How COVID-19 Changed the Landscape of Youth Homelessness in Canada

Andrea Laturski

The COVID-19 pandemic, a global crisis, has had devastating implications for vulnerable populations, particularly youth, exacerbating existing challenges and limiting access to crucial services and support systems. As we move forward, it’s essential that recovery plans prioritize youth homelessness, addressing both the immediate and long-term impacts of the pandemic.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, governments around the world implemented lockdowns and restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus. For many, this was a necessary measure to protect public health. However, for homeless youth, these lockdowns presented significant barriers. Shelters, which serve as essential refuges for young people without homes, faced capacity restrictions to ensure physical distancing and to minimize the risk of outbreaks (Koziel, Savidov, & Frick, n.d.). With fewer available beds, many youths were left without a safe space to sleep at night (Koziel, Savidov, & Frick, n.d.).The mental health of homeless youth has long been a concern, and the pandemic only intensified these challenges. The uncertainty and stress caused by COVID-19, coupled with isolation from support networks and strained resources, left many young people grappling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. For those already facing trauma and instability, the pandemic compounded their suffering, with few outlets to seek help (Koziel, Savidov, & Frick, n.d.).

Additionally, substance abuse rates among homeless youth have been rising steadily over the years (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, 2020). The isolation and uncertainty caused by the pandemic exacerbated this issue, as many youths turned to substances as a coping mechanism (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, 2020). As a result of the limited accessibility of necessary support systems, including counseling and rehabilitation services, the cycle of addiction and homelessness became even more difficult to break (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, 2020).

As Canada begins to recover from the pandemic, it’s vital that recovery plans also account for homeless youth. Here are some key steps that should be taken:

Increase Access to Emergency Shelters and Housing Programs: Governments and community organizations must work together to ensure that emergency shelters have the capacity to meet the needs of homeless youth (BGM Strategy Group, 2020). 

Expand Mental Health and Addiction Services: The pandemic’s toll on mental health and substance abuse must be addressed with specialized services that cater to the unique needs of homeless youth (BGM Strategy Group, 2020). Providing accessible counseling, peer support, and addiction treatment programs is crucial in helping these young people recover and regain control of their lives (BGM Strategy Group, 2020).

Address the Root Causes of Youth Homelessness: While the pandemic exacerbated youth homelessness, it’s essential to recognize that systemic issues such as poverty, family breakdown, and discrimination often contribute to a young person’s experience of homelessness (BGM Strategy Group, 2020). 

The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the vulnerabilities of homeless youth in Canada, making it clear that we must take swift and comprehensive action to address this crisis. Recovery plans must include expanded access to housing, mental health services, and support programs tailored to the needs of homeless youth. Only by prioritizing these young people in our recovery efforts can we ensure that they have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

References 

BGM Strategy Group. (2020, September). COVID-19 interim shelter recovery strategy: Advice from the homelessness service system. https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-156419.pdf 

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. (2020). Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use treatment capacity in Canada. https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2020-12/CCSA-COVID-19-Impacts-Pandemic-Substance-Use-Treatment-Capacity-Canada-2020-en.pdf 

Koziel, J., Savidov, M., & Frick, A. (n.d.). A brief scan of COVID-19 impacts on people experiencing homelessness: System impacts and responses. Bissell Centre. https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/A%20Brief%20Scan%20of%20COVID-19%20Impacts%20on%20People%20Experiencing%20Homelessness%20-%20System%20Impacts%20and%20Responses.pdf