect all, however, some people are most susceptible to it.
- Those with mental or physical disabilities are twice more likely to face poverty. They make up over 45% of the homelessness cases.
- Single mothers are more likely to inhabit homeless shelters than families with two parents.
- Indigenous individuals take up around 28%-34% of homeless shelters.
Domestic Violence
237 individuals out of 100 000 are affected by family violence. This issue is prone to youth and women, however, everybody is susceptible to becoming a victim. Many individuals are forced to flee their homes for their health and safety. However, most individuals also have no place to go — no safe haven to retreat to. Many times, individuals face this dilemma: endure the abuse, or become homeless.
If you are in the GREATER TORONTO AREA and are experiencing or know somebody who is experiencing abuse, please call 911 or this hotline immediately. We are here to help. 416–314–2447
Effects of Homelessness
- Indigenous Peoples (including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples) are overrepresented among those experiencing homelessness in urban centers in Canada.
- Women make up 27.3% of those experiencing homelessness, since they are at increased risk for hidden homelessness, living in overcrowded conditions or having sufficient money for shelter.
- Young people aged 13–24 make up about 20% of those experiencing homelessness, and those who identify as LGBTQ2S make up 29.5% of young people experiencing homelessness.
- Men between the ages of 25 and 55 make up half of those experiencing homelessness in Canada.
- Seniors, 65 years and older, make up a small percentage of the population experiencing homelessness in Canada (less than 4%).
Imagine if you had to worry about if you had a place to lay your head every night. Imagine if you did not know if you could eat every day.
Homelessness is an issue that is only increasing with the new environmental and economic changes. With prices of necessities only increasing in our society, homelessness rates continue to grow. But we can do our part to help our fellow Canadian citizens. Please, if possible, take a look at your local homelessness charities. Any dime can help save a person.
A couple homelessness charities combating homelessness:
- raisingtheroof.org
- www.evas.ca
- yws.on.ca
- https://www.goodshepherdcentres.ca/
- https://www.covenanthousetoronto.ca/homeless-youth/Home.aspx
If you, or anybody you know, is in need of a place to rest their head at night, please go to your nearest homeless shelter. Some homeless shelters in the GREATER TORONTO AREA INCLUDE:
- Salvation Army Wilkinson Road Shelter — 15 Wilkinson Rd, Brampton, ON L6T 4M3
- Cawthra Shelter — 2500 Cawthra Rd, Mississauga, ON L5E 2X3
- Cornerstone Place — 616 Vaughan Rd, York, ON M6C 2R5
- The Salvation Army New Hope Leslieville — 29 Leslie St, Toronto, ON M4M 3C3
Please do not be afraid to reach out for help. Shelter is not a want — it is a human necessity, and we are here to help.
