Homelessness is a severe form of poverty marked by unstable housing and insufficient income, healthcare, and social support. It includes completely homeless individuals (often referred to as “rough sleepers”), those in temporary emergency shelters, the “hidden homeless” (people staying with friends or family), and others at risk of homelessness.

When individuals lose their housing, they may temporarily couch surf. If that option is unavailable due to weak social connections or lack of income, they often end up in shelters or face complete homelessness. While emergency shelters are common in urban areas, they are often lacking in rural regions.

Some people experiencing homelessness may find temporary lodging in motels or rooming houses, while others sleep in public spaces like parks or alleys. The constant instability makes it challenging to secure income, maintain health, and obtain permanent housing.

Homelessness is not just about the absence of shelter; it involves various social factors that exacerbate poverty and limit opportunities. Addressing homelessness requires not only increasing affordable housing but also improving income security and access to healthcare and justice.[1]

2. What are the various types of homelessness?

Homeless individuals, often referred to as "houseless people," can be categorized into three main groups: absolute homeless, concealed homeless, and those at risk of homelessness.

Absolute Homelessness
This group includes people who are “sleeping rough” in public places or using shelters. Those living on the streets or in shelters represent the core population of the homeless.

Concealed Homelessness
Concealed homelessness refers to individuals temporarily staying with friends or family because they cannot afford their own housing. This hidden aspect of homelessness is difficult to quantify, as these individuals would otherwise be without shelter.

At Risk of Homelessness
This category includes people who are in danger of losing their housing due to eviction or lease expiration, as well as individuals being released from institutions without a place to go. Additionally, many Canadians live in inadequate housing, which may lead to homelessness. Often, those who become homeless have first experienced substandard living conditions, highlighting the need to consider this population in discussions about homelessness.[2]

3. What should I do when I see an individual experiencing homelessness from afar?
If you see an individual experiencing homelessness from a distance at York University, consider the following steps:

Assess the Situation: Observe their behavior and surroundings to determine if they appear to need assistance.
Contact Support Services: Reach out to campus resources, such as York University’s Security Services or the Office of Student Community Relations, to report the situation. They can provide appropriate assistance or connect the individual with local support.
Avoid Confrontation: If you feel unsafe or unsure, do not approach the individual directly. It’s important to prioritize your safety.

4. What should I do if I encounter an individual experiencing homelessness up close?

Assess the Situation: Observe their behavior and surroundings to determine if they appear to need assistance.
- Contact Support Services: Reach out to campus resources, such as York University’s Security Services or the Office of Student Community Relations, to report the situation. They can provide appropriate assistance or connect the individual with local support.
- Avoid Confrontation: If you feel unsafe or unsure, do not approach the individual directly. It’s important to prioritize your safety.

5. What if I see an individual experiencing homelessness who is damaging a building or urinating?

Assess the Situation: Quickly evaluate the situation to determine if there is an immediate threat to safety for you or others.
Avoid Confrontation: Do not approach or confront the individual directly, especially if they are engaging in disruptive behavior. Your safety is the priority.
Contact Campus Security: Report the situation to York University Security Services. Provide them with specific details about what you observed, including the location and nature of the behavior.
Document the Incident: If you feel comfortable, take note of the time, location, and any other relevant details. This information can be helpful for York’s security services.
Stay Nearby (If Safe): If you can do so safely, stay nearby until assistance arrives, but do not put yourself at risk.

6. What resources are available for students facing homelessness?

Students facing homelessness can access York’s student engagement office for further assistance

7. Are there any safety concerns when interacting with individuals experiencing homelessness?

While most individuals experiencing homelessness do not pose a threat, it’s important to trust your instincts. Always prioritize your safety, avoid confrontational situations, and seek help from York’s security services if necessary. Additional important things to include in an approach to addressing safety concerns should include empathy, respect, and understanding, while also being mindful of safety. While homelessness itself is not inherently dangerous, some individuals may face challenges, including mental health issues or substance use, which could lead to unpredictable behavior in certain situations.

8. What should I know about the stigma surrounding homelessness?
Many individuals experiencing homelessness face significant stigma and discrimination. It’s important to approach them with empathy, recognizing their humanity and the complex challenges they face. The stigma surrounding homelessness is often based on misconceptions, leading to negative stereotypes and unfair treatment of individuals experiencing homelessness. To effectively address and reduce this stigma, it is essential to recognize a few key points:

Homelessness is Complex and Diverse: Many factors contribute to homelessness, including economic hardship, health issues, and systemic barriers, making it a multifaceted issue.
Mental Health and Substance Use Are Often Consequences, Not Causes: These challenges may arise or intensify because of homelessness rather than being the initial cause.
Stereotypes Create Barriers to Support and Opportunities: Negative perceptions can limit access to necessary resources and reduce public support for programs that assist individuals in regaining stability.
Homelessness Can Affect Anyone: The potential for housing insecurity is closer than we may realize, especially in times of economic instability, underscoring the importance of a compassionate and inclusive approach.

Community Safety Department Response to Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

1. How is the Community Safety Department addressing the increasing concerns shared by Faculty, Students, and Staff?

The Community Safety Department (CSD) at York University is taking a comprehensive, data-driven, and compassionate approach to address the increasing concerns shared by faculty, students, and staff about individuals experiencing homelessness on campus. The department’s initiatives focus on safety, inclusivity, and collaboration, balancing immediate needs with long-term solutions. Here’s how these concerns are being addressed:

1.1 Enhanced Safety Measures

CSD has implemented measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community:

Night Patrols and Building Sweeps: Systematic walkthroughs based on mapped schedules ensure coverage of key areas, preventing long-term encampments.
Audits: Regular Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), door security, and CCTV camera audits are conducted to enhance the safety and accessibility of campus facilities.
Emergency Protocols: Escalation procedures ensure that acute incidents are handled promptly in collaboration with Toronto Police Services and Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams (MCIT).

1.1 Proactive Data Collection and Mapping

Understanding the extent of homelessness on campus is critical for effective intervention:

Wellness Checks: Systematic checks to gather insights on demographics, frequent locations, and the needs of unhoused individuals.
Building Mapping: Identifying high-traffic areas such as Vari Hall, Central Square, and Ross Building to target resources effectively.
Hybrid Response Model: Using data to inform acute and moderate response strategies based on behavioral criteria and urgency of needs.

2. Tailored Response Strategies

CSD employs a Hybrid Response Model to address homelessness with sensitivity and efficiency:

Acute Response: For individuals exhibiting violent or disruptive behavior or experiencing medical decline, a rapid response team trained in de-escalation and crisis intervention is deployed. Where necessary, trespassing orders are issued after offers of support are declined.
Moderate Response: For non-violent individuals, CSD conducts regular wellness checks and connects them with available services and resources. Persistent non-engagement leads to trespassing orders as a last resort.

3. Strategic Partnerships

To address the concerns of unhoused individuals on campus effectively, we are leveraging strategic partnerships with community organizations, local authorities, and social service providers. This approach ensures a compassionate and comprehensive response that balances the safety and well-being of the campus community with the needs of vulnerable individuals.

3.1 Collaboration with Social Service Providers

Partnering with local shelters, housing programs, and outreach teams to connect individuals with immediate support, including food, shelter, and clothing.

Establishing relationships with organizations specializing in mental health and substance use support to offer tailored resources to those in need.

3.2 Engagement with Law Enforcement and Community Safety Partners

Collaborating with law enforcement, such as the Toronto Police Service (TPS), to ensure a balanced approach that prioritizes de-escalation and resource referral over punitive measures.

Working with community safety networks to enhance our staff’s ability to engage compassionately with the unhoused while addressing safety concerns.

3.3. Campus and Community Synergies

Partnering with campus-based social work, public health, or criminology programs to involve students and faculty in research, advocacy, and direct support efforts.

Partnering with a diverse network of institutions, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to tackle homelessness through a unified, region-wide approach.

3.4 Preventative Measures

Collaborating with partners to promote awareness of available services among the unhoused population to prevent campus incidents.

Coordinating with partners to develop strategies for creating designated areas where support can be provided without disrupting campus operations.

3.5 Continuous Improvement

Regularly consulting with partners to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and refine approaches based on outcomes and community feedback.

Using partnerships to provide ongoing training for staff on trauma-informed practices, cultural competency, and mental health awareness.

By leveraging strategic partnerships, we aim to create a holistic and sustainable approach to addressing the concerns of unhoused individuals on campus. This collaborative strategy not only enhances safety and well-being for all but also underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive and compassionate campus environment.

4. Why can’t Community Safety Department issue a trespassing order to remove non-community, individuals experiencing homelessness?

The Community Safety Department (CSD) may face limitations in issuing trespassing orders for individuals experiencing homelessness due to several legal, ethical, and procedural factors:

4.1 Ethical and Humanitarian Considerations

Many individuals experiencing homelessness occupy public or semi-public spaces out of necessity rather than intent to disrupt or violate property rules. Issuing a trespass order may criminalize poverty rather than address the root causes of their presence.

CSD often prioritizes engaging these individuals with support and services over punitive measures like trespassing orders, which could further marginalize vulnerable populations.

4.1 Escalation Risks

Issuing a trespass order could escalate tensions with individuals experiencing homelessness, leading to unnecessary conflict or harm.

Involving law enforcement to enforce a trespass order could perpetuate cycles of criminalization, further entrenching the individual's challenges.

4.3 Commitment to Community Support

CSD typically aims to collaborate with outreach organizations, mental health services, and housing providers to find long-term solutions rather than relying on exclusionary practices.

While maintaining the safety of the community is paramount, issuing trespass orders is seen as a last resort, reserved for situations involving significant risk to property or people.

In most cases, the Community Safety Department prioritizes alternative strategies such as de-escalation, connecting individuals with resources, or coordinating with law enforcement or social service agencies to provide support rather than resorting to exclusionary measures like trespassing orders.

5. What are some examples where CSD would engage with Law enforcement partners (e.g. TPS, York Region Police) in supporting with an incident involving individuals experiencing homelessness?

Community Safety Departments (CSD) often collaborate with law enforcement partners such as Toronto Police Service (TPS) or York Region Police in various scenarios involving individuals experiencing homelessness to ensure safety, legal compliance, and appropriate support. Examples include:

5.1 Crisis Situations

Mental Health Crises: When an individual is in severe distress or poses a risk to themselves or others, CSD may engage law enforcement to assist in de-escalating the situation and facilitating access to emergency mental health services.

Violent Incidents: If a homeless individual is involved in or the victim of an altercation where physical harm is occurring or imminent, law enforcement may be called to restore safety.

5.2 Criminal Activity

Property Theft or Damage: In cases where theft, vandalism, or other property-related offenses involve homeless individuals, CSD may involve law enforcement to address the criminal aspect while ensuring support services are offered.

Trespassing or Unauthorized Access: If an individual refuses to vacate restricted areas after repeated warnings, law enforcement may be called as a last resort to ensure compliance.

5.3 Missing Persons or Welfare Checks

Vulnerable Individuals: When a person experiencing homelessness is identified as missing or in need of a welfare check due to health concerns, law enforcement may assist in locating or ensuring their well-being.

5.4 Public Safety Concerns

Weapons or Threats: If there are reports of weapons or threats involving a homeless individual, CSD works with law enforcement to address the potential danger while minimizing harm.

Community Safety Events: During large-scale incidents or events where multiple stakeholders, including homeless populations, are involved, law enforcement might collaborate with CSD to manage public safety.

5.5. Collaborative Outreach and Support

Community Engagement Programs: Partnering with police outreach teams to connect homeless individuals with mental health, addiction, or housing services.

Integrated Safety Responses: Engaging police for their specialized resources, such as canine units, forensic teams, or behavioral assessment units, to resolve complex incidents safely.

5.6 Addressing Legal Issues

Court Orders or Warrants: If a homeless individual is subject to a court order or has outstanding legal issues, law enforcement may support resolution while ensuring access to social services.

Conflict Mediation: Assisting in disputes where legal intervention is necessary to mediate or enforce regulations.

These collaborations are conducted with a focus on preserving dignity and addressing systemic challenges, ensuring responses are aligned with trauma-informed practices and community-oriented values.

6. On average, how many incidents does the Community Safety Department respond to involving individuals experiencing homelessness?

Over the past year, York Security Services responded to approximately 1,033+ incidents involving individuals experiencing homelessness, accounting for 32% of all security incidents on campus during the reporting period of September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024. The majority of these incidents (87%) were related to non-violent behaviors such as loitering, trespassing, and disorderly conduct, which primarily impacted perceptions of safety. Violent incidents were infrequent, with only 24 cases (2%) involving violence or threats. Property-related crimes represented 3% of incidents, and medical emergencies accounted for 7%. These statistics highlight the diverse nature of security interactions involving unhoused individuals at York University.

It is important to note that the data shared, is approximate, and reflects the calls received and staff deployed to respond. We are currently undergoing an exercise to update our data collection processes, to ensure all contacts are captured and reported.

7. How are we going preventing and mitigating thefts related to the underhoused?

To prevent and mitigate thefts involving individuals experiencing under housing, we are implementing a balanced strategy that focuses on addressing root causes while maintaining community safety. Our approach includes the following measures:

7.1 Enhanced Security Measures

Increased Patrols: Deploying Community Safety Advisors to monitor high-risk areas, focusing on prevention through visibility.

Improved Surveillance: Utilizing strategically placed CCTV systems to deter theft and assist in investigations.

Access Control Enhancements: Upgrading locks, barriers, and restricted access areas to reduce vulnerabilities.

7.2 Engagement and Outreach

Collaboration with Community Services: Partnering with local organizations to connect underhoused individuals with resources, such as shelter, food programs, and employment opportunities, addressing theft's root causes.

Building Relationships: Training security officials to engage individuals respectfully and build trust to reduce the likelihood of property-related incidents.

7.3 Preventative Programs

Resource Distribution: Facilitating programs that provide essential items, reducing the need for theft to meet basic needs.

Awareness Campaigns: Educating the community and underhoused populations about available resources to support self-sufficiency.

7.4 Data-Informed Approaches

Incident Tracking: Monitoring trends and hotspots for theft-related activity to focus preventive efforts where they are most needed.

Risk Assessments: Conducting regular assessments to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risks proactively.

7.5 Training and Policy Development

Trauma-Informed Training: Ensuring staff understand the complexities of homelessness, enabling them to respond effectively and compassionately.

Consistent Protocols: Establishing clear guidelines for handling theft-related incidents to balance accountability with supportive interventions.

By integrating security measures with compassionate outreach and resource-driven initiatives, we aim to create a safer environment while addressing the systemic factors contributing to thefts among the underhoused.

8. What type of training does Security officials receive to respond to individuals experiencing homelessness

Security officials receive specialized training to respond effectively and compassionately to individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring their approach prioritizes safety, dignity, and respect. This training typically includes the following components:

8.1 Trauma-Informed Care:

Understanding the impact of trauma on behavior and decision-making, enabling security officials to interact sensitively with individuals who may have experienced adverse circumstances.

8.2 De-Escalation Techniques:

Learning effective strategies to manage and reduce tension during interactions, focusing on non-confrontational communication.

8.3 Mental Health Awareness:

Gaining knowledge about common mental health challenges, including how to identify signs of distress and respond appropriately.

8.4 Cultural Competency:

Developing awareness and respect for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of individuals experiencing homelessness.

8.5 Community Resources Training:

Familiarizing themselves with local support services, such as shelters, outreach programs, and health services, to provide referrals and guidance.

8.6 Human Rights and Ethical Standards:

Ensuring actions align with legal and ethical principles, emphasizing the rights and dignity of all individuals.

8.7 Conflict Resolution Skills:

Learning methods to address disputes or challenging situations in a constructive manner, avoiding unnecessary escalation.

9. How is the department considering the intersections of mental health and related factors?

The department is actively addressing the intersections of mental health and related factors through a multifaceted approach that integrates awareness, training, and collaboration. We prioritize mental health by implementing comprehensive support systems, such as mental health training for staff, fostering partnerships with specialized service providers, and incorporating trauma-informed practices into our operations. Additionally, we are committed to engaging with community stakeholders to ensure that our programs and initiatives are inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of those we serve. This approach underscores our recognition of the complex interplay between mental health and various social, economic, and cultural determinants.

Understanding these factors can help to foster a more empathetic and supportive perspective, ultimately working to dismantle the stigma surrounding homelessness.

Refer to the Homeless Hub for further information on individuals experiencing homelessness.

[1] https://homelesshub.ca/resource/homelessness-questions-answers/

[2] https://homelesshub.ca/resource/homelessness-questions-answers/

Individuals Experiencing Homelessness - Frequently Asked Questions

Context

General Questions

1. What is homelessness?