Beyond the Headlines: Homelessness in Canada Post 2020
As the world collectively navigates the rising costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, one stark reality is apparent – the surge in homelessness. Beyond the statistical figures and policy discussions, lies a complex narrative of human struggle, resilience, and societal reflection. Since 2020, as a result of these rising costs, media surrounding housing instability, encampments and food insecurity has risen to the forefront. In this blog post, we'll dissect the rise of homelessness in Canada, exploring the impact on vulnerable populations, while addressing how the pandemic has thrust housing instability into the media's spotlight.
Media Attention Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably played a pivotal role in drawing attention to the issue of homelessness in Canada. As public health measures were implemented to curb the spread of the virus, shelters faced unprecedented challenges in maintaining safe and hygienic conditions. Overcrowding, limited resources, and the inability to adhere to physical distancing guidelines brought the harsh realities of homelessness to the forefront of public consciousness.
In a study released BMC Infectious Diseases on February 2nd 2024, it was established that rates of re-infection greatly exceeded estimates, with 8.71/100 people experiencing homelessness also experiencing reinfection, highlighting the academic basis for the public's ongoing concern.
Encampments: A Visible Consequence of Crisis
One of the most visible exhibitions of the surge in homelessness during the pandemic and afterwards has been the proliferation of encampments across urban areas. Media outlets, responding to the urgency of the situation, have extensively covered these makeshift shelters, bringing the dire circumstances faced by individuals experiencing homelessness to the attention of a wider audience.
Housing Affordability Amplified by Post-Pandemic Pressures
The pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges related to housing affordability, with media reports highlighting the increasing difficulty for Canadians to secure stable housing. Interviews with individuals facing eviction and stories of families living on the brink have become a recurring theme in news coverage, shedding light on the interconnectedness of the economic fallout from the pandemic and the surge in homelessness. Media outlets like The Globe and Mail, CBC, and even financial institutions like RBC have all commented on the lack of housing affordability in 2024.
Image from: Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada has further supported evidence of worsening housing affordability by tracking the percent increase in households spending 30% or more of income on shelter costs. At the last statistical review, this percentage currently sits at 20.9%. Some say housing affordability will continue to be one of the largest problems Canadian cities face.
Food Insecurity: A Symptom of Broader Struggles
Media attention has also focused on the intersectionality of homelessness and food insecurity, especially during the pandemic. Interviews with food banks, firsthand accounts from those facing homelessness, and investigative reports have contributed to a deeper understanding of how these issues are interlinked and exacerbated by the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Homeless Cars food bank partners have all seen a rise in demand as a result.
Tiny Homes: Innovative Solutions in the Spotlight
As the media covers the rise of homelessness, there has been a notable spotlight on innovative solutions, such as the use of tiny homes. Human-interest stories featuring successful tiny home initiatives have garnered attention, encouraging discussions on how these alternative housing options could be part of a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Two Steps Home and Tiny Town Association are local charities directly involved in creating tiny homes in Canada.
Although these new initiatives show forward thinking, more work is needed to adequately combat the housing crisis. To positively affect Canadian cities, education, investments, and support for housing initiatives that address the root cause of homelessness need to grow at a rapid pace.
What You Can Do Right Now
Donate a vehicle to Homeless Cars
Support local charities fighting homelessness (check out our partners here)
Spread the word on local initiatives through social media
Donate clothing/food/household goods locally
Advocate for policy reforms to address the housing and food insecurity crisis