Verified Document

Homelessness In Canada Is Considered Term Paper

The government in Canada did make attempts, in the fashion of 'too little, too late' to "contain the rapid growth of homelessness with homeless shelters and other short-term crisis-based services." (Laird, 2007; p.,6) This is a failed strategy according to Laird (2007); Huff (2006); Hargrave (2005); Pollack (2008). The Government of Canada has reported in its' March 17, 2008 report that it is assisting families and individuals who "are trying to break out of the cycles of poverty and homelessness and build a better future for themselves." (Human Resources and Social Development Canada, 2008) it has been reported in the work of Pollack (2008) entitled: "Who Are Canada's Homeless?" that only two decades ago: the problem of homelessness seemed minor and was thought to be about single men with alcohol problems living on the streets. Today, in almost every urban centre across Canada, the situation is changing, and conservative estimates are that there are some 200,000 Canadians -- men, women and children -- who are homeless. Indeed, the fastest growing segments among the homeless are young people under age 18 and families with children. A recent task force report indicated that 46% of those using Toronto's hostels in 1996 were families and that 5,300 children lived in hostels in that year."

Pollack cites as causative: "Fewer and fewer low-cost" units for rent and "the withdrawal of federal and provincial support for social housing and the rise in poverty among single-parent families headed by women..." (2008) Findings show that of single women who are homeless seventy-five percent have some type of mental illness. (Pollack, 2008; paraphrased) Homelessness results in psychological problems because homelessness "divorces the individual from the patterns of day-to-day life." (Pollack, 2008) Pollack ends her work by asking a simple question: "Should we give money to people begging on the street?" Pollack answers by stating: "If not, why not?" (2008) the government of Canada stated plans March 17, 2008 to "invest more in affordable and supportive housing this year than any government in Canada's history. We are currently spending more than $2.7 billion annually." (Human Resources and Social Development, Canada, 2008)

Instead of an act of commission and neglect with intent, the government of Canada attacked the problem late in the day until the problem had swelled into a crisis. New initiatives are needed in Canada to rebuild society and indeed to not only give money to those in the streets begging, but also to give them shelter. However, ultimately, it is the very fabric of society in Canada that begs to be addressed and requires determined and focused development of chances to earn a fit income and the ultimate benefits of returning families to self-supporting and productive lives thereby relieving the extreme costs to government by homelessness in a poverty stricken existence resulting in reliance upon the government throughout their lives in never-ending poverty. This problem to be solved in reality will have to be addressed at its' very roots in society in order to make a change that will last and be sustainable in the future for Canada's society and governmental structure.
Bibliography

Government of Canada Improves Situation for Homeless People in the Saguenay Region (2008) Human Resources and Social Development Canada. 17 Mar 2008. Jonquiere, Quebec. Online available at http://news.gc.ca/web/view/en/index.jsp?articleid=385699

Pollack, Gladys (2008) Reader's Digest. Canada. Online available at http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2001/01/homeless.html

Hargrave, Connie (2008) Homelessness in Canada - Share International 1 April 2008. Online available at http://www.share-international.org/archives/homelessness/hl-ch_Canada.htm

Laird, Gordon (2007) Homelessness in a Growth Economy. Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership. 2007 Online available at www.churiethicsfoundation.ca.

Begin, P; Casavant, L; and Chenier, NM (1999) Homelessness. Parliamentary Research Branch Canada. PRB99-1E. Online available at http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/modules/prb99-1-homelessness/index-e.htm

Homelessness in Canada

Sources used in this document:
Bibliography

Government of Canada Improves Situation for Homeless People in the Saguenay Region (2008) Human Resources and Social Development Canada. 17 Mar 2008. Jonquiere, Quebec. Online available at http://news.gc.ca/web/view/en/index.jsp?articleid=385699

Pollack, Gladys (2008) Reader's Digest. Canada. Online available at http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2001/01/homeless.html

Hargrave, Connie (2008) Homelessness in Canada - Share International 1 April 2008. Online available at http://www.share-international.org/archives/homelessness/hl-ch_Canada.htm

Laird, Gordon (2007) Homelessness in a Growth Economy. Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership. 2007 Online available at www.churiethicsfoundation.ca.
Begin, P; Casavant, L; and Chenier, NM (1999) Homelessness. Parliamentary Research Branch Canada. PRB99-1E. Online available at http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/modules/prb99-1-homelessness/index-e.htm
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Homelessness Defined for the Many
Words: 1346 Length: 5 Document Type: Term Paper

Based on the report submitted by Cuomo, upon receiving assistance from authorized agencies, such as health care assistance, treatment from substance and drug abuse, education and job training and even services for mental health problems, a big part of those living in families (76%) and of those living alone (60%) tend to put a stop their homeless status and gradually move to an improved living situation. Another point to ponder

Analyzing Homelessness and the Effect It Has on Social Health
Words: 1091 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Homelessness and the Effect it Has on Social Health Few people acknowledged that there was anything like homelessness in the rural areas in Canada. Indeed, it is possible that it was never even thought of Assessment of the needs of homeless people in rural areas in Canada is almost nonexistent. There is clearly biased focus on the urban areas. Issues affecting non-urban and rural homeless communities are overlooked. Therefore, there has

Homelessness Has Remained One of the Min
Words: 2414 Length: 7 Document Type: Research Paper

Homelessness has remained one of the min problems for the countries who are wealthy and rich in resources. Some of these countries include UK and Canada. It is still one of the strangest facts that there are millions of homeless people still living on the streets of these wealthy countries in shattered homes or streets. Various studies have been conducted on the issues faced by these homeless people as well

Canada Salvation Army Canadian Salvation
Words: 3387 Length: 11 Document Type: Term Paper

Poverty is only one of the social issues addressed by the Salvation Army, which also tackles broader-scale social issues. For example, the Salvation Army helps people cope with addictions. In addition, it assists people who are victims of family violence, generally women and children. It also provides hospice care for the dying and their loved ones. The Salvation Army also assists people with special needs, such as those who are

Homelessness Intervention Social Work Universally in the
Words: 2616 Length: 7 Document Type: Term Paper

Homelessness Intervention Social Work Universally in the developed world, homelessness is something that communities want to end rather than manage. Co-ordinated social services can come together to create and enhance community-based responses that tackle the threat of homelessness rather than attempting to deal with it on the other end -- after the fact, after people are demoralized by the experience. An important part of any community response to homelessness is affordable housing. But

Homeless Population and Health Disparities
Words: 1880 Length: 6 Document Type: Research Paper

Health Disparities and Homeless Population The causes of homelessness are complex but its tragic consequences are very clear. Homelessness is a huge problem in many rural areas, towns, and cities across the world. It is also a public health problem. The homeless are a vulnerable population. They not only live a poor quality of life on the streets but they also face hunger and are at a high risk of getting

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now