Perspectives From Canada:Ending Youth Homelessness

Bruce PearcePresident, Canadian Housing and Renewal Association

International Models for Ending Youth HomelessnessNational Alliance to End Homelessness Conference

July 15, 2011Washington, D.C.

CHRA … a voice for the full range ofaffordable housing and homelessness

issues and solutions in Canada

• Canada’s recession not as severe as US’s, but…

• Poverty, social exclusion & lack of a long-term national housing strategy hamper efforts to end homelessness.

• Homeless & at-risk youth face persistent barriers to full participation in Canadian society (during boomtime or recession).

• 34.3 million Canadians (2011)– 12.4 million households

• 1.5 million households in ‘core housing need’ according to 2006 census (13% of all households)

• 150,000-300,000 visible homeless Canadians (2005); many more hidden homeless– 65,000 homeless youth; many more at-risk

• $135M/yr Homelessness Partnering Strategy– No national youth strategy; youth often a local

priority (HPS $ flows through 61 community plans)

Trains & employs Aboriginal youth in sustainable, family-supporting work.Prevents homelessness. Reduces poverty in the community.

Train for Trades is now a similar social enterprise.

The road ahead:• Frame a national policy to

end youth homelessness.• Put it into action,

together. • Consolidate a national

network of communities.• Continue international

alliance-building