Families Facing Homelessness

By Aleeza Aneel

Homelessness is often a struggle associated with individuals. Rarely is it ever thought of something that can affect a family unit such as parents with dependent children. This lack of thought also applies to research and advocacy, there is a significant lack of literature which has studied the experience of homeless families in Canada (Forchuk, Russel et al). But the problem must not be ignored, this year according to the CBC 600 families in Ottawa with 1,200 children classified as homeless, living out of motels because of unaffordable housing (Mahler). According to a 2019 survey, family shelters were the only shelters whose occupancy rate was over a hundred percent. In a shelter capacity report it was revealed that family shelter beds only make up 10% of all shelter beds, and 5% of transitional spots. The need for family shelters is proportionally higher than the capacity we have. Which means that parents with dependent children would struggle to find a safe place to stay. This struggle means that small children would have to live in a state of movement without stability, causing psychological distress. It also means having to stay in shelters that are crowded with less than ideal conditions. It is a terrible psychological burden on both children and parents that they should not have to face, and they don’t have enough accessible avenues to find a way out. 

Families can face homelessness for a few different reasons, including systemic or societal barriers, such as lack of affordable and appropriate housing, finances, mental or physical challenges, or racism and discrimination (Forchuck, Russel et al). There is an underlying structural issue which puts families at risk. Families struggling usually go unnoticed because their struggle is often hidden behind more visible types of homelessness, but it is no less important. Usually these families consist of single parent mothers and their children. Both of them are more likely to face violence and exploitation. One example of this would be women facing exploitation by people who she would be staying with. Families with dependent children are three times more likely to stay longer in emergency shelters compared to the rest of the homeless population (Forchuk).

The issue is only getting worse due to systemic failure to serve and support families in difficult transitions from child welfare, discharge planning, (inadequate discharge planning from hospitals, correction centers, mental health, and addictions facilities), and lack of support for immigrants and refugees (Forchuck). 

The struggle of homelessness is often preceded with the struggle of poverty and issues such as food insecurity and preexisting inadequate housing. 10% of Canadians face inadequate housing conditions. 12% of Canadians face food insecurity. 

There are ways to solve this such as pathways such as requiring certification/training for renters, providing affordable and safe housing, re-examining social assistance’s processes, linking people to supportive services, transitioning from social assistance to employment, greater understanding and compassion from social service workers, and ensuring access to resources (Forchuk, Russel). Overall there needs to be more accessible avenues for families to get the help that they need. 

Families with children who struggle with homelessness are incredibly vulnerable, and this is an issue that continues to grow due to the high cost of living. 

Works cited

Forchuk, Cheryl, et al. “Family Matters in Canada: Understanding and Addressing Family Homelessness in Ontario.” BMC Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 29 Mar. 2022, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8966253/.

Gulliver-Garcia, Tanya. “Putting an End to Child & Family Homelessness in Canada.” Putting an End to Child & Family Homelessness in Canada, childcarecanada.org/documents/research-policy-practice/16/02/putting-end-child-family-homelessness-canada. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

“Homelessness among Families with Children.” Homeless Hub, homelesshub.ca/collection/population-groups/families-with-children/. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. “Government of Canada.” Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, / Gouvernement du Canada, 21 Apr. 2022, housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/homelessness-sans-abri/reports-rapports/shelter-cap-hebergement-2020-eng.html.

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. “Government of Canada.” Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, / Gouvernement du Canada, 29 July 2022, housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/homelessness-sans-abri/reports-rapports/data-shelter-2019-donnees-refuge-eng.html.

Mahler, Cameron. “City Forges New Plan to House Ottawa’s Homeless Families | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 22 Apr. 2026, www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-has-a-plan-to-house-homeless-families-9.7172355.