‘Turn off the tap’ – addressing homelessness prevention

‘Turn off the tap’ – addressing homelessness prevention

Homelessness is a growing crisis, and in this episode of People First Radio, Stephen Gaetz, President and CEO of the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, discusses why prevention should be at the forefront of our efforts. Gaetz, also a professor at Toronto’s York University, argues that more people are entering homelessness than exiting it in Canada and the U.S., and shares his insights on effective prevention strategies.

Drawing from examples in Australia, he emphasises the importance of school-based interventions and family support to keep young people off the streets. He explains how initiatives like the Reconnect Program and the Upstream Project have shown promising results in identifying at-risk youth early and providing the necessary support to prevent homelessness. Gaetz also highlights the significance of addressing youth homelessness as a priority, noting that many individuals experience homelessness for the first time before age 25.

He discusses the need for a shift in focus from emergency responses to long-term prevention strategies, including enhancing family and natural supports and adapting Housing First models to better serve young people. By investing in these preventative measures, Gaetz believes we can significantly reduce chronic homelessness and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of homelessness and exploring solutions that go beyond temporary fixes.

Tune in to hear Gaetz’s compelling arguments and learn how you can contribute to making a difference.