The beginning of September is marked by the return of Parliament, but also by the return of social issues in the public space. Among these, homelessness remains an omnipresent problem that extends to many cities in Quebec.
Yet the government pays little attention to homelessness, and is even less interested in people with intellectual disabilities, despite the fact that more and more of them find themselves in precarious housing situations or even on the streets. In fact, some studies show that they are overrepresented in these situations. The alarm bells were sounded a long time ago by many organizations, yet the situation seems to be getting worse. It is high time that policies change and that the government act quickly on housing and support for people with intellectual disabilities.
Varied paths to homelessness
Several pathways can lead to homelessness: financial insecurity and poverty, low education, family breakdown, domestic violence, lack of access to appropriate health and support services, etc. In the case of people with intellectual disabilities, these factors can be compounded by the lack of living environments adapted to their needs, of appropriate health and social services, as well as social isolation and stigmatization.
Research indicates that these individuals are also at greater risk of being targeted by criminal acts (assault, violence, abuse), and even more so when the person is a woman. These difficulties can also be exacerbated by difficulties in understanding complex information, or by communication deficits, complicating navigation in government systems and services.
Yan-Loup, one of the spokespersons for the housing mobilization campaign J’ai ma place!, explained: “If you live in expensive and unsanitary housing and the owner does nothing, it’s complicated for me to open a file with the administrative housing tribunal… And the owner tells me: “There’s nothing you can do, you don’t know how to contact the tribunal and you’re going to lose!” This administrative burden encourages abuse, it doesn’t help us get out of it.”
Taken together, these factors mean that some people with less support may end up in a situation of homelessness. Unfortunately, once they are homeless, these people often face new challenges: psychological distress, violence, substance abuse, subsistence crime, etc. These situations also increase the risks of behaviors deemed problematic, making it more difficult to “rehabilitate” and find a suitable living environment that allows them to get off the street.
In reality, there are few options for people with intellectual disabilities who have behavioral problems and are trying to get off the streets. In such a context, getting out of it is almost a miracle.
Preventing homelessness by better supporting people
For years, community and academic circles have been hammering homelessness homelessness is not just about concrete. While housing is needed, there is also a need for services to prevent homelessness, as well as services to enable “reintegration” into society. People with intellectual disabilities are no exception to this rule.
In addition to the necessary actions related to the construction of social and affordable housing, it is therefore important that the government take action and strengthen social services in the province. For example, it is crucial to provide people with healthy, stimulating and safe living environments, but also to focus on strong support services and the implementation of individualized intervention plans.
These measures need to be taken at an early stage, ideally before homelessness becomes a reality, so that they can adapt to changing needs throughout the individual’s life. It is also high time that the government increased the level of social assistance benefits to help lift those on them out of poverty.
Mobilize for change
It is urgent that Quebec recognize and address the specific needs of people with intellectual disabilities in relation to homelessness. The government should focus on an integrated approach that includes affordable housing policies, accessible social services and increased coordination between different levels of government and community organizations. In the coming months, we will lead the “I have my place!” campaign related to housing and intellectual disabilities. We will propose solutions to the Quebec government. We hope that the government will answer the call. We are only asking to collaborate to improve the situation.
While there is danger in the home, there is still time to act to prevent a more serious crisis. Homelessness is not inevitable. However, resolving this crisis will require political will, adequate resources and a deep understanding of the issues at stake.
As a society, we have a duty to protect those most at risk of finding themselves in vulnerable situations. Ignoring this reality is not only letting down those who need it most, but also abandoning our collective responsibility to build an inclusive and united Quebec.