Rural Populations & Northern Communities

One of the challenges in understanding homelessness and responding to it is that it is often framed as an urban, inner-city issue. There are several important reasons for this, including the fact that it is often in large cities where big investments have been made in homelessness infrastructure, including the building of shelters, drop-ins, housing, etc.  In fact, there is evidence that homelessness is at least as prevalent in remote and rural communities as in cities.

However, the factors that lead to homelessness exist not only in big cities, but can also be found in rural areas, small towns and areas of northern Canada. This includes inadequate housing, poverty, discrimination, violence, and substance use. At the same time, these areas typically lack the resources—and in some cases the will—to invest in infrastructure and services that may prevent or reduce the worst outcomes of homelessness. Investment in social housing declined in the past decade in northern Canada, and with higher construction, operating, and repair costs, the housing crisis in the North is no less serious than in Canada’s cities.

Several factors make homelessness in the North a more complex issue. First, there is a lack of infrastructure and services to prevent or reduce the worst outcomes of homelessness (this is also true for rural communities). Second, the degree of poverty in the North means that there are increased pressures on individuals, families, and communities. Third, the cold experienced during the winter makes the possibility of surviving without shelter impossible.

As a result, when people in rural areas or northern communities face homelessness, they may choose to temporarily stay with friends or relatives, which may mean enduring unbearable situations (including abuse), and thus become part of the “hidden homeless” population. A lack of services and supports means that many are forced to leave their communities and move to a larger urban area in order to access services. This may mean exchanging one set of problems for another. Rural and northern homelessness present important challenges for those who seek to end homelessness. Currently, there is a need for more research in this area.

To prevent homelessness in rural and northern communities, investment in affordable housing and infrastructure must be a priority, given the often severe housing shortages and limited resources available. Equitable access to education, training, and employment opportunities is vital to mitigate poverty and its role in putting people at risk of homelessness. Providing mental health and addiction services that are culturally sensitive and geographically accessible can address underlying factors contributing to homelessness. Supporting community-driven initiatives that empower residents to develop tailored solutions is also an essential step in ensuring that every community has access to housing.