Perceptions Of Homelessness In Canada

1. Perceptions Of Homelessness In Canada GCI Group November, 2005

2. Background & Methodology • 1435 Canadians, from POLLARA’s on-line panel, conducted the on-line survey from November 11th to the 15th, 2005. • Respondents were asked four questions regarding homelessness in Canada in addition to questions concerning their age, household income, and region of residence. • Data collected from panel members is weighted to geographically represent all Canadians and the results have a margin of error of ±2.59%, 19 times out of 20.

3. Almost two-thirds (63%) of Canadians feel homelessness has increased over the past three years. • Canadians living in British Columbia are the mostly likely to feel that homelessness in Canada has increased over the past three years (77%). • As household income levels increase, Canadians are less likely to feel that homelessness has decreased (from 44% among Canadians who earn a household income less than $25,000 to 35% among Canadians who earn a household income of $75,000 or more). • The highest proportion of Canadians who feel that homelessness is increasing are 65 years or older (81%), while only 47% of those between 18 to 24 years old feel the same. Q: Do you feel that over the past three years homelessness in Canada is: (n=1435, November 2005)

4. Half (52%) of Canadians agree that the high cost of housing is contributing to more people being homeless. • Respondents from the Atlantic provinces are the most likely to agree that the high cost of housing is contributing to more homelessness in Canada (56%). • Canadians who earn a household income between $25,000 and $50,000 are the most likely to agree that the high cost of housing is contributing to an increase in homeless people (73%). • Canadians between 55 and 64 years of age are the most likely to agree that the high cost of housing is contributing to more people being homeless (73%). Total Disagree: 36% Total Agree: 52% Q: The high cost of housing in Canada is contributing to more people being homeless. (n=1435, November 2005)

5. The vast majority of Canadians (81%) believe the number of homeless people can be reduced. • Respondents from Ontario are the most likely to agree that it is possible to reduce homelessness in Canada (85%). • Canadians who earn a household income between $50,000 and $75,000 are the most likely to agree that it is possible to reduce the number of homeless people (90%) while those who earn a household income of less than $25,000 are the most likely to disagree (33%). • Canadians 65 years and older are the most likely to agree that it is possible to reduce homelessness (89%), while those between 25 and 44 years old are the most likely to disagree (17%). Total Disagree: 11% Total Agree: 81% Q: It is possible to reduce the number of homeless people in Canada. (n=1435, November 2005)

6. Three-in-ten (30%) Canadians believe municipal governments have made the most significant contribution toward reducing homelessness in Canada, most are unsure. • Respondents who live in Newfoundland and Labrador are the most likely to mention the Federal Government (32%), respondents from British Columbia are the most likely to mention Provincial Governments (28%), while respondents from Ontario and Alberta are the most like to mention Municipal Governments (37% and 35%, respectively). • Just under half (47%) of Canadians who earn a household income of less than $25,000 believe Municipal Governments have made the the most significant contribution to reducing homelessness. • Only 16% of Canadians 65 years of age or older do not know which level of government makes the most significant contribution to reducing homelessness, just under half (47%) of the same age group believes the Federal Government makes the most significant contribution. Q: Which level of government has made the most significant contribution towards reducing homelessness in Canada? (n=1435, November 2005)

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