People with Disabilities

There are no accurate numbers that tell us how many people who are experiencing homelessness also live with a disability, but experience and anecdotal information shows that it is quite high. For instance, in 2017, one in five Canadians reported having a disability, and in a 2016 study, 13% of people with disabilities reported having experienced hidden homelessness.

Poverty and housing unaffordability are among the primary causes of homelessness, and people with severe disabilities are almost three times more likely than those without a disability to be living in poverty. In Canada, there are a number of services, benefits and grants/tax deductions designed to support people living with disabilities, but a lack of employment options, low disability support payments, and caps on earnings contribute to the higher rate of poverty among people with disabilities. In turn, this can lead to homelessness when there isn’t enough money to afford housing.

Ensuring that shelters and homeless services are responsive to the needs of individuals with disabilities goes beyond accommodating physical needs. Services need to take into account the unique needs of people who are deaf or blind, who experience developmental or cognitive difficulties (including acquired brain injuries and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder), and who are living with addictions or mental health issues.

These accommodations could include changing the way a service operates—not requiring someone with health issues to leave the shelter during the day, for example. It can also include ensuring that all materials are available in braille or large print, that ASL interpreters are available, and that staff receive training in disability accommodations.

Addressing the root causes of homelessness for this vulnerable population entails improving employment opportunities and increasing disability support payments to mitigate the heightened risk of poverty. Lifting caps on earnings can empower individuals with disabilities to achieve financial stability and secure housing. Crucially, homelessness and housing services must be restructured to accommodate the unique needs of individuals with various disabilities, encompassing physical, sensory, cognitive, and mental health challenges. Eviction prevention and shelter diversion programs can be developed that can tailor supports to the individual needs of people with disabilities, making it easier for them to remain in housed. Ultimately, preventing homelessness among people with disabilities requires both comprehensive policy reforms and the creation of inclusive and responsive support systems that recognize the diverse needs of people with disabilities, enabling them to access stable housing and maintain independence.