Research summary - Indigenous homelessness
From: Employment and Social Development Canada
Official title of the full report: Indigenous homelessness
Authors of the full report: Jason Adams and Hélène Roberge
Alternate formats
Research summary - Indigenous homelessness [PDF - 238 KB]
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Why this study
ESDC conducted this study to examine in greater detail the issue of homelessness among Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The 2016 National Shelter Study looked in-depth at emergency shelter data. It showed that Indigenous Canadians were 10 times more likely than non-Indigenous Canadians to use a shelter. Indigenous Canadians also made up around 30% of all shelter users in Canada.
What we did
Use 2016 data from emergency shelters
We used 2016 administrative data collected from emergency shelters for:
- men
- women, and
- children across Canada
This data:
- tells us about the demographics of shelter users, and
- describes the nature of their shelter stay
Use regional data from the 2016 Census
We used regional data from the 2016 Census to compare shelter populations to overall populations. Then, we used descriptive tabulations to examine the demographic breakdowns of shelter users for:
- First Nations people
- Métis, and
- Inuit
Use linear regression
We applied this method to:
- measure differences in shelter stay outcomes, and
- control for other shelter user characteristics
Use a competing risks survival analysis
We used this model to:
- measure relative likelihoods of leaving shelters for different reasons, and
- control for other shelter user traits
What we found
The findings show that Indigenous shelter users from different groups:
- have shorter shelter stays
- have more stays in a year
- face higher rates of episodic homelessness, and
- leave shelters less often because of finding a home
Representation in shelters
The data shows that Indigenous people make up a relatively higher proportion of shelter users. This was true for every community studied. The degree is higher for:
- Indigenous women
- Indigenous seniors, and
- Inuit
What it means
These results show the needs unique to the different groups of Indigenous peoples facing homelessness. The findings also highlight the barriers that Indigenous People can experience when looking for stable housing, such as:
- institutional racism, or
- social and cultural disconnection in urban areas
The project underscores the need for programs geared toward these groups, that target the vulnerabilities outlined in the results.
Contact us
Strategic and Service Policy Branch, Social Policy Directorate, Social Research Division
Email: ESDC.NC.SSPB.RESEARCH-RECHERCHE.DGPSS.CN.EDSC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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