Stages of Homelessness

Distinguishing between the duration and types of homelessness 

As we combat the problem of homelessness we must understand the various forms it comes in. This allows us to serve those living through the most challenging time of their lives with compassion and specified care.

Chronically Homeless (individuals who are homeless for a year or more or longer between 2-24% an estimated 4,000 – 8,000 Canadians.

Episodically Homeless (those who move in and out of homelessness) 3-11% of the population an estimated 6,000 – 22,000 annually in Canada.

Transitionally Homeless (those who experience short-term homelessness, usually less than a month). The median stay in emergency shelters is approximately 50 days. Most are homeless for less than a month (24-29% stay only one night). Makes up 88-94% of the homeless population and is usually a one-time event.

Couch Surfing (refers specifically to people who live “temporarily with others but without guarantee of continued residency or immediate prospects for accessing permanent housing). These are our hidden homeless. This kind of homelessness is where many women suffering abuse or single mothers often find themselves and as such are often not counted within the national statistics. Rough estimates rate as many as 50,000 people could be estimated to be experiencing hidden homelessness on any given night in Canada.

***Stats in Graphic form

It is important to distinguish between the duration and type of homelessness to better understand where the need lies. Although episodic and chronic homeless individuals and families account for less than 15% of the homeless population, their personal struggles – mental and physical health issues, addictions, legal and justice issues, discrimination – tend to be much more severe. Moreover, in spite of their smaller numbers, they, in fact, consume more than half of the resources in the homelessness system, including emergency shelter beds and day programs. Because of the rigours of life on the streets, this group is much more likely to experience catastrophic health crises requiring medical intervention and a high level of run-ins with law enforcement. It is estimated that 90% of the people who experience homelessness is almost entirely the result of poverty and housing availability and affordability.