An exploratory study of the pathways into homelessness among of foreign-born and Canadian-born families: a timeline mapping approach

ABSTRACT

Despite the growing number of foreign-born homeless families in Canada, few studies have investigated their experiences prior to becoming homeless. To address this gap, this study explored the pathways into homelessness for foreign-born families and compared these pathways to those of Canadian-born families. Timeline mapping and in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 23 foreign-born and 13 Canadian-born homeless families residing in emergency family shelters. Findings showed that there was greater diversity in the homeless pathways of foreign-born families than Canadian-born families. Foreign-born families discussed the impact their immigration experiences had on their financial and housing instability and how social isolation, traumatic experiences, and the difficult emotions associated with fleeing an unsafe country made life before homelessness even more challenging. Canadian-born families spoke about their experiences with poverty, homelessness, and housing instability – all of which started during childhood. They navigated these challenges while dealing with the loss of relationships, health issues, family separation, and violence. Despite these differences, both groups reported similar service experiences and structural and systemic barriers to stable housing.

KEYWORDS:

• Family homelessness
• Immigration
• Pathways
• Qualitative research
• Timeline mapping
• Immigrants
• Refugees

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexia Polillo

Alexia Polillo, Ph.D., received her doctoral degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of Ottawa. Her research interests are in health and community services, homelessness, mental health, and program evaluation.

John Sylvestre

John Sylvestre, Ph.D., is Vice-Dean of Research in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Associate Professor in the School of Psychology, and Senior Researcher at the Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services at the University of Ottawa. His research interests are in program evaluation, community mental health, housing, and homelessness.