COH-AWH-What_Would_it_Take

A New Direction emphasized that these
classifications exist along a continuum. In
order to effectively prevent homelessness,
all three forms of prevention must occur
simultaneously. The Homelessness
Prevention Framework also includes a
typology that outlines five areas in which
legislation, policies, interventions, and
practices can contribute to the prevention
of homelessness in Canada.
1. STRUCTURAL PREVENTION
2. SYSTEMS PREVENTION
3. EARLY INTERVENTION
4. EVICTION PREVENTION
5. HOUSING STABILITY
PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY
ENDING
HOMELESSNESS
While adults and youth who are homeless experience some of the same challenges, the causes
and experiences of homelessness for youth are unique, calling for a distinct approach to youth
homelessness prevention. In this report, young people outline how homelessness prevention
can best meet the needs of young people.
WHAT YOUTH HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION IS NOT
This definition is intended to provide clarity and precision about what the prevention of
youth homelessness is, but also what it is not. We must be clear - the prevention of youth
homelessness must entail keeping a young person housed. While emergency services often
provide a range of programs and supports that build resilience, skills, and reduce the most
negative impacts of homelessness (e.g., starvation, exposure to extreme weather), these
interventions cannot be described as homelessness prevention because they do not directly (or
even indirectly) prevent the occurrence or reoccurrence of homelessness.
Likewise, the term prevention is also often used to describe interventions for young people who are
currently experiencing homelessness that may, in the long run, contribute to housing stability, such
as life skills, addictions supports, mental health supports, or employment and education services.
While such interventions are
clearly important, they cannot
be considered homelessness
prevention unless they are provided
in a context wherein young people
have immediate access to housing.
Any services and supports that are provided
to people who are homeless in an emergency
context – no matter how helpful and
beneficial – cannot be considered to be youth
homeliness prevention if the young person
remains in an ongoing state of homelessness
with no immediate prospect of exiting.
WHAT WOULD IT TAKE? 32