Single Men

The largest group of homeless people are single men, making up 62% of homeless individuals. According to the 2019 National Shelter Survey, men make up 69.7% of shelter users, of whom 56.3% are between the ages of 25 and 55. The gap between men and women widens with age, such that only 51.6% of homeless youths accessing shelters are male, while they make up about 75% of those 55 and older.

As with every population, there are many reasons that lead single men to becoming homeless. These can include systemic issues such as an inadequate supply of social housing; low vacancy rates and high rents; a lack of funding for supports for people with mental health issues; the inadequacy of the addiction treatment system; and, the inadequacy of social and economic supports to prevent family breakdown. It has been found that as a population men have “greater incidences of mental illness, addictions and disability, including invisible disabilities such as brain injury and FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).”

To prevent homelessness among single men, expanding the availability of affordable housing options and implementing rent control measures can help mitigate the impact of rising housing costs. Additionally, increased funding for mental health services and addiction treatment programs is essential, as many single men experiencing homelessness have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Social and economic support programs, including job training and employment assistance, should be provided to enhance their financial stability. Early intervention and outreach efforts should focus on preventing family breakdown and providing support for those at risk. Moreover, community-based initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and social support can play a vital role in preventing homelessness among single men, providing them with the resources and connections necessary to maintain stable housing.