Homelessness in Canada – one of our most pressing issues
The need and the faces
My brother’s keeper… Who is homeless and why? These are commonly asked questions with many different answers. Using the following data and interviewees you can find your own responses to these questions. They’ll make a compelling article for your readers. For more information and editorial material visit www.SalvationArmy.ca and follow the Media button.
Definitions:
Absolute homeless – those who live on the streets or in shelters
Affordable housing – available at a cost that does not compromise the attainment/satisfaction of individuals’ other basic needs of life (food/clothing)
Shelters – emergency housing units intended for single adults, youths and families in need of shelter
Statistics: A November 2002 Statistics Canada survey with results of a one-night spot check on the number of people living in homeless shelters across the country. Results include:
- 14,145 people in the shelters
- 8,780 males
- 5,370 females
- 1,490 under the age of 15
- 67% in two provinces: Ontario - 6,100, Quebec - 3,365
You can find the results at:
www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/Products/Analytic/companion/coll/contents.cfm
Government: Ottawa has programs designed to help provinces and municipalities deal with homelessness. For more information go to: www.homelessness.ca
Legal: Ottawa pulled vagrancy out of the criminal code 33 years ago, but other jurisdictions have been targeting the homeless. Vancouver, Brandon, Winnipeg, Sudbury, Oshawa, Toronto, Kingston, Queen’s Park and Charlottetown have all passed or proposed laws to restrict and control the homeless and their activities. See The Canadian Geographer, Summer 2002 edition, pgs 126-44 for the complete list.
Experts: For well-informed interviews, people able to talk about various aspects of homelessness, contact any of the following individuals directly:
Jane Nielson, Newmarket, Ontario
T: 905-895-6119
E: jane.nielson@northridgecommunitychurch.com
Coordinator for York Region Homelessness Prevention Program. Run from The Salvation Army Northridge Community Church, this program helps the working poor to stay housed.
Major Roy Snow, Toronto
T: 416-366-0925
E: roy_snow@can.salvationarmy.org
Executive director of The Salvation Army’s Maxwell Meighen Centre
The 450-bed Maxwell Meighen Centre is the second largest hostel in Metro Toronto.
Givette Volet-Titcombe, Montreal
T: 514-934-5615
E: givette_titcombevolet@qc.aira.com
Executive Director of The Salvation Army’s L’Abri d’Espoir
A 25-bed shelter for women in urgent need.
Kathryn Gray, Toronto
T: 416-368-0324
E: kathryngray@look.ca
Case Manager at The Salvation Army’s Gateway
A 108-bed emergency homeless shelter for men.
Major Wayne Loveless, Halifax
T: 902-422-2363
E: wayne_loveless@can.salvationarmy.org
Executive Director of the Army’s Halifax Booth Centre
The Halifax Booth Centre has 39 hostel beds, plus 19 beds in their Anchorage Addictions Treatment Program.
Ruby Jacobs-King, Saskatoon
T: 306-244-6758
E: rubyjacobs@shaw.ca (home address)
Program Director at The Salvation Army’s Bethany Home in Saskatoon. A safe, stable environment for young women in need, especially single moms.
Dr. John Rook, Calgary
T: 403-410-1139
E: john_rook@can.salvationarmy.org
Executive Director of The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope
This new large facility includes emergency shelter and long-term supportive housing for homeless men, women and children. There are also day programs, including job search and pastoral care.
