The Canadian Homelessness Research Network has released a new definition of homelessness that is based on a typology providing definitions and a range of housing situations along a homelessness continuum.
Homelessness describes the situation of someone who is without stable, permanent and appropriate housing. Along the continuum there are four main categories of homeless: unsheltered, emergency sheltered, provisionally accommodated and at risk of homelessness.
The definition also identifies eight situations which could lead someone to be homeless, such as being precariously employed (part-time, temporary, low-pay) or having a serious and persistent mental illness. The goal of ending homelessness includes ensuring housing stability that includes the supports (such as supportive housing or income supports) that are required to remain permanently housed.
To download the pdf and read about the CHRN’s definition of homelessness, go to www.homelesshub.ca.