Homelessness Field Research in the North

Homelessness Definitions Daly (1996) defined people who are homeless as: individuals who are absolutely, periodically, or temporarily without shelter, as well as those who are at substantial risk of being on the streets in the immediate future.

Homelessness Not just on the streets, might include: Not just on the streets, might include: Individuals staying in shelters Individuals staying in shelters Persons who are ‘couch surfing’ Persons who are ‘couch surfing’ Persons who are housed in unsafe, or unsanitary conditions Persons who are housed in unsafe, or unsanitary conditions

Study Results Statistics from July 2000 through to July 2003 have revealed disturbing trends Statistics from July 2000 through to July 2003 have revealed disturbing trends The last study revealed that 409 individuals were using services in the City of Greater Sudbury. The last study revealed that 409 individuals were using services in the City of Greater Sudbury. Of these individuals almost ½ (45%) were women or girls Of these individuals almost ½ (45%) were women or girls

Children and Families Although children are not often highly represented in homelessness statistics, they are still there Children may not show up in statistical data because: 1) Their parents may not report that they have a child; 2) They may already be in CAS care; 3) Children do not often access community services (fear)

Children and Homelessness The number of homeless children has fluctuated between 32 and 63. The proportion of children under the age of 13 among the homeless population has remained about the same (around 10 to 14%). Teenagers alone have constituted between 10 and 18 percent of the homeless population

What Happens? Homeless children may be in care with the Children’s Aid Society Homeless children may be in care with the Children’s Aid Society May be in group homes or shelters geared to their age group May be in group homes or shelters geared to their age group Children and adolescents may still be on the streets Children and adolescents may still be on the streets

Even if Sheltered Children may have issues with: Children may have issues with: Bussing Bussing Especially if moving into different areas or communities Especially if moving into different areas or communities Cannot afford clothing, school supplies Cannot afford clothing, school supplies Donated clothing issues Donated clothing issues Abuse Abuse Parents may not be at fault Parents may not be at fault

Students in School Students may have poor attendance or may stop going to school entirely Students may have poor attendance or may stop going to school entirely May have difficulties with peers May have difficulties with peers May require counselling/ abuse issues May require counselling/ abuse issues May not have basic needs met May not have basic needs met May have health/ hygiene problems May have health/ hygiene problems May need non-judgemental support from you as a teacher May need non-judgemental support from you as a teacher

Teachers Can Ensure that have open frequent communication with parents/ CAS/ shelters/ etc. (principal) Ensure that have open frequent communication with parents/ CAS/ shelters/ etc. (principal) Be mindful of dignity and self-esteem Be mindful of dignity and self-esteem Familiarize yourself with community resources that could assist Familiarize yourself with community resources that could assist Ensure that environment is comfortable, non-threatening and that basic needs are being met Ensure that environment is comfortable, non-threatening and that basic needs are being met

May Look Into Breakfast Programs Breakfast Programs Extra snacks in the class Extra snacks in the class Familiarizing yourself with resources Familiarizing yourself with resources Get your class involved in pro-social activities linking with your community (Food drives, awareness campaigns, etc.) Get your class involved in pro-social activities linking with your community (Food drives, awareness campaigns, etc.)

Thank You For Your Time!!! Statistics from the Social Planning Council of Sudbury