"Everyone's Fed Up": A Case Study of Housing Systems in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and Medicine Hat, Alberta


Laura Fisher, Dalhousie University

According to Statistics Canada, approximately 235,000 people experience homelessness in Canada each year, which researchers know is an underestimate. Using a systems lens, this study compares homelessness in two smaller communities: Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM), Nova Scotia, and Medicine Hat, Alberta. Similar in socio-economic characteristics and both using a Housing First approach to assist those who are at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness, these two communities have had vastly different successes in responding to housing insecurity over the past decade. For example, CBRM’s last (2021) homelessness count identified 325 people experiencing homelessness, an increase from 2016 and 2018 enumerations. Moreover, Cape Breton’s Ally Centre claims the number of homeless clients they see doubled in 2023 from the previous year, and the number of people living in tents has recently doubled as well. Meanwhile, Medicine Hat’s numbers are much lower; they declared a brief end to chronic homelessness in 2021 (the first city in Canada to do so), while the most recent point-in-time count identified 120 people without housing. Through case study design, we explore why these communities have such different track records in addressing homelessness, despite their similar characteristics. At the same time, we also explore underlying factors which are curtailing even the best efforts of community organizations, given the return of homelessness in Medicine Hat. Our data consists of semi-structured interviews with 10 CBRM- and 13 Medicine Hat-based service providers (such as housing and harm reduction organizations) that assist individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, and we also draw upon government documents. While data analysis is not yet complete, work to date reveals the differing roles of inter-related systems in these two regions, including Child Protection, the Criminal Justice System, and Income Assistance, in “manufacturing homelessness” (using the term used by housing advocates in Saskatoon). The role of the provincial government, the coordination of efforts (or lack thereof) across community stakeholders, and differences in community leadership are also emerging as factors. Intersectional framing is used to emphasize the compounding issues faced by those with marginalized identities such as racialized and Indigenous peoples, women leaving abusive situations, youth, and older single adults (specifically men). Data analysis to date also points to shared struggles in providing safe and secure affordable housing to those in need, including problematic landlords, discrimination, and state of disrepair of rental units. Meanwhile, substance use was identified as a major challenge in both communities, as was the lack of non-market housing. Beyond contributing to the literature on housing systems and the sociology of homelessness, we will conclude our presentation by making policy recommendations and recommendations for non-profit organizations.

Non-presenting authors: Catherine Leviten-Reid, Cape Breton University; Kristen Desjarlais-deKlerk, Cape Breton University

This paper will be presented at the following session: