Reality Check

Most Canadians now know there is a national housing crisis, whether because it’s touched their own lives or because advocates have finally gotten the attention of  governments, and national debate on how to address the housing crisis dominates headlines. What we don’t hear alot about is how to provide solutions for those who are made most vulnerable by the housing crisis: namely households led by women and gender-diverse people. The first place to start is to increase your understanding of how much more serious this crisis has been for women and gender-diverse people.

Articles

• The Pan-Canadian Women’s Housing & Homelessness Survey (2021)
  This report provides statistical data on women’s homelessness and outlines some of the key challenges women face to accessing housing.
• A Portrait of Homelessness Amongst Gender-Diverse People in Canada (2023)
  A literature review, practice scan and research brief that provides background on the current state of homelessness and housing need amongst gender-diverse people in Canada. 
• Homeless on Homelands: Upholding Housing as a Human Right for Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender-Diverse People (2022)
  This report, authored by the National Indigenous Feminist Housing Working Group, provides a rights-based analysis that shows Indigenous women, girls, Two-spirit, and gender-diverse people are experiencing some of the most egregious right to housing violations across Canada. 
• The State of Women’s Homelessness & Housing Need in Canada: Key Findings (2020)
  This report identifies eight key challenges and opportunities in seeking to prevent and end homelessness amongst women, girls, and gender diverse peoples. It is a precursor to the Pan-Canadian Women’s Housing & Homelessness Survey.
• Analysis of Affordable Housing Supply Created by Unilateral National Housing Strategy Programs: A Research Report (2022)
  Prepared for the National Housing Council, this report illustrates the gap between the housing anticipated to be built under Canada’s National Housing Strategy and the needed housing amongst those with the highest housing need, including women and gender-diverse people.