Category: **Resources: ESPC Documents:

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By Brett Lambert

The realm of housing, shelters, and homelessness is complex and varied. Someone unfamiliar to the housing sector may understandably be confused by some of the terminology and the meaning behind it. We have created this glossary list to help readers better understand the issues that are discussed in more detail within this issue of Community Matters. 

Homelessness Defined 

The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness  defines homelessness as “the situation of an individual, family, or community without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect means and ability of acquiring it.” (1) 

Homelessness can span a spectrum of experiences and circumstances. It can describe someone who is unsheltered (i.e. living on the streets or in places not intended for human habitation), emergency sheltered (i.e. staying in an overnight homeless shelter or shelters for those fleeing domestic or family violence), provisionally accommodated (i.e. accommodations are temporary or lack security of tenure, such as “couch surfing”), or at risk of homelessness (i.e. they are not currently homeless, but their financial or housing situation is precarious or does not meet public health and safety standards).  

For those experiencing homelessness, their situation tends to be fluid where their shelter arrangements can change and shift quite dramatically. 

Precarious and inadequate housing not only relates to household income and the structure of the dwelling, but also a lack of access to necessary supports and opportunities, including employment, health care, clean water and sanitation, schools, childcare, and others. 

Indigenous Peoples and Homelessness 

The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness’ Indigenous definition of homelessness, developed by Jesse Thistle, considers the traumas Indigenous Peoples have experienced linked to colonialism. While homelessness experienced among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples is a condition where they lack stable, permanent, and appropriate housing, it goes beyond lacking a physical structure of habitation. It also acknowledges Indigenous worldviews, since being in a state of homelessness deprives an Indigenous person from culturally, spiritually, emotionally, or physically reconnecting with their Indigenous identity or lost relationships. (2) 

Indigenous Peoples are overrepresented amongst Canadians experiencing homelessness. Within Edmonton, among the 2,745 people currently experiencing homelessness, as of July 2022 according to Homeward Trust’s Edmonton Homelessness Dashboard, 58% of them identify as Indigenous. (3)  

Homelessness for Indigenous Peoples is intrinsically linked to historical and ongoing settler colonization and racism that have displaced First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples from traditional lands as well as social and cultural systems. This has created and prolonged Indigenous homelessness. 

Power of Language 

Homeless vs. Houseless terminology and word usage 

For years, homeless or homelessness has been the standard term used by governments to describe people living without stable or permanent shelter. However, in recent years there has been a shift to move away from this term in favour of houselessness or unhoused. 

The reason for this shift is partly because of the meanings linked to the words “house” and “home.” A house refers to a physical structure meant for human habitation while a home can encompass more than a structure built on a physical location as it is tied to a community with social connections. Using “unhoused” or “houseless” acknowledges that while someone may lack a socially accepted physical structure to live in, they still have a social connection with the wider community. (4) 

In addition, the term “homeless” can be linked to stigma and can be framed in such a way as to demonize those without housing as dangerous to society. (5) Fundamentally, this shift in terminology seeks to be more respectful when describing people who live without a fixed address. 

While there may not yet be widespread agreement regarding the terms, as the updated Associated Press Stylebook does describe homeless as “generally acceptable” to use as an adjective, (6) the respect and dignity of those experiencing housing insecurity is a top priority. For this issue, we will prioritize using “unhoused” or “houseless” terminology. 

Person First Language 

When referring to people who are without shelter, person-first language is important. For this issue, they will be described as a “person experiencing homelessness” instead of a “homeless person.” This is done as a reminder that their condition does not define them and that they are first and foremost a human being. 

It is important to emphasize that there is a broad range of experiences when it comes to people who are unhoused or without shelter. While the general public might think of homelessness primarily as people sleeping rough on the streets or within an encampment, there are also hidden components of houselessness. This includes those who “couch surf” temporarily with friends or family or the working houseless who live in their vehicles. Living without shelter generally is not a choice, and the experience is incredibly challenging. 

Housing Definitions:  

Core Housing Need 

According to criteria set out by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a household is considered to be in core housing need if at least one of the following conditions is not met. (7) 

Adequate: the dwelling is not requiring any major repairs, such as excessive mold, inadequate heating or water supply, or significant structural damage. 

Affordable: shelters costs (e.g. rent and utilities) are below 30% of total before-tax household income. 

Suitable: there are enough bedrooms for the size and composition of the household members. 

Types of Affordable Housing and Shelters 

There are many housing and shelter options that exist within the public, private, or not-for-profit sector. Below are some of the most common types of housing geared to low-income households: 

Supportive housing provides a permanent home and on-site supports (e.g. medical assistance, counselling) for people who need assistance to live independently. This could include people exiting homelessness, people who are elderly or who have disabilities, addictions, or mental illness. Investing in permanent supportive housing has been a priority for the City of Edmonton in their strategy to end chronic homelessness. New permanent supportive housing units were approved by City Council in 2020 in King Edward Park, Inglewood, Terrace Heights, and McArthur/Wellington and are expected to be completed this year. (8) 

Emergency housing provides temporary shelter and accommodations for certain vulnerable groups. These can include those experiencing homelessness and those fleeing domestic violence or abuse. Some examples of emergency housing within Edmonton include women’s shelters such as WIN House, Wings of Providence, and Women’s Emergency Accommodation Centre (WEAC). Shelters that serve the unhoused are operated by a number of organizations, which include The Mustard Seed and Hope Mission. 

Non-profit housing provides rental housing to low- and moderate-income individuals. They are typically built by the province, a municipality, or a community group. Tenants pay rent that is geared to their income and other tenants pay rent that is at the lower level of the private market rent. Civida (formerly Capital Region Housing) is the largest provider of social housing and near market and market homes within the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. This is separate from market housing, which is privately owned housing with prices set by the private market. 

Co-operative housing provides housing for people with low and moderate incomes, representing a middle ground between renting and owning a home. Members of a co-operative collectively own the development with shelter payments going towards the upkeep of the building. Members contribute to the governance of the co-op. The cost of housing is geared to a percentage of income for some residents while the rest pay market rates. According to the Northern Alberta Co-operative Housing Association, there are 41 co-operative developments in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. (9) 

Bridge housing is a continuum of housing that’s between emergency and permanent housing. These short-term accommodations bridge the gap between homelessness and permanent housing. On-site supports are offered to individuals as they work with outreach workers to secure permanent housing. Residents typically stay in bridge housing for an average of 30 to 90 days. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Homeward Trust Edmonton has set up bridge housing in five locations in partnership with Boyle Street Community Services, Niginan Housing Ventures, and Jasper Place Wellness Centre. Some of these locations have since stopped taking intakes. (10) 

Housing First 

Housing first refers to providing people experiencing homelessness with independent and permanent housing as a first step. There are no preconditions or compliance requirements to being admitted into housing first programs. Once the person is provided housing, other supports such as mental health or addictions can be addressed once the housing situation is resolved. (11) 

Spectrum of Homelessness Experiences 

Precariously housed or housing insecurity refers to people who are at risk of losing their housing. They are facing severe affordability problems when it comes to maintaining their housing. They may risk losing housing in the immediate or near future. Those who manage to maintain their housing often do so at the expense of meeting their nutritional needs, heating their homes, and other expenses that contribute to their health and well-being. (1) 

Temporarily homeless refers to people who are without accommodation for a relatively short time period. This could happen due to the result of a natural disaster like a fire or a flood or through changes to a person’s living situation like a separation or divorce. They tend to be re-housed within a short period of time. (12) 

Cyclically homeless refers to people who have lost their housing due to a change in their situation, such as a job loss, a hospital stay, or a prison term. Those who use safehouses such as women fleeing family violence or runaway youths are also part of this group. (12) 

Chronically homeless (13) refers to people who have been homeless for at least a year, or repeatedly over the course of several months or years and often have complex and long-term health conditions such as addictions or mental illness. (13) 

Adequate housing re-envisions “housing” beyond a physical space that has four walls and a roof, and this concept is recognized in international human rights law. Instead, it “should be seen as the right to live somewhere in security, peace, and dignity.”  There are 7 criteria that must be met (at a minimum) for housing to be deemed adequate, which are as follows: Security of ownership/tenancy; availability of services, materials, facilities, and infrastructure; affordability; habitability; accessibility; location; and cultural adequacy. (14) 

Note: This is an excerpt from our September 2022 Community Matters, you can read the full publication here

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References 

1. Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (2017). Canadian Definition of Homelessness. Retrieved from: https://www.homelesshub.ca/resource/canadian-definition-homelessness  
2. Thistle, J. Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (2017). Definition of Indigenous Homelessness in Canada. Retrieved from: https://homelesshub.ca/IndigenousHomelessness 
3. Homeward Trust Edmonton [n.d.]. Edmonton Homelessness Dashboard. Retrieved from: https://homewardtrust.ca/data-analytics-reporting/ 
4. Hunt, K. (2019). Why Do we Say “Houseless”? Retreived from: https://dogoodmultnomah.org/blog/why-do-we-say-houseless 
5. Slayton, N. (2021). Time to Retire the Word ‘Homeless’ and Opt for ‘Houseless’ or ‘Unhoused’ Instead? Retrieved from: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/homeless-unhoused 
6. Perlman, M. (2020). 2020 AP Stylebook changes: Person-first language, and the great ‘pled’ debate. Retrieved from: https://www.cjr.org/language_corner/2020-ap-stylebook-changes.php 
7. Statistics Canada (2017). Core housing need. Retrieved from: https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/ref/dict/households-menage037-eng.cfm 
8. CTV News Edmonton (2020). City votes to sell land to Homeward Trust to build housing to help end homelessness. Retrieved from: https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/city-votes-to-sell-land-to-homeward-trust-to-build-housing-to-help-end-homelessness-1.5004981 
9. Northern Alberta Co-operative Housing Association [n.d.]. Housing Cooperatives: Contact Sheet. Retrieved from: https://nacha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2022-02-Housing_Co-operatives_Contact_Sheet.pdf  
10. Homeward Trust Edmonton [n.d.]. Bridge Housing. Retrieved from: https://homewardtrust.ca/bridge-housing/  
11. Canadian Observatory on Homelessness [n.d.]. Housing First. Retrieved from: https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/housing-first  
12. Casavant, L. Library of Parliament (1999). Definition of Homelessness. Retrieved from: https://publications.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/modules/prb99-1-homelessness/definition-e.htm 
13. National Alliance to End Homelessness [n.d.] Chronically Homeless. Retrieved from: https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/who-experiences-homelessness/chronically-homeless/  
14. Reference: The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (2009). “The Right to Adequate Housing”. Fact Sheet No. 21, Rev 1. Retrieved from: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Publications/FS21_rev_1_Housing_en.pdf   

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By Jenna Robinson, ESPC Summer Research Assistant 

When critically engaging with houselessness in Edmonton, it is essential to include its intersection with experiences of family and intimate partner violence. Domestic violence is often cited as a leading cause of houselessness among women in Canada (Homeless Hub, 2016). There are many factors that cause this to occur, including structural barriers to accessing housing, financial constraints, and the overall nature of family and intimate partner violence.  

Prevalence of Family and Intimate Partner Violence in Canada  

Family violence and intimate partner violence are often used synonymously to define experiences of domestic violence, however, there are important distinctions between the two; family violence includes violence within a household and can occur between parents, children, and siblings (Moorer, 2021). Intimate partner violence includes violence in a romantic relationship who may or may not reside in the same household. Both family violence and intimate partner violence can take form in many ways, such as emotional/psychological, financial, sexual, and physical abuse. In 2019, 67% of the victims of family violence in Canada were women and girls and this population also comprised 79% of all victims of intimate partner violence (Statistics Canada, 2021). In previous years, Alberta has had the third highest reported rate of intimate partner violence among all provinces in Canada (Mertz, 2017); Saskatchewan had the highest, followed by Manitoba.  

It is critical to note that these rates only include police-reported experiences of violence which fail to depict the severity of violence; “It’s impossible to calculate the number of women and girls experiencing violence at the hands of an intimate partner, spouse or relative. The majority – more than 80%, according to one StatsCan estimate – go unreported” (Kingston, 2019). Many of those who experience family and intimate partner violence do not report their experiences to the police due to fear, lack of trust in authorities, and denial. Some folks do not know that they are experiencing violence, nor do they want their partner to get in trouble. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a dramatic increase in calls to Albertan women’s shelters, leaving Sagesse Domestic Violence Prevention Society with an increase of over 100% from 2019-2021 (Fikowski, 2021).  Support and housing options are required now more than ever to provide immediate safety for women and children fleeing violence.  

Shelter Options for Women Fleeing Family Violence in Alberta  

Folks leaving family violence have three options of shelters in Alberta: emergency, first stage, and second stage shelters. All shelters have strict surveillance and security measures to ensure residents are as safe as possible and no unwanted visitors are able to enter. One study found that “going to a domestic violence shelter could allow a survivor to access additional services, support, and a sense of community” (Rizo et al., 2022). In addition, Rizo et al, (2022) found that shelters ‘help a survivor get out of survival mode,’ provide safety, and potentially enhance well-being.” Housing is important because it provides folks with a safe and secure space where they can process their experiences and plan for the future. However, there are significant barriers for women leaving violence and attempting to secure safe, affordable housing. For example, financial abuse affects a woman’s ability to afford housing because her partner may not have allowed her to work or freely access the family finances (National Network to End Domestic Violence, 2017). Racism, sexism, and discrimination also influence a woman’s ability to find housing, for her and her children. For those who have nowhere else to go, there are some options: 

Emergency Shelters  

Emergency shelters are short-term housing spaces where folks can temporarily live to physically leave the violence they (and/or their children) are experiencing. Shelter workers connect folks to counsellors who can help them find the support they need. An example of an emergency shelter for women fleeing violence in Edmonton is Lurana Shelter. Lurana Shelter provides “safe, secure refuge and emergency services such as meals, clothing, personal care items, transportation, and child support, as well as services related to advocacy, and staffing 24/7 for support and security. One-on-one counselling is provided in partnership with a community agency” (Catholic Social Services, 2022). If needed, an emergency shelter can refer a woman (and their children) to other shelter options that provide longer-term support, such as Wings of Providence.  

First Stage Shelters  

First stage shelters allow folks to focus on recovery and healing from their experiences. Residents typically do not work or go to school and instead attend group and individual counselling sessions. Free childcare is typically offered while the mother attends one-on-one and peer counselling, group counselling, healing circles, and/or other important appointments. An example of a first-stage shelter for women in Edmonton is WINGS of Providence; their first-stage shelter is an apartment building with 49 units consisting of 2- and 3-bedroom living spaces that are fully furnished (Wings of Providence, 2022). WINGS also offers social support and life skills education. This includes safety planning, court accompaniment, food pantry, grocery gift cards, and many other services. Along with their first stage shelter, WINGS supports some women through their second stage shelter, “Home Next Door”. 

Second Stage Shelters  

Second-stage shelters are “safe, long term, affordable housing [options] to promote continued healing and independence.” (Wings of Providence, 2022). These shelters differ from emergency and first stages shelters because they require women to return to work or school to aid in their integration into society, yet still provide programming options for women and their children. At the Home Next Door, families still have access to the WINGS donation programming and an Outreach Program that provides counseling support, education, and resources for those overcoming family violence.  

Limitations of Domestic Violence Shelters – Are They the Best Solution?  

Although domestic violence shelters as a temporary refuge is a response to the growing rates of family and intimate partner violence in Canada, there are limitations and concerns associated with them. For example, the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters [ACSW] (2019) reported that between 2018-2019, Alberta shelters had to turn away 23,247 women, children, and seniors who were seeking housing due to capacity limitations. This finding is not only potentially life-threatening but likely is an under-estimate of the current severity of those being turned away. Although experiences of domestic violence itself influence the rate of hidden homelessness within populations (which cannot be calculated), the lack of available shelter beds increases the severity of this problem because it forces this population to couch surf, return to unsafe relationships, engage in survival sex work, or live in their vehicle (Thielman, 2021). COVID-19 has sparked an influx in reporting of family and intimate partner violence but has also likely influenced the invisibility of family and intimate partner violence. Accessing support services and shelters became more difficult due to mandatory quarantines and lockdowns because partners and family members were forced to stay home. As a result, individuals experiencing violence have less opportunity to be alone and access domestic violence support.  

When responding to the growing rates of family and intimate partner violence, we must address and consider the unique experiences of specific populations in our communities, such as visible minority groups, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as youth and older adults.  

Edmonton has taken a step in the right direction by providing a one-time investment of $880,000 in 2022 to women’s shelters across Edmonton, but they must not stop there (Komadina, 2022). It is critical that Edmonton expands its support and services to better support all genders, sexual orientations, and racial, ethnic, and cultural identities who endure family and intimate partner violence.  

If you are worried about yourself or someone you know, you can learn about warning signs of an abusive relationship here. For a list of other domestic violence shelters supporting women leaving violence in Alberta, please visit the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters website. For domestic violence support catered for refugee and immigrant populations, visit the Islamic Family and Social Services Association. The Aboriginal Counselling Services of Alberta offers programming for Indigenous Peoples impacted by domestic violence, such as the Circles of Safety program for men, women, children, and youth. The Today Centre provides services for those impacted by family violence and is 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly. 

Note: This is an excerpt from our September 2022 Community Matters, you can read the full publication here

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Jenna Robinson was the Research Assistant with ESPC in the summer of 2022 and has since moved to Calgary to complete her Master of Arts in Sociology at the University of Calgary. Her research interests include criminalized and victimized women, intersectionality, and anti-racism. 

References  

Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. (2019). 2019 Data Release. https://acws.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ACWS_Data-Release-2019._ACWSWEB.pdf.  

Catholic Social Services. (2022). “Lurana Shelter & Support”. https://www.cssalberta.ca/Our-Services/Domestic-Abuse-Shelters-Support/Lurana-Shelter.      

Fikowski, T. (November 25, 2021). “’Get worse before it gets better’: Alberta agencies say domestic violence increased during pandemic”. CTV News Calgary. https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/get-worse-before-it-gets-better-alberta-agencies-say-domestic-violence-increased-during-pandemic-1.5681442.   

Heidinger, L. (2021). Intimate partner violence: Experiences of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women in Canada. Juristat. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-002-X.  https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2021001/article/00007-eng.htm.       

Homeless Hub. (2016). Domestic Violence & Homelessness. https://www.homelesshub.ca/blog/domestic-violence-homelessness.    

Kingston, A. (September 17, 2019). “We are the dead”. Mclean’s. https://archive.macleans.ca/article/2019/10/1/we-are-the-dead.     

Komadina, S. (2022). Edmonton women’s shelters get financial support from city council. https://globalnews.ca/news/8770777/edmonton-womens-shelters-support-city-council/.    

Mertz, E. (February 19, 2017). “Alberta 3rd highest province for rate of intimate partner violence: report”. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/3259656/alberta-3rd-highest-province-for-rate-of-intimate-partner-violence-report/.    

Moore, C. (2021). Intimate partner violence vs. Domestic violence. YWCA Spokane. https://ywcaspokane.org/what-is-intimate-partner-domestic-violence/.    

National Network to End Domestic Violence. (2017). The Impact of Safe Housing on Survivors of Domestic Violence. https://nnedv.org/spotlight_on/impact-safe-housing-survivors/   

Rizo, C. F., Klein, L. B., Chesworth, B., Macy, R. J., Dooley, R. (2022). Intimate Partner Violence Survivors’ Housing Needs and Preferences: A Brief Report. Journal of Interpersonal Violence 37(1-2), 958-972. Doi: 10.1177/0886260519897330    

Statistics Canada. (2021). Family violence in Canada: A statistical profile, 2019. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210302/dq210302d-eng.htm  

Thielman, J. (2021). “Ending Homelessness For Women and Children Affected by Intimate Partner Violence”. https://www.homelesshub.ca/blog/ending-homelessness-women-and-children-affected-intimate-partner-violence%C2%A0.   

WINGS of Providence. (2021). “What we do”. https://wingsofprovidence.ca/what-we-do/.    

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