While there are a variety of ways to define homelessness, it is perhaps best described as “a poverty that includes being unhoused…[and] without required social supports (Hulchanski, 2009, p. 5).” Despite Canada’s status as one of the world’s top economic performers, a homelessness crisis exists in many of our cities. The face of homelessness has changed dramatically in the last few decades. Previous to the 1980s, most people considered “homeless” actually had housing, and the charitable focus was on improving living conditions for these individuals, primarily single men (Hulchanski, 2009). A combination of many factors, including a lack of affordable housing and the gradual chipping away of the social safety net has led to the emergence a highly visible “new homeless” population. This population includes not only single men but growing numbers of women, families, and young people (Levinson & Ross, 2007). Research suggests that between 150,000 and 300,000 Canadians experience homelessness per year (Laird, 2007). This statistic, however, doesn’t begin to tell the whole story, as there are growing numbers of “hidden homeless” who can’t be counted among those on the street or in shelters and institutions, but rather “crashing” with friends, family, and others. Also disconcerting is evidence of a growing number of families who are precariously housed, and therefore at immediate risk of homelessness (Wellesley Institute, 2010). Homeless is not just a housing crisis; it is a major public health issue. Decent housing is a basic requirement for good health, and the lack of housing experienced by the homeless is associated with poor health (Wellesley Institute, 2010). Negative health outcomes associated with homelessness run the gamut from increased risk of depression and suicide to stomach ulcers and heart attack. Homelessness also puts one at much higher risk of being a victim of violent crime, including rape and physical assault. Despite the well-documented extensive health needs of those experiencing homelessness, these individuals face many barriers to health care services, such as discrimination and lack of identification (Khandor & Mason, 2007). In this paper, I will present a socio-ecological analysis of homelessness in Toronto. In doing so, I will describe various risk factors and determinants of homelessness occurring at the individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels. Next, I will provide a detailed description of Fred Victor, an organization providing a wide range of services to Toronto’s homeless population. Finally, I will present an analysis of the agency’s work using elements of the Interactive Domain Model (IDM) approach, and an assessment of the extent to which the organization addresses homelessness in Toronto on the individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels.
Thesis/Dissertation