The CMHA describes the four categories of homelessness: “unsheltered, emergency sheltered, provisionally accommodated and at risk of homelessness” (2012). Although it is important to understand that homeless situations happen along a continuum, the issue relating to homelessness is complex; this research will focus on the unsheltered and emergency sheltered categories. In Waterloo Region, it is estimated that 2,726 individuals stayed in emergency shelters while 316 are estimated to be experiencing unsheltered, chronic homelessness (Region of Waterloo, 2017).
There are several complex, interrelating social determinants and risk factors that contribute to homelessness. Social determinants include: unemployment, gentrification, poverty, addictions, lack of support services, prison release, mental illness and vulnerable groups that include race, sexual orientation and disability (RNAO, 2004). Together all these compounding factors put people who are experiencing homelessness at the highest level of vulnerability.
NURSING