Welcome to Canada: Why are family emergency shelters ‘home’ for recent newcomers?
Abstract
Although Canada is recognized internationally as a leader in immigration policy, supports are
not responsive to the traumatic experiences of many newcomers. Many mothers and children arriving
in Canada are at elevated risk of homelessness. Individual and group interviews with 18 newcomer mothers with current or recent experiences
with homelessness and with 16 service providers working in multiple sectors were conducted. Three main themes emerged: gendered and racialized pathways into homelessness; system failures, and pre- and post-migration trauma. This study revealed structural barriers rooted in preoccupation with economic success that negate and exacerbate the effects of violence and homelessness. The impacts of structural discrimination and violence are embedded in federal policy. It is critical to posit gender and
culturally appropriate alternatives that focus on system issues.
Notes
Integration timeline: arrived in Canada in the last 5 years
Key populations: newcomer mothers and children who have experienced homelessness in Canada
Open access: Yes
Community organizations: n/a
Future research / gaps identified:
- Analyze how immigration status and immigration class affect the pathway to homelessness for newcomer mothers and their children.
- Examine how the presence of a partner and/or children alongside the mother affects the pathway to homelessness.
Key findings:
- Systems failures related to the intersection between being a newcomer and being a mother exacerbated the pathway to homelessness.
- Jurisdictional issues with service eligibility and access affected the mothers’ ability to exit homelessness.
- Pre- and post-migration traumas were significant experiences of the mothers.
Key recommendations:
- Develop and expand wrap-around, holistic services and supports for trauma, violence, housing and settlement.
- Instill trauma-informed care in settlement agencies.
- Improve policies by using a intersectional rights-based approach instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Increase federal and provincial funding for organizations to better support newcomers, and to continue supports past the first year of arrival.
Location: Calgary, AB
