appU prof available to speak to media on how to stop homelessness
Co-host of world’s largest conference on youth homelessness prevention says number one reason for homelessness is a lack of affordable housing; addressing family conflict key for adolescents
TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2025 – app Faculty of Education professor , also president of the , says after decades of research and advocacy work, homelessness prevention is no longer being treated as a “dirty word” by the policy makers, government agencies and not-for-profits he talks to.
The concept of prevention – basic on the surface, but previously met with so much resistance – seems to finally be having its moment, says Gaetz, perhaps in part because the problem has become impossible to ignore.
“Homelessness is on people's minds. The growth in the numbers in Toronto and across Canada and the rise in encampments make homelessness highly visible, and while what we are advocating for hasn’t changed, the resistance to these ideas certainly has,” says Gaetz, who along with Melanie Redman of is next week in Toronto.
“The main reason for homelessness in general is a lack of affordable housing, but for youth in particular, family conflict plays a huge role. Half of homeless people will have their first experience of homelessness under the age of 25, so preventing youth homelessness is a crucial part of tackling the larger crisis.”
Acknowledging that the housing ‘crisis’ is actually a chronic condition that continues to grow worse, Gaetz advocates for a public-health model of prevention. This includes broad strategies that benefit society as a whole, such as widely available affordable childcare and housing, to targeting those most at risk of homelessness, with specific strategies dealing with Indigenous homelessness, interventions for those facing imminent eviction, and for those who do find themselves homeless, swift interventions to house them immediately and make sure they don’t become homeless again.
A key intervention for youth is to enhance their family connections and other natural supports.
“If we focused our efforts on preventing youth homelessness, not only would we have better outcomes for young people, but also for their families and communities, and in the long run we would have an impact on chronic homelessness,” says Gaetz.
“Currently, youth who age out of foster care, hospital patients and those being released from prison are all being discharged into homelessness in this country. This should never happen.”
Held Monday, February 24 to Wednesday, February 26 at the Westin Harbour Castle, the conference will feature researchers, service providers, experts with lived experience and thought leaders from Canada and around the world, highlighting research that showcases evidence-based solutions to youth homelessness.
With more than 500 people registered for the event, Gaetz says to his knowledge it is the largest conference hosted on the topic of youth homelessness prevention to date. Gaetz is available at the conference and beyond to speak to the media on concrete strategies communities can adopt to prevent homelessness, and youth homelessness in particular.
- Why half of homeless people first experience homelessness as youth and how addressing family conflict for both youth and their families is key
- The connection between foster care, criminalization and homelessness
- The key evidence-based interventions that have demonstrated how to prevent youth homelessness.
- Why providing homeless people with housing is cheaper and more effective than focusing resources on the shelter system
- Examples from around the world of governments successfully taking action to prevent homelessness
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app is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.
Media Contact:
Emina Gamulin, app Media Relations, 437-217-6362, egamulin@yorku.ca
