Myths and Facts about Homelessness in Canada
Homelessness is a serious problem for many Canadians. Many people live without the essential care they need, raising their need for health care and other forms of support. Additionally, there are many assumptions made about people experiencing homelessness that can lead to indifference toward this issue.
Some of the common myths about homelessness in Canada are related to misunderstandings about the causes of homelessness, the lives of people experiencing homelessness, and the seriousness of homelessness in our communities. When the facts are laid out, this nationwide problem can be revealed to be more complicated than it seems.
Myth: There’s Only One Cause of Homelessness
Many people assume there’s only one cause of homelessness—that everyone makes the same mistake. In other cases, some people assume that someone chooses to be homeless on purpose.
However, this idea is a myth. There are many potential causes of homelessness.
Fact: Many Factors Affect Homelessness
Someone may experience homelessness for many reasons. There isn’t one moment in someone’s life that leads to their situation. For many people, homelessness occurs due to several factors.
Some causes of homelessness include:
Structural factors: Lack of affordable housing, discrimination, low wages, and lack of health support can lead to homelessness.
Housing shortages: Some communities in Canada lack affordable housing. Many Canadians cannot afford other necessities on top of their housing costs.
Poverty: A major financial problem (accident, illness, etc.) can lead to homelessness if you’re struggling to afford your daily needs.
Personal circumstances: Mental health issues, traumatic events, addiction, and other personal problems can factor into homelessness.
Relationship problems: Relationship problems, especially domestic violence, can make homelessness one of the only avenues of escape. Many people (women and children in particular) must leave their homes to get away from their abusers.
System failures: Failures in the prison system and addiction centres, lack of support for immigrants, and other systematic issues can lead to homelessness.
Myth: People Experiencing Homelessness Are Lazy & Should Get a Job
It’s a common assumption that someone experiencing homelessness is lazy. However, you only see a moment of their day, not the struggles they live through.
Someone experiencing homelessness may be making efforts to survive daily life that you don’t see first-hand.
Fact: Many Factors Prevent People Experiencing Homelessness from Getting Jobs
It can be extremely difficult for someone experiencing homelessness to just “get a job.” For example, many applications require you to fill out your home address.
Some obstacles to getting a job when experiencing homelessness include:
Transportation difficulties
Limited access to phones or computers
Lack of experience or training
Struggles with mental illness
Lack of a permanent home address
Irregular access to hygiene necessities (showers, toiletries, etc.)
Myth: People Experiencing Homelessness are Addicts or Have Mental Illnesses
Many people can brush aside someone struggling with homelessness by assuming they have an addiction or mental illness, but that is not always the case. Mental health is only one factor that contributes to homelessness.
Fact: Anyone Can Experience Homelessness
While people experiencing homelessness can be addicts, suffer from mental illness, or experience both problems at once, anyone can become homeless. Only a percentage of those experiencing homelessness are addicts.
Myth: Experiencing Homelessness Means You Live on the Streets
When people think of someone experiencing homelessness, they generally imagine someone sleeping outside or staying in a shelter. However, this view of homelessness doesn’t capture the entire experience. Every person’s situation is different.
Fact: Homelessness is Complicated & People’s Experiences Vary
While many people assume homelessness means you live on the streets or in a shelter, it actually affects a wider range of people. Many people experience hidden homelessness—meaning they aren’t unsheltered but still experience homelessness.
Hidden homelessness can also be known as couch surfing—when you live with friends or family until you can get back on your feet. According to the Government of Canada, 15% of people who now make housing decisions in their households have experienced hidden homelessness.
Myth: Homelessness Isn’t a Problem
People can make many assumptions about homelessness, and if you’re not affected by homelessness, it’s easy to assume it isn’t an issue.
Homelessness is an issue ignored by many people. Some people may have a bad experience with someone struggling with homelessness or become used to seeing this issue every day, making it seem like a smaller issue than it is.
Fact: Homelessness Must Be Addressed
According to 2019 data, approximately 35,000 Canadians lack shelter on any given night. On average, 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness every year. No one deserves to live without shelter—homelessness is a crucial issue Canada must address.
Make a Local Impact
Homelessness is a nationwide problem, but you can make an impact in your community, whether through volunteering, donating goods, or financial donations. Additionally, you can advocate for action toward addressing homelessness across Canada. Contact Regeneration Community Outreach to learn more about helping your local community.
How to Find a Job While Experiencing Homelessness
Loss of employment can be a significant factor in causing homelessness, and re-entering the workforce is a great first step in a positive direction. Finding a job can feel like an uphill battle if you have been unemployed and experiencing homelessness for a while.
Taking any skills training available, solving substance abuse problems, and leveraging technology and community services are all potential steps to help you land a new job. It’s important to remember that no two situations are identical and different strategies may work better in certain situations.
Organizations like Regeneration Outreach Community can provide significant support throughout this process. There are teams of people who can help you gain access to medical care and basic necessities. We can also assist you in finding employment.
Job Searching While Experiencing Homelessness
Jobs hunts during homelessness can be a daunting task. One major thing to remember is that a situation like joblessness or homelessness usually doesn’t change overnight—but consistent forward momentum can help you get there, step-by-step.
Jobs Skills & Training
Many communities and cities have support programs to encourage and facilitate upgrading your skills. This could be as simple as upgrading a skill you already have to be better suited for a particular job. Alternatively, there could be opportunities to learn an entirely new skill and enter a new industry.
Another thing to remember if you decide to upgrade skills is to ask about job placement. Many skill upgrading programs also include some assistance in finding a job with your new or upgraded skills.
Seek Out Substance Abuse Programs
A study was done in 2018 on the Canadian population experiencing homelessness. Out of nearly 20,000 people who responded, 25.1% indicated that a substance abuse problem was the primary reason for their housing situation.
If this is your situation, hope is not lost. Whether you’re looking for addiction counselling or information on local treatment centres, we have resources available that can help you move in a positive direction.
Look for Jobs Postings Online
The internet has made job hunting much more accessible. Many companies who offer entry-level jobs will post these positions on online job boards; Indeed and Monster are two popular websites you can try. Additionally, many communities have online advertising websites that feature local job opportunities.
If access to a computer is holding you back from using the internet in your job search, a local outreach organization or a public library can help you with computer access.
Create an E-mail & Resume
You may already have a resume from your last job, but it’s a good idea to update it with any new experience or skills you have. On the one hand, you need to keep your resume general enough to catch the eye of most employers, regardless of industry. But on the other hand, you want to highlight your best skills, which may narrow the niche slightly.
Along with a resume, you’ll want to create a professional email that potential employers can reach you at. Your first and last name at Gmail or Outlook is a great option for this.
A resume and e-mail are part of your professional image. One related thing to consider is having the proper identification. If you’ve lost identification along your journey, they can sometimes be difficult to replace. You can contact our ID Clinic to get assistance in replacing your ID.
Get a Pay-As-You-Go Phone
Managing a monthly phone bill without a regular paycheck may not be possible. But a pay-and-talk or pay-as-you-go phone might be an option. Besides the initial expense of buying the phone, you only have to pay for what you use.
Having a phone number gives potential employers a convenient way to reach you if they have more questions or want to schedule an interview.
Look Your Best, Feel Your Best
Not always knowing when you’ll get your next shower is an unfortunate part of homelessness. But essential things like showers and a hot meal should be a right, not a privilege. Fortunately, there are organizations like ours that can provide practical support in accessing essential care services.
Between these organizations and laundromats or truck stops, there are options for free showers and places to freshen up before your interview.
Get a New Outfit
While experiencing homelessness, you may not have a large budget for new clothes. Fortunately, this is another area where your community can help.
Organizations like Regeneration Outreach Community or churches may be able to help at no cost. Another possible option would be a second-hand or thrift store. Finding a clean, professional-looking outfit can set you up for success in your interview.
Find Support When You Need It
The important thing to remember while you’re on this journey is that you’re not alone. Community support is available to help get you where you need to be. Our team is filled with people who truly care about you and want you to succeed. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out today. There’s no shame or judgment here, and every one of our team members believes in what we do and cares deeply for each person we meet.