Homeless In Canada

Have you ever imagined what it feels like not to have a place you call home? Have you ever worried about if you’ll be able to feed your children their next meal?  

When we think of homelessness and poverty, we never picture Canada, one of the largest and most advanced countries in the world, as part of that conversation. However, the staggering reality is that almost a quarter million Canadians are homeless¹, a third of which suffer from mental illness².  Each night approximately 8000 homeless people sleep in shelters in Canada³, leaving two thirds of the homeless on the streets as they are turned away due to lack of space and capacity. 

The implications of this truth are impact the whole country, not just the homeless themselves. 

What is Homelessness?  

Homelessness can come in varying degrees depending on the frequency and severity of the situation:  

·         Chronic Homelessness: Describes those who have repeatedly experienced homelessness (for at least a year) while struggling with a condition such as mental illness, substance use disorder, or physical disability. 

·         Episodic Homelessness: Describes those who have experienced three episodes of homelessness within a given year. After four episodes within a year they are considered to be chronically homeless. 

·         Transitional Homelessness: Usually seen with those going through a major life change, this describes those who are living within temporary housing that is meant to bridge the gap from homelessness to permanent housing. 

·         Hidden Homelessness: The most common form of homelessness in Canada, otherwise known as couch-surfing. Those who experience hidden homelessness often live temporarily with others (friends and family), without any prospects of acquiring permanent housing and are often left unaccounted for. 

How Does Homelessness Occur? 

There are numerous reasons as to why a person may find themselves homeless, and once affected by it, it becomes extremely difficult to break the cycle of poverty. Lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, loss of employment, abuse, and family violence are just some of the factors involved.  

In addition to this, many of the homeless may develop some form of mental illness, which makes it even more difficult for them to break free from the cycle. Given the lack of needed services, they are often unable to seek help. As a result, it becomes common that substance abuse comes into play. Breaking this cycle of poverty needs effective intervention from the whole community and calls for radical changes in our perception of the homeless. 

How Can You Help?  

We believe that every woman, man and child deserves to sleep in the safety and warmth of their own home each night. At National Zakat Foundation, it is our mission to give hope to the homeless through your support. Through the power of your Zakat and Sadaqah, we are able to assist those who are currently living on the streets, protect families who are on the verge of eviction, along with those who are among the forgotten, and suffer from hidden homelessness.   

Please visit our website www.nzfcanada.com/donate to donate your Zakat or Sadaqah. 

Know someone in need of help? Visit our application page to learn more about the different types of assistance we offer. 

¹ Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness 2020 

² Lancet Psychiatry Journal 2019 

³ Canadian Medical Association Journal