Homelessness is a significant social phenomenon in Canada. The currently available body of research presents varied and often conflicting views with regards to effective intervention strategies for homeless populations. The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the contemporary discourse surrounding homelessness in Canada as well as available models for addressing the is sue. More specifically, this paper will focus on implications for service design and provision in Montreal with the intention of informing research related to program creation, maintenance and evaluation at the Old Brewery Mission.