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Pathways into homelessness: Understanding how both individual and structural factors contribute to and sustain homelessness in Canada

Author

Listed:
  • Myra Piat

    (McGill University, Canada)

  • Lauren Polvere

    (Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Canada)

  • Maritt Kirst

    (University of Toronto, Canada)

  • Jijian Voronka

    (University of Toronto, Canada)

  • Denise Zabkiewicz

    (Simon Fraser University, Canada)

  • Marie-Carmen Plante

    (University of Montreal, Canada)

  • Corinne Isaak

    (University of Manitoba, Canada)

  • Danielle Nolin

    (University of Moncton, Canada)

  • Geoffrey Nelson

    (Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada)

  • Paula Goering

    (University of Toronto, Canada)

Abstract

This qualitative study examined how homeless individuals with mental illness experience pathways into homelessness. Study participants were enrolled in the At Home/Chez Soi project, a Pan-Canadian Randomized Controlled Trial comparing the Housing First approach with Treatment as Usual for homeless individuals. This inquiry is grounded in social ecological perspective, which considers interactions between individual and structural factors. Findings from consumer narrative interviews ( n  = 219) revealed that individual factors, such as substance abuse, relationship conflicts and mental health issues significantly contributed to homelessness, in addition to structural transitions from foster care and institutional settings into the community. Additional structural factors entrenched participants in unsafe communities, created obstacles to exiting homelessness and amplified individual risk factors. The study findings confirm the role of individual risk factors in pathways into homelessness, but underscore the need for policies and interventions to address structural factors that worsen individual risks and create barriers to exiting homelessness.

Suggested Citation

  • Myra Piat & Lauren Polvere & Maritt Kirst & Jijian Voronka & Denise Zabkiewicz & Marie-Carmen Plante & Corinne Isaak & Danielle Nolin & Geoffrey Nelson & Paula Goering, 2015. "Pathways into homelessness: Understanding how both individual and structural factors contribute to and sustain homelessness in Canada," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 52(13), pages 2366-2382, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:52:y:2015:i:13:p:2366-2382
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098014548138
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephen Hwang & Tim Aubry & Anita Palepu & Susan Farrell & Rosane Nisenbaum & Anita Hubley & Fran Klodawsky & Evie Gogosis & Elizabeth Hay & Shannon Pidlubny & Tatiana Dowbor & Catharine Chambers, 2011. "The health and housing in transition study: a longitudinal study of the health of homeless and vulnerably housed adults in three Canadian cities," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 56(6), pages 609-623, December.
    2. Martijn, Claudine & Sharpe, Louise, 2006. "Pathways to youth homelessness," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(1), pages 1-12, January.
    3. Tsemberis, S. & Gulcur, L. & Nakae, M., 2004. "Housing First, Consumer Choice, and Harm Reduction for Homeless Individuals with a Dual Diagnosis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(4), pages 651-656.
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