'At risk' of being homeless similarly detrimental to health as actual homelessness, new study finds

The links between homelessness and health issues have been well documented, however a new report suggests that Canadians at risk of becoming homeless may suffer from similar health concerns. The Health and Housing in Transition study tracked 1200 homeless people and those considered to be 'at risk' of becoming homeless (individuals who have been homeless or moved at least twice in the past year) for a year and found both groups to suffer from similar health concerns. A lack of food and nutrition, combined with pre-existing health conditions that may impede their ability to work and function within broader society, were found within both homeless individuals and those at risk of becoming homeless.

The report's findings emphasize what many homelessness and housing advocates have been saying for years: Homelessness and affordability issues, and the resultant physical and mental health problems for Canadians living in these conditions, do not exist only on the streets, but are often hidden from plain sight - in people's living rooms, in multiple occupancy apartments - anywhere where Canadians are at risk of becoming homeless. The report stresses that on any given night in Canada, for every one person sleeping in a shelter, 23 more live with the stress of housing vulnerability and the risk of soon becoming homeless.

The report, entitled 'Housing Vulnerability and Health: Canada's Hidden Emergency' will be discussed today at a research forum on homelessness organized by the Ottawa-based Alliance to End Homelessness. For more information, please visit their website: http://www.endhomelessnessottawa.ca/