Every year as Canadians brace for another winter season of numbing temperatures, the homeless-a visible yet forgotten population- are always preparing for the absolute worst. Every year, there are nearly 235,000 individuals that are homeless in Canada and 35, 000 on any given night. Toronto Public Health reported close to 100 homeless deaths based on data collected in 2017. Poverty is a driving underlying cause for homelessness but there are other critical factors to consider. Additional issues include: declining mental and physical health, addiction, escaping abuse and violence, financial instability, and lack of affordable housing options. Although homelessness is a concern year-round, winter is when it becomes particularly life threatening due to the risk of hypothermia.
Hypothermia is defined as a condition whereby heat is lost from the body faster than it can be produced, resulting in a medical emergency. Our normal body temperature is around 37℃, yet the temperature of a body suffering from hypothermia is below 35℃. Numerically, a two degree difference may not seem too drastic or dangerous; however, it can result in serious alterations to our body’s way of functioning. Once body temperatures decline, the nervous system, heart, and other organs slowly cease their activity.
Hypothermia often results from prolonged exposure to cold weather or being immersed in cold water. Some of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering, heavy breathing, weak pulse, lack of awareness, and memory loss. Hypothermia can be determined based on the physical signs an individual displays and the circumstances in which they were found or that led to the person becoming ill. Blood tests can also be used to verify the condition and severity.
If someone is believed to have hypothermia, medical attention should be sought immediately. Meanwhile, the first step in treating hypothermia is finding a means to bring the body back to normal temperature by providing warmth. First-aid guidelines in such a situation involves: shifting the individual inside, removing wet clothing, covering them with blankets, monitoring breathing, and bringing warm beverages. Medical treatment varies based on intensity and may involve blood rewarming, airway rewarming, and irrigation. If treatment is not provided, failure of the heart or respiratory system may occur, potentially leading to death. The only way to avoid hypothermia is to find any technique to remain warm, whether by wearing layers of clothing, staying dry, or avoiding extended periods in the cold.
Homelessness does not have to be inevitable in a society. Many cities and countries across the globe understand that having a roof over your head while coping with personal struggles is absolutely essential for improvement. To combat this issue, Finland has adopted the Housing First scheme, an approach working on the premise that a permanent home will be provided before addressing the underlying causes that lead individuals to become homeless. The housing is given on a normal lease and they may subsidize the cost of the assistance provided based on their income. Individualized support services are provided as well as financial and debt counselling.
The Housing First approach has also spread to New York to Scandinavia and Australia to Argentina. Veteran homelessness has ended for the chronically homeless because of permanent housing projects. This has been accomplished across 3 US states: Connecticut, Delaware, and Virginia. Between 2010 and 2016, there was nearly a 50 percent decline in the homeless veteran population across the nation.
Toronto has taken steps towards addressing homelessness by developing portable “Sprung” structures. This is part of the city’s 2018-19 plan for the homeless in a cost-effective manner. It is purchased by the City of Toronto and are meant to serve as temporary housing facilities for individuals, couples, and pets. They will be spread across the east, west and central regions of the city. The Lamport site will remain open year-round, as of December 2018, while the others will be open based on demand as of January 2019. These structures are able to shelter 80-100 people. The three structures are equipped with washrooms, showers and laundry amenities.
In Toronto, we have the Young Parents No Fixed Address helping pregnant women and children and Covenant House working to get youth off the streets. Hope Mission in Edmonton runs a 24-7 Rescue Van in addition to arranging a shelter and meals. Affordable housing, emergency shelters, and mental health counsellors are organized by a non-profit housing service in Saskatoon named The Lighthouse. Homelessness draws attention to societal and economic barriers that some individuals are not able to overcome due to adverse circumstances. Providing aid to organizations and funding affordable housing for the homeless will be beneficial in the long-run. The sooner homeless individuals have a home, the sooner they can take care of themselves, get employed, secure financial stability, and stay warm.
By Fatima Zaidi
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