Homelessness In Canada

In our growing society, the security one places in their environment has increased drastically. Multitudes of young individuals forge ahead into their future with the assumption that they will attain the quality of life they desire. The reality of our dynamic community lies in the unseen, or rather, the ignored population of all provinces and cities of Canada. Annually, across Canada, there are approximately 20,000 individuals left homeless each year (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News, 2013). The majority of the annual population rarely find themselves homeless and when it occurs it does so for short periods of time. The lesser percentage is made up of individuals who experience chronic and episodic homelessness. Individuals who experience

Homeless families are primarily lead by single parents, typically mothers. Significant factors that contribute to homelessness include the inability for individuals to attain affordable housing, reduced access to support programs, and a low minimum wage (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2003). Many of these circumstances are accentuated by a variation of personal struggles endured by the family. Such challenges manifest themselves in family violence, mental and physical health, and financial struggles. A family without access to resources and support systems is expected to find the maintenance of a viable home environment difficult. Despite this, the importance of a healthy environment is emphasized, specifically in families with young children. Thus, parents are often forced to decide between the health and safety of their children when they encounter domestic violence and financial instability. Furthermore, it is predicted that the children raised in homelessness will be unable to escape that way of life. The continuation of this trend reflects the effects of inadequate education and the common development of unstable mental health in youth (CMHC, 2003). As awareness of the growing homeless population increases the governmental and local efforts to address this issue also

Reducing poverty and homelessness in families will, in turn, create a future generation conducive to tolerance and innovation. Children experience developmental consequences when raised without the stability of a permanent home. These detriments are exhibited through their personal and social development, and both their mental and physical health (CMHC, 2003). As extreme poverty leading to homelessness in families is addressed, a considerable component of society is reinstated. To achieve a society without homelessness, the ideologies of multiculturalism and anti-discrimination are necessary. They eliminate marginalization and allow equal opportunity for all individuals of society despite differences in gender, appearance, race, or orientation. Economically, family homelessness not only detriments the current generation but future generations, they are provided with insufficient means to attain their goals. Ending these cycles of homelessness allow for increased ambition and participation in societal privileges. The combined effects of these factors will create an advanced society that will utilize the learned values and beliefs to influence change in the global