Homelessness is not a choice, it is a state of desperation, and does not apply only to citizens living on the streets, but residents struggling to meet ends meet, addiction, abuse, and illness as well. Homelessness is a climbing issue and cannot be ignored. According to CBC Canada, it was estimated that the homelessness population falls somewhere between 200,000 and 300,000 people living on the street, while the other 1.7 million residents are struggling to meet ends meet. The leading cause of homelessness is poverty, which, in Canada, has an overall poverty rate of 15.7%, recorded in 2005.
Without a sufficient income, basic needs are not provided: shelter, food, and water. In absence of these aspects, the possible outcomes can occur, such as illness, addiction, homelessness, and eventually death. It is important that the issue of homelessness is solved, because it not only affects individuals, but also the economy, therefore society as a whole. As homelessness grows, so do the investments that go into providing homeless shelters and medical programs, which are funded by taxpayers and private donations. This treatment is called the “Band-Aid” treatment, by putting the homeless away and not addressing the key issues that lead to homelessness. People who are suffering from all characteristics of homelessness don’t need 20 shelters; they need support and guidance to lead them away from their struggle and how to deal with it.
This is the treatment that the Greater Moncton Homelessness Steering Committee, a non-profit advocate group, strives to achieve, by not just providing shelters and programs, but addressing the key issues citizens are struggling against, meeting their needs, and supporting them even after they have been treated. Since first opening in 2000, Moncton has seen a great improvement in homelessness records, as well as across the province of New Brunswick. Described in their first “Provincial Report Card,” it was estimated that 2, 374 people were experiencing some form of homelessness in 2008. In just one year, they released a dramatic decreased estimate of 737 in 2009. Acknowledging that being poor increases a citizens chance of becoming homeless, GMHSC not only addressing sufferers from homeless, but citizens who are potentially at risk, and also raising awareness in the community to get involved in order to solve homelessness.
Homelessness is a growing concern in Canada. But the extraordinary example GMHSC has made in the community demonstrates that there is a solution for homelessness, and that is by community involvement and programs and shelters that help citizens who are battling with homelessness and those who are at risk. Together we can make a difference.
