Homelessness is a complex issue in Canada, with an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in a given year. The economic pressures faced by people, combined with the recent public health disruptions caused by the pandemic, have exacerbated the crisis. To better understand homelessness, the Homelessness Counts project was launched, which used both qualitative and quantitative methods. Through interviews and data analysis, the project aimed to generate policy insights and provide a more accurate understanding of homelessness in Canada.
The project utilized healthcare administrative data to identify cases of homelessness. This approach allowed for the calculation of COVID-19 infection and vaccination rates among those with a recent history of homelessness. The results demonstrated the utility of the algorithm and highlighted the importance of data analytics in addressing contemporary issues related to homelessness. While the project is not a solution to homelessness, it provides valuable insights that can assist in generating targeted and proactive solutions.
The collaboration between the Western University Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing and ICES, an independent research institute, allowed for the use of comprehensive healthcare data in Ontario. This data enabled the identification and enumeration of emerging trends within the homeless population, such as high rates of Alzheimer’s disease, opioid-toxicity mortality, and dementia. By quantifying these issues, the project hopes to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and the development of more effective solutions to homelessness.
In conclusion, the Homelessness Counts project utilized qualitative and quantitative methods to generate insights into homelessness in Canada. By leveraging healthcare administrative data, the project identified important trends and provided evidence for the existence of specific issues faced by people experiencing homelessness. While it is not a complete solution to homelessness, the project’s findings can inform targeted interventions and support efforts to address the complex and multifaceted challenges of homelessness.