Immigration and Homelessness

Research in Toronto, Peel Region, and Hamilton

Dr. Kenise Murphy Kilbride, Co-Principal InvestigatorDr. Steven Webber, Co-Principal Investigator

Etta Baichman-Anisef, Project DirectorNelson Amaral, Graduate Research Assistant

Cecilia Wong, Research AssistantDr. Sabin Mukkath, Lead Researcher, Hamilton

Research Questions:

Who are most vulnerable to homelessness among immigrant and refugee populations?

What are the links between international migration and homelessness?

What are the experiences of the foreign born homeless and hidden homeless in trying to find affordable, appropriate accommodation?

What have they found to be helpful, and where have they found it?

Methodology

Formulate a dynamic approach to identify the factors contributing to homelessness among newcomers

Literature Review Key Informant Focus Groups with service providers,

housing workers and shelter staff in Toronto, Hamilton and Peel Region

Individual In-depth interviews with foreign born homeless and hidden homeless individuals

Individual in-depth interviews

100 individuals selected using a stratified non-random selection process

Sample included at least 30 hidden homelessSample quota by regional proportion of

immigrantsToronto 60Peel 25Hamilton 15

50 Males and 50 Females were interviewed

Key Informant Focus GroupsFactors contributing to problems experienced by

newcomers in seeking housing:

Rent Too High and Social Assistance Too Low Unfamiliarity with How the System Works and Lack of

Information Difficulty Finding Employment Mental and Physical Problems and Breakdown Lack of Appropriate Documentation Cultural Barriers: Lack of Cultural Sensitivity and

Understanding Racism and Discrimination by Landlords Size of Family (Landlords won’t rent to large families) Lack of Links to their Community

Trends identified by Key Informants :

The number of multiple families sharing apartments has increased tremendously. Homelessness in general is higher.

An increase in the number of sponsored immigrant seniors brought to Canada by their children to look after their grandchildren.

An increase in the number of children coming to Canada on their own as refugee claimants.

More difficulty in finding housing. The waiting lists for shelter use are getting longer.

“Best Practices” in Services to Newcomers

Key informants identified “best practices” - i.e. practices that have been found most effective among the services offered, to alleviate vulnerability to homelessness.

An “Open Door” Policy

A Patterned Model Shelter

Wrap-around Services

Second-Stage Housing

Peer Support Program

Who Are The Homeless

Current Status in Canada Toronto Peel Hamilton Total

Naturalized Citizen 30% 8% 13% 22%

Permanent Resident 43% 64% 53% 50%

Currently a Refugee Claimant 17% 4% 20% 14%

Appealing a negative decision for refugee status

0% 8% 0% 2%

Under a deportation order 2% 4% 0% 2%

Temporary Visitor 0% 4% 0% 1%

Without Status 8% 8% 13% 9%

Total 100% 100% 100% 100%

Where are the Homeless

Toronto is a major immigrant reception centre, and the distribution of homeless immigrants reflects this. Hamilton, and to a lesser extent Peel Region, are targets of secondary migration.

When you first came to Canada, did you come to this city?

Toronto Peel Hamilton Total

Yes 82% 56% 33% 68%

No 18% 44% 67% 32%

Total 100% 100% 100% 100%

Housing HistoryPrior to arriving in Canada did you ever

live in a residence that you owned or rented yourself?

- Toronto Peel Hamilton Total

Yes 55% 96% 87% 70%

No 45% 4% 13% 30%

Total 100% 100% 100% 100%

Individual Interviews

Has being a member of a visible minority group contributed to the challenges you have faced?

Toronto Peel HamiltonGrand Total

Yes 62% 65% 60% 62%

No 23% 17% 13% 19%

Don't Know/Unsure 15% 17% 27% 18%

Grand Total 100% 100% 100% 100%

Individual Interviews

If you had trade or professional qualifications from abroad, are they recognized in Canada?

Toronto Peel Hamilton Total

Yes 11% 10% 0% 9%

No 74% 45% 90% 67%

Unknown/Uncertain 15% 45% 10% 25%

Total 100% 100% 100% 100%

Common Threads To Three Sites

Overall Lack of Social Capital

Participants had:Limited integration with people or institutions that could provide valuable supportDifficulty entering chosen professionEconomic difficulties from an inability to earn a living in their field Difficulty interacting with Canadians Difficulty finding or interacting with others from their own ethnic group