Homelessness in Canada: Demographics
47.5% of homeless Canadians are single adult males, aged 25-55 years old
Women make up only 26% of the population in emergency shelters
However, women are at increased risk of hidden homelessness.
Once in the shelter system, they are at increased risk of violence, sexual exploitation and abuse.
20% are youth aged 16-24
LGBTQ youth are over-represented, making up 25-40% of youth experiencing homelessness
Aboriginal persons are also over-represented amongst the homeless population
For example, 17% of Toronto's aboriginal population are currently experiencing homelessness
Families account for 4% of all shelter stays, but 14% of all total bed nights
Families spend an average of 50 nights sheltered.
Since 2005, the number of families using shelters in Canada has increased by 50%.
Women make up only 26% of the population in emergency shelters
However, women are at increased risk of hidden homelessness.
Once in the shelter system, they are at increased risk of violence, sexual exploitation and abuse.
20% are youth aged 16-24
LGBTQ youth are over-represented, making up 25-40% of youth experiencing homelessness
Aboriginal persons are also over-represented amongst the homeless population
For example, 17% of Toronto's aboriginal population are currently experiencing homelessness
Families account for 4% of all shelter stays, but 14% of all total bed nights
Families spend an average of 50 nights sheltered.
Since 2005, the number of families using shelters in Canada has increased by 50%.
All stats from Gaetz S, Donaldson J, Richter T, & T Gulliver (2013): The State of Homelessness in Canada 2013. Toronto: Canadian Homelessness Research Network Press.