Without A Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey

Our approach to data analysis was designed to provide solid information and evidence to
enhance our knowledge and understanding of pathways into homelessness, demographics
of the population, and the conditions young people experience once they are homeless.
Our hope is that this
research will contribute
to more effective
plans, strategies and
interventions, at the
national, regional and
local levels, that can
prevent and end youth
homelessness in Canada.
The results can also
be used to mobilize
community action on
youth homelessness,
particularly in areas where
there may be a perception
that youth homelessness
is not a real problem.
Importantly, while this is a rigorous, scientific
study, this is not simply ‘research for research’s
sake’. Our goal is to produce results that will
contribute to a national dialogue on youth
homelessness, and give communities information
they need to develop more effective responses
to youth homelessness. Good information should
be the foundation of any effective planning and
implementation strategy.
Historically, communities have relied on
emergency services and a crisis response to
support young people who are homeless.
Despite our best intentions, by simply managing
a crisis, we are in fact creating harm to the many
young people who experience homelessness, to
their families, and to our communities.
Research has demonstrated that the longer a
young person remains homeless, the worse their
health and well-being become, and the more
likely they are to experience exploitation, trauma
and addictions, drop out of school and become
entrenched in street life. There is a growing
recognition that it is not enough to simply
‘manage’ the problem. The question to be asked
is: Can we do things differently? Can we shift from
merely managing the problem, to preventing and
ending youth homelessness in Canada?
WITHOUT A HOME: THE NATIONAL YOUTH HOMELESSNESS SURVEY
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