Internal Displacement

A Study of Homelessness in the City of Toronto

Authors

  • Danielle Koyama, MSW
  • Peter A. Dunn, PhD Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University

Keywords:

homelessness, internal displacement, internally displaced persons, human rights

Abstract

In 1998, homelessness in Canada was declared a national disaster by the Big City Mayors Caucus, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the City of Toronto, and over 400 community organizations. Since then, the situation has become worse. This study found that the conditions of homeless people in Toronto fit the definition of internally displaced persons delineated by the United Nations. As a result, they fall under United Nations human rights legislation and may qualify for international support. The research utilized data triangulation by analyzing information from thirty-five recent research studies based in Toronto, collecting information from representatives of fifteen key organizations providing services to people who are homeless in Toronto and undertaking in-depth qualitative interviews of fourteen homeless people from a diversity of backgrounds. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for social change anchored in a human rights framework.

Author Biographies

  • Danielle Koyama, MSW

    Danielle Koyama graduated with an MSW from the Faculty of Social work at Wilfrid Laurier University. She was the recipient of the Social Justice Award for her inspiring work with people who are homeless. Danielle is currently a frontline community worker in the downtown east end of Toronto. She has been working with people who are homeless for over ten years. She is actively involved in social justice and anti-poverty work in Toronto.

  • Peter A. Dunn, PhD, Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University

    Peter Dunn is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. He teaches courses to MSW and PhD students related to social policy, poverty in Canada, research and alternative interventions. His research interests include: social inclusion, disability issues, poverty, social housing, gender issues and holistic healing. Peter has undertaken four national research projects funded by SSHRC. He is an activist who has been passionately involved in tenant organizing and social change.

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Published

2011-08-01

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2011): Journal of Internal Displacement

Section

Full Papers