Health issues among homeless
families in Timmins-A northern
community
PRESENTER: DR. ARSHI SHAIKH
RENISON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE U N I V E R S I T Y O F WA T E R L O O
P U B L I C H E A LT H 2 0 1 4 - C A NA D I A N P U B L I C
H E A LT H A S S O C I A T I O N C O N F E R E N C E
C O - AU T H O R S
D R . C A RO L K AU P P I
H I R E N R AWA L , M S W, R S W
Introduction
 There is a growing presence of families with
dependent children among the homeless
population.
 In January 2011, Poverty, Homelessness and Migration,
a community-university research alliance
conducted a period prevalence count of homeless
persons in Timmins in collaboration with
community partners.
Introduction (cont’d)
 The results indicated that there were 720
persons facing absolute homelessness or near
homelessness (e.g., pending eviction,
substandard housing) at the time of study.
 The families constituted two-thirds of those
who were absolutely homeless in Timmins, a
city situated in Northeastern Ontario.
Research Objectives
 To understand the nature, prevalence and
circumstances surrounding family
homelessness in Timmins.
 To examine the health challenges faced by
homeless families in Timmins.
Definition of a Homeless Family
 One or more homeless persons with at least one
dependent child.
 The person could be a biological parent, a
grandparent, a non-biological parent, a foster
parent or a guardian.
 Homeless persons under the age of majority with
at least one child were also included in the study.
Methods
 A six-phase, multi-method research design.
 Results emerging from the following phases are
included in this presentation.
 Phase II: Quantitative analysis of period
prevalence data (comparison communities)
 Phases IV & V: Interviews and focus groups
with homeless parents/guardians
Results
 A profile of family homelessness in Timmins.
 Health problems among homeless families in
Timmins and comparison communities (i.e.,
Sudbury, North Bay, and Hearst).
 Emotional impact on parents or guardians.
 Emotional impact on children.
Profile of Homeless Families in Timmins
 A majority of homeless parents or guardians were
women (81%).
 Ethnic groups
 Anglophones (42%)
 Francophone (19%)
 Indigenous (36%)
 The age range was between 16 and 83 years (mean
37 years).
Profile of Homeless Families in Timmins
(cont’d)
 One fourth of the parents or guardians reported
being single and over one-fourth were separated,
divorced or widowed.
 The most common family size was two children.
 The major sources of income included
 Ontario
Disabilities Support Program
 Employment
 Ontario Works
 WSIB benefits
Physical
Health Issues
Timmins
(%)
Sudbury-North
Bay-Hearst
(%)
Back problems
27
22
Knee problems
10
3
Diabetes
17
3
Heart problems
7
13
Arthritis
7
11
Mental Health Issues
Timmins
(%)
Sudbury-North
Bay-Hearst
(%)
Depression or
postpartum depression
44
61
Stress, anxiety, panic
attacks, suicidal
thoughts
39
38
Bi-polar disorder
29
12
PTSD
13
6
Other (e.g., borderline
personality disroder)
13
20
Emotional Impact on Parents or Guardians
 Sadness or depression
 Shame and embarrassment
 Isolation and loneliness
 Helplessness
 Hopelessness
 Loss of motivation
 Felt vulnerable and misunderstood
Personal Narrative
Mona, an Indigenous woman stated
It does affect me emotionally, a lot. Because, just
not having my own place….and….just being
stressed out, especially with kids.
Many parents expressed the view that their mental
and physical health issues could be addressed if they
were able to obtain suitable housing.
Emotional Impact on Children
 Family separation: children were temporarily
staying with other family members or in care with
the child welfare authorities.
 Parents expressed deep concerns about the impact
of homelessness and separation on the mental
health and well-being of their children.
 Stress, anger, frustration, sadness, insecurity and
crying among children.
Conclusion
 The study indicated that Anglophone,
Francophone and Indigenous homeless families
experienced a range of physical and mental health
challenges.
 The results reinforce prior findings regarding the
significance of housing as a social determinant of
health1,2.
Implications for Health Promotion Practices
 Acquire deeper understanding regarding the impact of
homelessness and associated issues (e.g., separation of
parents and children) on the health of all family
members.
 Design interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral health
promotion activities.
 Focus upon psychosocial needs along with physical
health needs.
 Engage and involve homeless families in each stage of
health promotion activities.
References
1.
Weinred, L.F., Buckner, J.C., Williams, V., & Nicolson, J.
(2006). A comparison of the health and mental health
status of mothers in Worcester, mass: 1993 and 2003.
American Journal of Public Health, 96 (8), 1444-1448.
2.
Coles, E., Themessl-Huber, M., & Freeman, R. (2012).
Investigating community-based health and health
promotion for homeless people: a mixed method review.
Health Education Research, 27 (4), 624-644.
Acknowledgements
 This study was funded by the
Homelessness Partnering Strategy
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
 Contribution of
 Homeless
parents and guardians
 Service providers and community members in Timmins
 Faculty members and students with Poverty, Homelessness
and Migration-SSHRC CURA