Understanding housing and homelessness in Canada can be tricky. There are a lot of big words and ideas that might be hard to understand. To make it easier, we’ve made a simple guide to help you understand what these terms mean. This will help you better understand the topics we talk about in this issue of Community Matters.
What is Homelessness?
Homelessness means not having a stable, safe, and permanent place to live. The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness explains it as when a person, family, or even a whole community doesn’t have a good place to stay or the ability to get one soon.
Homelessness can look different for different people. Some might be living on the streets, in places not meant for living. Others might be in emergency shelters, staying for a short time because they don’t have anywhere else to go. Some might be “couch surfing,” which means staying temporarily with friends or family. And some are at risk of becoming homeless because their current living situation is not safe or stable.
For people who are homeless, their situation can change quickly. Where they sleep might change often. Having a home isn’t just about having enough money or a good house. It’s also about having access to things like jobs, health care, clean water, schools, and childcare.
Indigenous Peoples and Homelessness
Homelessness for Indigenous Peoples is different from other groups. Jesse Thistle, from the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, developed a special definition for Indigenous homelessness. This definition considers the long history of hurt and unfair treatment that Indigenous Peoples have faced because of colonialism.
For Indigenous Peoples, homelessness is more than just not having a place to live. It’s also about being cut off from their culture, identity, and community. In Edmonton, more than half of the people experiencing homelessness are Indigenous. This is because of the long history of colonialism and racism that has pushed Indigenous Peoples out of their lands and away from their traditions.
Why Words Matter
The words we use to talk about homelessness are important. For a long time, people have used the word “homeless” to describe someone without a stable place to live. But now, some people prefer to use words like “houseless” or “unhoused.”
A “house” is just a building, but a “home” is more than that. A home is where you feel connected to your community. So, saying someone is “unhoused” recognizes that they might not have a building to live in, but they are still part of the community.
Also, the word “homeless” can sometimes make people think badly about those without a home, as if they are dangerous. Changing the words we use can help us talk about homelessness in a way that respects the dignity of everyone.
Another way to be respectful is to use “person-first” language. This means saying “person experiencing homelessness” instead of “homeless person.” It’s a reminder that their situation doesn’t define them—they are still a person first.
Housing Terms You Should Know
Core Housing Need: A home is in core housing need if it doesn’t meet certain basic conditions set by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). A home is considered “adequate” if it doesn’t need major repairs. It’s “affordable” if the rent or mortgage costs are less than 30% of the household’s income. It’s “suitable” if there are enough bedrooms for the family living there.
Types of Affordable Housing and Shelters
- Supportive Housing: This is a permanent place to live that also provides help, like medical care or counseling, for people who need it. This can include people who are elderly, have disabilities, or are recovering from addictions. The City of Edmonton has been working on building more supportive housing to help end chronic homelessness.
- Emergency Housing: This is temporary housing for people in a crisis, like those experiencing homelessness or fleeing from domestic violence. Examples in Edmonton include women’s shelters like WIN House and Wings of Providence.
- Non-Profit Housing: This is rental housing for people with low or moderate incomes. It’s usually built by the government or community groups. The rent is often based on the tenant’s income.
Homelessness Experiences
- Precariously Housed: This means someone is at risk of losing their home. They might be struggling to pay rent or keep up with other expenses.
- Temporarily Homeless: This happens when someone loses their home for a short time, like after a fire or a breakup. They usually find a new home quickly.
- Cyclically Homeless: This means someone loses their home repeatedly because of things like job loss or illness.
- Chronically Homeless: This is when someone has been homeless for a long time, usually because of serious health issues like addiction or mental illness.
- Adequate Housing: This is more than just a place with four walls and a roof. Adequate housing means living somewhere safe, peaceful, and with dignity. International human rights law says that housing should meet at least seven basic standards: security, services like water and electricity, affordability, safety, accessibility, good location, and cultural respect.
Understanding these terms helps us talk about housing and homelessness in a way that’s respectful and clear. It’s important to remember that behind every term, there are real people with real experiences. By using the right words, we can help make sure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
