Service Provision

Services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness are best provided through a system of care approach that involves a variety of sectors, including criminal justice, child welfare, healthcare, education, housing and homelessness services. Holistic and wrap-around services that are personalized to the individual or family’s needs and allow for multiple entry points along a continuum of supports and services are ideal. These services may be specialized with programs for people experiencing homelessness, or they may be broad services (health services, libraries, treatment facilities, etc.) that are intended for anyone who needs them. Governments, charitable organizations, faith communities and the non-profit sector may also provide services.

There are a variety of types of services and supports that are required to help an individual exit homelessness. These include:

1. Permanent housing that is affordable and suitable for the individual or family. In some cases, this includes permanent supportive housing or housing with access to a variety of community supports.
2. Transitional housing that allows for a period of adjustment and a higher level of support. This could include second-stage housing for women and families fleeing violence, halfway houses for formerly incarcerated people, culturally appropriate housing for Indigenous Peoples or newcomers to Canada, and housing to help long-term shelter users adjust to independent living.
3. Emergency shelters that provide a respite from living on the street or support to those who have no options for a place to live. They can include violence against women shelters or shelters designed for people experiencing homelessness. Ideally, a community will have a variety of shelter options available to suit the unique needs of their clientele.

Addressing the many and varied needs of anyone who is at risk of or experiencing housing instability or homelessness requires delivering a continuum of supports and services in the community. A complete continuum of supports would include:

1. needs identification and connection (e.g., outreach, community planning)
2. supportive and preventative services (e.g., rent banks, food banks, counselling)
3. emergency housing (e.g., shelters and hostels)
4. transitional housing (e.g., halfway homes for formerly incarcerated people)
5. long-term supportive housing (e.g., residences for those with mental health issues)
6. community awareness (e.g., research dissemination, presentations)
7. affordable housing (e.g., rent-geared-to-income housing).

Too often services are directed at emergency supports rather than at prevention programs that help keep people from experiencing homelessness or at housing and supports to help end homelessness.

Many people experiencing homelessness face barriers in accessing services due to a lack of identification (such as health cards) and a lack of funds (for service fees). In addition, there is evidence that many people who visibly experience homelessness (instead of hidden homelessness) or who have substance use problems or mental health challenges may be denied service or dissuaded from accessing services.