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Homelessness in Winter: A Deadly Struggle
1 Dec
Summary
- Unhoused Canadians face increased risk of death as winter worsens.
- Cold-related deaths and hospitalizations are a significant public health issue.
- Advocates stress the urgent need for affordable housing over emergency responses.
The onset of winter poses a critical threat to Canada's estimated 60,000 homeless individuals, a population that has nearly doubled in six years. Many are now living in unsheltered encampments, making them acutely vulnerable to extreme cold. Between 2011 and 2023, Health Canada reported nearly 1,700 cold-related deaths and over 9,000 hospitalizations across the country.
Organizations like the Calgary Homeless Foundation and BeTheChangeYYC are providing essential services, including warming spaces and winter supplies. However, experts argue that these emergency measures, while life-saving, are not sustainable solutions. The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness stresses that a significant increase in deeply affordable housing is imperative to combat the escalating crisis effectively.
Activists and government officials acknowledge the complexity of homelessness, linking it to addiction and mental health issues. While local initiatives are underway, there's a call for greater provincial and federal involvement. Without substantial investment in housing, the cycle of emergency responses is expected to continue as the problem intensifies.
