Preventing and reducing homelessness

Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, but far too many vulnerable people face the reality of homelessness. Homelessness impacts every community in Canada. It is a complex issue with many causes, contributing factors, and circumstances. Each person is unique, requiring tailored supports, from services that prevent someone from experiencing homelessness, to helping someone access housing. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada is committed to delivering the programs and initiatives identified in Canada's Housing Plan and Budget 2024, as well as collaborating with its partners to implement the Government of Canada's National Housing Strategy. This collaboration aims to enhance understanding and implement effective measures that address homelessness in communities across Canada.

We're helping ensure everyone has a roof over their head

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to addressing homelessness. Therefore, through personalized housing services and preventative services, vulnerable people and families receive support in securing housing (which may include transitional or supportive housing) as well as assistance with the cost of getting set up in housing(for example, insurance, damage deposit, maintenance or furniture).

Addressing homelessness also means preventing it before it occurs, by supporting individuals and families facing imminent risk of homelessness, including those at risk of losing their homes or being discharged from public systems. This includes providing support to avert an eviction, such as intervening with landlords and providing short-term financial assistance.

We're making investments that support the unique needs of vulnerable individuals and families

Each individual's circumstances are unique. Therefore, investing in personalized services is a crucial component of supporting those experiencing homelessness or are at risk of it. These services encompass providing for basic needs like food and shelter; helping people navigate access to health and treatment services; and assisting people with economic, social and community integration.

Since its implementation, Reaching Home has funded activities that address some of the root causes of homelessness. For example, it has:

• Assisted over 8,000 people in beginning a job training program, and over 7,000 people with an education program
• Connected over 12,000 people with new paid employment
• Connected over 31,000 people with income assistance.

Investing in the facilities that cater to the needs of individuals and families at risk of homelessness is an important step in addressing homelessness. This could include, renovating an existing shelter to meet building standards or the construction of transitional supportive housing.

Homelessness prevention is a collaborative effort

Our programs work in conjunction with the National Housing Co-investment Fund, which builds shelters, transitional housing, and affordable housing units. Additionally, they complement other programs and services provided by various government departments that aim to make housing more affordable.