Homes for Women, a campaign to prevent, reduce, and ultimately end the homelessness of women and girls in Canada is concerned that the existing gender gap in research examining Housing First models will influence the allocation of almost $600 million – $119 million over 5 years – committed by the federal government in Budget 2013 to programs on the Housing First model. Homes for Women recommends adoption of the following measures to help ensure implementation of Housing First funding reduces the homelessness of women and girls.
Gender Considerations In Housing First Models for Those Experiencing Chronic Homelessness
Violence plays a central role in shaping the pathways into homelessness for women and girls and once homeless, it is an ever-present reality of life on the street.2 Attempting to avoid the violence of the male-dominated streets, many women and girls cycle in and out of abusive relationships, trade sex for temporary accommodation, and stay in unsafe and overcrowded housing. Their homelessness is less visible than that of men. To ensure their success for women, the ubiquity of violence in the lives of homeless women and girls and the reduced visibility of their homelessness must inform all of our strategies and models for ending homelessness. This holds particular implications for Housing First models.
For the full Brief from the Homes for Women Campaign see: Housing First, Women Second FINAL