What is the difference between homelessness and sleeping rough?
Homelessness is a broader term that includes all those who have no permanent home: There are many different forms of homelessness. Homelessness includes rough sleeping, people living in unconventional buildings, sofa surfing, sleeping in a vehicle, hostels, shelters, and other temporary accommodations.
Sleeping rough is sleeping in the open air, such as on the street, in tents, doorways, parks, bus shelters or encampments. It also included people sleeping in buildings or other places not designed for habitation, such as stairwells, sheds, makeshift shelters and cardboard boxes. Rough sleeping is the most visible type of homelessness and commonly what people associate with homelessness.
The City's Housing for All Strategy embodies our community's united and compassionate approach to addressing homelessness, using a person-centered and human rights approach. Clearing encampments results in people being displaced to other precarious and sometimes more dangerous options. This does not solve the problem; it moves people from the supports they rely on until they are able to secure sustainable housing.
Is it true that people staying in encampments have rejected housing offers?
It is a myth that people staying in encampments have rejected housing offers. Many housing options offered are temporary, such as shelter beds or motel rooms. These settings often have rules that can limit autonomy and freedoms and may not feel safe for everyone. While these options work for some, many in encampments seek permanent, affordable housing.
Homelessness can result from a variety of factors. Often, individuals experience homelessness when all other options have been exhausted or when they face circumstances that make maintaining housing difficult. Key obstacles include eviction, renoviction, lack of affordable housing, challenges related to mental illness, family breakdown and unhealthy relationships or addictions.
Are individuals who experience homelessness drug addicts?
Many people who experience homelessness do not struggle with substance abuse issues or addictions. Like the general public, only a percentage of those who are experiencing homelessness struggle with addictions. Individuals who are currently homeless may struggle with other issues related to their personal experiences including trauma and mental illness.
Aren't people who experience homelessness just lazy?
It is a myth that people experiencing homelessness are lazy. In fact, to survive, many people experiencing homelessness are constantly searching for life’s necessities, such as food, shelter, and income. The barriers they face mean they cannot afford to be stagnant or lazy. For instance, job hunting becomes significantly more challenging without regular access to a phone, computer, or fixed address.
Shouldn't people experiencing homelessness just find a job?
Some people experiencing homelessness are employed but finding a job while homeless is significantly more challenging. Unique obstacles such as lacking a permanent address, irregular access to showers, transportation barriers, and mental health issues make securing and maintaining employment difficult. Even when they do find work, it is often part-time or minimum wage, which fails to meet their needs due to the rising cost of living.
Aren't shelters the solution for ending homelessness?
Shelters manage homelessness but do not end it. Long-term shelter stays are more costly to society than providing social housing or rent supplements with support services. Many people experiencing homelessness avoid shelters due to overcrowding and other concerns. The only effective solution to end homelessness is permanent housing with comprehensive support. Many communities are now adopting a collaborative model to help individuals and families secure housing, and tailored support based on their needs.
