The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness

Landlord collaboration is critical to the success of Housing First for Youth (#HF4Y) programs. As @Patricia Okonta (Canadian Mental Health Association) explains, “landlords are our allies. They help increase housing stability for youth.” Learn more about the role landlords play in #YouthHomelessnessPrevention: https://bit.ly/4mlPd1c

The success of Housing First for Youth is undeniable. Our latest research shows that #HF4Y quickly provides stable housing for youth, and they maintain it long-term. But HF4Y’s success isn’t just about securing housing. Participants also report: 😊 Improved overall well-being ⏰ More employment chances 🏫 Stronger community links, and 🪴 Greater personal growth Read more on the Homeless Hub: https://lnkd.in/gaAHnQpp #MakingTheShift #Prevention #YouthHomelessness

Canada is in a housing crisis — and for women, girls, and gender-diverse people, that crisis is invisible, life-threatening, and far too often ignored. That's why we're calling for a shift in federal housing investments toward equity, safety, and rights-based approaches: https://loom.ly/euWThpY

In this session of Prevention Matters! Steve Gaetz, President and CEO of the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, discusses what homelessness prevention means and why it is essential. Grounded in proven strategies and real-world examples, this session reframes homelessness as a systems issue rather than an individual failing and focuses on shifting both the way we discuss homelessness and the solutions we rely on. Watch here: https://ow.ly/6MKA50WxWfM

Q: How can data help identify youth at risk of #homelessness? A: As Peter Mackie (Cardiff University / Prifysgol CaerdyddUniversity) explains, “data is like the whisper before the conversation.” It hints at a young person being at risk before any tell-tale signs are visible. This is the essence of #UpstreamCanada and how data is used to identify youth at risk of homelessness and school disengagement. Learn more about how #UpstreamCanada is preventing youth homelessness: https://bit.ly/46TtU27

Looks like something we can duplicate across Canada! Quick build- check $400/sqft cost-check Affordable rents- check https://lnkd.in/gBSNpTh3

Released today: 2024 national enumeration of homelessness - nearly 60,000 people in 74 communities on a single night. Other findings - 35,864 in shelters - 17,088 in unsheltered locations (including 4,982 in encampments) - 6,872 in transitional housing Among 56 communities with comparable data from previous counts: - Total homelessness increased by 79% since 2020-22 - Shelter numbers rose 71% - Transitional housing numbers rose 62% - Unsheltered homelessness doubled (+107%) If there was ever a time for a deeply affordable housing strategy, it's now. In September, I’ll be hosting a discussion about how we can reimagine our plans to end homelessness. Drop me a line if you’d like an invite. Read Everyone Counts 2024 - Highlights Report Part 1 – Enumeration of Homelessness: https://lnkd.in/gSgUqvFq

Many women without children in their care who become homeless in Canada remain homeless for many years — something Mary Vaccaro calls a hidden crisis. The McMaster Faculty of Social Sciences lecturer who works in the women's emergency shelter system, explains how better definitions and data around women’s experiences could help society rethink responses to long-term homelessness. More: https://ow.ly/5Tpe50Wu3g3

Why do young people drop out of school? The reasons are often far more complex than you might think. Jayne Malenfant's (McGill University) research found that two-thirds of youth avoided school because they were bullied, experienced racism or discrimination, needed to work, or were not receiving the supports they needed. Schools can become sites for homelessness prevention. Check out an article by Jayne to learn more: https://bit.ly/3HBjMRc #Homelessness #HomelessnessPrevention

FACT: Visibility isn’t always progress. This report explores how making homelessness more visible, without structural reform, can actually reinforce harmful stereotypes and deepen marginalization. It’s a call to rethink visibility as part of a broader strategy for justice, equity, and real change. Read more: https://ow.ly/46xm50WxVZl