Introduction - Dr. John Ecker: What is homelessness?

Описание: In this video Dr. John Ecker offers a comprehensive definition of homelessness as the lack of adequate, suitable, and affordable housing, and as a violation of the human right to housing. Dr. Ecker expands by discussing the four parts of the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness’ definition, which includes people who are unsheltered, emergency sheltered, provisionally accommodated, and at-risk of homelessness. He notes that it is important to think about different subgroups who experience homelessness at higher rates or in unique ways, such as women, families, and youth. Dr. Ecker concludes by drawing attention to how these definitions are westernized understandings, and points towards Jesse Thistle’s definition of Indigenous homelessness as being a useful resource for thinking about homelessness in different ways.

This video was recorded in 2021, as part of a series, for the project “Understanding Homelessness in Canada: From the Street to the Classroom.” (https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub...)

For more information, please visit the project site above or reach out to us at [email protected]