Being homeless is defined as “the situation of an individual or family without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it. It is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination”[1].
Research shows that over 235,000 people experience homelessness across Canada each year[2]. In reality, this number is much higher because many people stay with friends or family or don’t go to emergency/homeless shelters. Communities across the country perform regular Point-in-Time (PiT) counts of people experiencing homelessness to get the most accurate number. Approximately 50% of people experiencing homelessness have had a brain injury with varying symptoms and outcomes[3]. This is a large percentage of the population who often don’t get the support or resources they need for treatment and recovery. Many may not fully realize they have had a brain injury.
The study also explored the idea that the relationship between brain injury and homelessness may be bi-directional: acquired brain injury can lead to homelessness, and homelessness may increase the risk of acquiring a brain injury[4]. These reports have made Canadians more aware of the issue and the importance of homeless resources and prevention. This includes addressing the lack of affordable housing.
Housing
A lack of affordable housing is a barrier for many Canadians and can contribute to homelessness. The challenge that many people face is finding housing that will support the transition process from homelessness.
There are several models of housing and housing supports in Canada that can aid the process.
Many areas of Canada are also implementing Housing First initiatives, which prioritizes those with high needs for housing and supports.
Different supports will be available based on where you live. Finding housing can be challenging, and it will be a long process. But by working with local organizations, shelters, and government programs, it’s possible to make strides towards permanent housing.
Support for individuals experiencing unstable housing
It’s overwhelming and scary to not have a place to live, and there are barriers that will make the transition from homelessness more difficult, such as:
- Discrimination
- Health challenges
- Intimate partner violence
- Lack of affordable or appropriate housing
- Lack of acquired brain injury training for frontline workers
- Lack of knowledge about homelessness in brain injury specialists
- Personal situations
- Poverty
- Problematic substance use
- System failure
While these barriers seem impossible to overcome, it is possible. The process of finding appropriate housing requires a mix of supports and services and a multidisciplinary support team. These services may be specialized with programs for people experiencing homelessness or they may be broad services (health services, libraries, treatment facilities etc.) that are geared to anyone who needs them. Governments, charitable organizations, faith communities and/or the non-profit sector may also provide helpful services[6]. To access these services, the person needs to advocate for themselves or find someone (a family member, friend, health professional, or social worker, for example) who can advocate for their needs on their behalf.
If you are experiencing homelessness, there are resources available to you to help you through these difficult circumstances.
Intimate partner violence and homelessness
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), with the majority of the people affected being women. Many shelters and programs are equipped to deal with men or with alternate causes of homelessness such as substance use problems. This means that women and children who flee their homes because of IPV often can’t get the supports they need at standard shelters. There are women and family shelters across Canada that can offer temporary housing.
Resources and studies
- Homeless Prevention Coordinator Homelessness and Brain Injury – Program Findings The Brain Injury Society of Toronto October 2019
- The effect of traumatic brain injury on the health of homeless people
- Canada’s Social and Affordable Housing Landscape
- The State of Homelessness in Canada – 2016
- Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness
- About Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy
- The National Right to Housing Network
- Accessibility of Housing for Brain-Injured Homeless Population