Family homelessness represents a significant challenge in many communities. This research seeks to fill a critical gap in our knowledge about family homelessness and the different types of coping strategies adopted by vulnerable families and individuals who find themselves without a safe, secure place to live.
This research, funded through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), uses a participatory action approach to look specifically at the issue of family homelessness in five (5) small and mid-sized communities in British Columbia (Kelowna, Kamloops, Prince George, Nanaimo and Nelson) with a focus on:
- Understanding the different characteristics of family homelessness with a specific focus on the experiences and circumstances of low income and vulnerable families living in smaller and mid-sized communities;
- Identifying programs and services (housing, income, and support) to help prevent low income and vulnerable families in smaller and mid-sized communities from becoming homeless;
- Identifying programs and services (housing, income, and support) available and/or needed to help low income and vulnerable families facing homelessness gain the stability needed to move forward with their lives; and,
- Identifying the essential services and supports needed to help families find secure housing in smaller urban centres, and the promising practices that help to successfully provide these supports.