Term Paper on "Homelessness in Canada"

Term Paper 5 pages (1320 words) Sources: 5 Style: APA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Homelessness in Canada is considered by many experts to be a paradox of sorts because the economy of Canada is one that is characterized by growth and expansion, which leaves many wondering how homelessness could be so prevalent in Canada.

HOMELESSNESS NO LONGER CONFINED to POOR NATIONS

The work of Begin, Casavant, and Chenier entitled: "Homelessness" (1999) states the fact that homelessness "is not confined to the world's poorest countries; in every country, including those considered to be the wealthiest on the planet there are clearly many people who find themselves without shelter over a relatively long period." Research findings have shown that there are a wide range of reason that individuals become homeless and that homelessness in today's society "...is a reality for many men, women and children of very different backgrounds." (Casavant, 1999)

CANADA ECONOMY GROWING and SO IS HOMELESSNESS

The work entitled: "Homelessness in a Growth Economy: Canada's 21st Century Paradox" a Report for the Sheldom Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership "relates the fact that "...housing insecurity is a national concern, an issue that affects a broad portion of Canada's population and reflects major trends in income distribution." (Laird, 2007) the fact is that one out of every seven households in Canada, totaling 1.7 million in 2004 "spent 30% or more of their income on housing and are considered to have housing affordability issues." (Laird, 2007) Laird states that the Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD) reported in January 2007 that in excess of "...2,700,000 households - are paying too much of their income to keep a roof over their heads. The ranks of at-risk Canadians" are no longer only a very small minority as the "new homeless" (Laird, 2007) in Canada "can be found everywhere - towns, cities, suburbs." (Laird, 2007)

III. POVERTY NUMBER ONE CAUSE of HOMELESSNESS in CANADA

The work of Laird (2007) states that the number one cause of homelessness in Canada is that of poverty and states that the homeless count in 2005 of the Greater Vancouver Regional District reported that sixty-six percent of all people who are homeless surveyed stated as causal: (1) Lack of income; and 2) Cost of housing as being the primary reason for their homelessness. (Laird, 2007; p.3)

The affordability of housing is a problem which those from low income and middle-income households end up 'at risk' for becoming homeless.

IV. HOMELESSNESS IS COSTLY to CANADA as a WHOLE

It is cited in Laird's report on homelessness in Canada that homelessness comes at a high cost to society and this high cost in Canada "results from the role of homelessness as a proven multiplier of society ills" including those of:

Malnutrition

Unemployment

Addiction

Mental Illness

Family Strife; and Lack of income security. (Laird, 2007; p.4)

All of the foregoing results of homelessness are "intensified when an individual or household becomes homeless." (Laird, 2007; p.5) it is important to note the statement of Laird as follows:

As the foundation of civil society, shelter is an indispensable asset and source of well-being. Conversely, lack of shelter often poses insurmountable barriers, effectively removing people from able participation in economy and society. Shelter offers an opportune pathway to address long-standing problems. Rather than tolerate failure, Canada should consider the kind of integrated, results oriented "housing first" approach currently underway in United States and the United Kingdom." (Laird, 2007; p.5)

The 'Findings and Policy Summary' reported by Laird states that despite the status of Canada as "top economic performer of all G7 countries in 2006, it continues to experience a nation-wide homelessness crisis and affordable housing shortage." (2007) Laird states that while the United States and UK "have already launched major initiative son homelessness in recent years..." unfortunately, Canada has not. Furthermore, Canada has failed in addressing other key issues in society such as:

Poverty;

Urban development; and Housing security. (Laird, 2007; p. 6)

However, it must be stressed that Canada has not deliberately turned a blind eye toward this condition… READ MORE

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