Introduction

This section explores the Federal response to Houselessness through their legislation, programs, funding, regulation, and consideration of mental health.

Legislation

The government of Canada has adopted the National Housing Strategy Act to align them with the United Nations standards. The Act implements a National Housing Council to advise the Minster in developing a National Housing Strategy that focuses on human rights and minority groups. The implementation of the National Housing Strategy Act, 2019 recognizes the importance of dignity and the intersectional experiences of houselessness.

<aside> 🏛️ Section 4 of the National Housing Strategy Act is a declaration of governmental responsibilities in which they:

• “recognize that the right to adequate housing is a fundamental human right affirmed in international law;
• recognize that housing is essential to the inherent dignity and well-being of the person and to building sustainable and inclusive communities;
• support improved housing outcomes for the people of Canada; and
• further the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing as recognized in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.”

Read more from the Act at: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/n-11.2/FullText.html

</aside>

Programs

Reaching Home

Rather than implementing a singular nation-wide approach, there is emphasis on specific community-based action in which the government provides funding. The federal approach has altered from emergency responses to investing in long-term solutions.

<aside> 🏛️ Reaching Home, the Federal Houselessness Program, launched April 2019 with intentions to:

• “reduce chronic homelessness nationally by 50% by 2027-28;
• [Focus] on Indigenous solutions through increased dedicated funding;
• [Maintain] the community-based approach and expands the program’s reach including more communities”

This community support is achieved through funding as they Nationally support innovate contributions to houselessness, and focusing on Indigenous houselessness specifically. The Reaching Home funding also provides regional support by funding:

• urban communities with high rates of houselessness
• rural communities otherwise overlooked
• Indigenous services
• communities within the territories.

To ensure best community support there is a Community Advisory Board to develop the plan, suggest projects to be funded, and supports the houseless in their community. The Board consists of government representation, non-profit organizations and local stakeholders.

To read more on Reaching Home go to: https://www.oecd.org/social/soc/OECD-Workshop-Homelessness-PPT-S1-Baker-Canada.pdf

</aside>

Housing First

The federal government supports and implements Housing First's innovative approaches to houselessness through their funding and policies. Housing First is a philosophy that collaborates with Reaching Home address community needs. The philosophy focuses on the requirements of basic human needs and “access to permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness, without requiring psychiatric treatment or sobriety as determinants of “housing readiness” Additionally, the Housing First approach is guided by the idea that housing is a basic human right.” Read more on Housing First’s Philosophy here: ****https://housingfirsttoolkit.ca/overview/key-questions/#q1

<aside> 🏛️ Housing First aims to ensure:

• Rapid and Supportive Housing: Finding secure permanent housing quickly and providing help moving and rehousing.
• Choice: Choice in housing options and services accessed.
• Other services: Utilizing treatment or services is not necessary to benefit from the housing. Consenting to regular visits is required.
• Tenancy Rights and Responsibilities: Establishing Landlord-tenant relationships, aims to contribute 30% of their income towards the cost of rent.
• Community: Minimizing stigma and encouraging community integration.
• Self-Sufficiency: Strengthening skills and abilities based on self-made goals that can consist of employment, education, social integration, health, etc before leaving Housing First.

Read more about Housing First principles here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/homelessness/resources/housing-first.html

</aside>

Funding

The 2021 annual budget includes housing and houselessness initiatives, allocating $1.5 billion in funding for the Rapid Housing Initiative which focuses on the creation and conversion of affordable housing. The budget further contributes $315.4 million over seven years for the Canada Housing Benefit for women and children fleeing violence. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund is receiving $1 billion, as $250 million is to support transitional housing for women and children fleeing violence by providing grants and loans. Reaching Home is receiving $567 million over two years, having $45 million dedicated to a reducing veteran houselessness program.