Homelessness and Health: Social Determinants of Health in York Region

Health outcomes are not only determined by access to medical resources or individual decisions, but also a variety of other situational circumstances and living conditions referred to as the social determinants of health. The ability of homeless and at-risk people to maintain good health is a recognized challenge in York Region. However, there are a very limited number of studies that document the specific health-related challenges of homeless and at-risk individuals in York Region. The findings documented in this report parallel a health needs assessment sister report and are based on a survey conducted to gain a broader understanding of the specific health needs and behaviours of homeless and at-risk members of the York Region community. These findings, along with the health needs assessment findings, are intended to increase understanding of the relationship between conditions of homelessness and health, as well as guide and inform the development of specific health initiatives that will help to improve the health of homeless and at-risk people in York Region and increase their ability to access appropriate care.

Publication Date: 
2010