Homelessness is a big problem in Canada. Right now, around 235,000 people don’t have a home. There are many reasons why people become homeless, and it’s not always easy to understand. But, by giving things like mattresses to groups that help the homeless, you can make a big difference.
Even though donating helps, we need to do more to fix homelessness. It’s important to understand why people become homeless so we can find real solutions.
You might be surprised that homelessness happens for many reasons. Let’s take a look at why people become homeless in Canada.
What Does Homelessness Mean?
Homelessness means not having a safe and stable place to live. People without homes might sleep on the streets, in shelters, or stay with friends. They don’t have a place to call their own.
Extreme Poverty and Income Inequality
Another reason people become homeless in Canada is poverty. Even though Canada is a rich country, some people don’t have enough money to pay for a place to live. About 1 out of every 10 Canadians lives in poverty. This means many people can’t afford rent because housing costs keep going up.
Income inequality, which is the big gap between rich and poor, also makes it hard for people to escape poverty. Without enough money, some people can’t find a stable home.
Mental Health and Addiction Issues
Mental health and addiction are also big reasons why people become homeless. Problems like feeling sad, worried, or using drugs can make it harder for people to keep a home. Around 30-35% of homeless people have mental health issues.
Addiction can push people to do things like begging or breaking the law to support their habits. This makes it even harder for them to get out of homelessness. Even with help, these people often struggle because of their mental health and addiction problems.
Domestic Violence
You might not think of it right away, but domestic violence is another big cause of homelessness in Canada. Many people become homeless after being hurt or abused by someone in their home. They leave because they don’t feel safe, even if they don’t have anywhere else to go.
When someone who’s been abused becomes homeless, they’re at risk of getting hurt again by others. Without the right help, it’s hard for them to recover and find a safe place to live.
Health Issues and Disabilities
Health problems and disabilities can also lead to homelessness. People with mental illness or physical disabilities might find it hard to get the care they need or keep a job. For example, someone with a mental illness might have trouble managing money or understanding how to keep a budget.
People with disabilities might also find it hard to talk to others or get along, making it tough to find a home or keep a job. Solving this problem means investing in mental health services and support programs for people with disabilities.
Aging Out of Care: Youth Homelessness in Canada
Youth homelessness is a big issue in Canada. Sometimes, young people leave foster care or other support systems without being ready to live on their own. This is called “aging out of care.” When this happens, many young people end up homeless.
It’s even more concerning that some groups, like Indigenous and Black youth, are more likely to become homeless when they age out of care. In some areas, these young people are seven times more likely to end up homeless than others.
Homelessness in Canada is caused by many different things, like poverty, mental health issues, and domestic violence. To really help people who are homeless, we need to focus on these root causes.
Canada’s plan to fight homelessness is making progress, but there’s still more work to do. By understanding why people become homeless and working on these issues, we can create real, lasting change for everyone.
