Eviction and loss of income assistance among street-involved youth in Canada

Abstract

Loss of housing and income assistance among vulnerable youth has not been well described in the literature, yet it is a crucial issue for public health. This study examines the prevalence and correlates of loss of income assistance as well as eviction among street-involved youth. We collected data from a prospective cohort of street-involved youth aged 14–26. Among 770 participants, 64.3% reported having housing and 77.1% reported receiving income assistance at some point during the study period. Further, 28.6% and 20.0% of youth reported having been evicted and losing income assistance, respectively. In multivariable generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis, heavy alcohol use, unprotected sex, being a victim of violence, and homelessness were all independently associated with eviction. Separately, homelessness, recent incarceration, and drug dealing were independently associated with loss of income assistance. Eviction and loss of income assistance are common experiences among street-involved youth with multiple vulnerabilities. Our findings highlight the importance of improving continued engagement with critical social services.

Systematic review of psychosocial factors associated with evictions

“…alcohol consumption, gambling and drug use) was an independent risk factor for eviction (OR = 8.0, 95% CI = 1.56–4.24), specifically, drug addiction was significantly more frequent among those who were evicted compared to those who were not evicted (Van Laere et al., ). Analysis of data from the At‐Risk Youth Study in Canada also found that heavy alcohol use was associated with evictions (Zivanovic et al., ) even after controlling for other confounding factors.…”

“…Desmond, An, Winkler, & Ferriss, (Desmond et al., ) also conducted a particularly notable study combining survey and court data for a sizable sample. Other studies reported on prospective cohorts but the temporal relation between variables could not be determined and analyses were based on associations using time‐varying variables (Kennedy et al., ; Zivanovic et al., ). Overall, review of all ten studies revealed the most salient factors related to risk of evictions could be grouped into four categories, by order of the strength of their association reported in the literature: financial hardship (60% of studies), sociodemographic and household characteristics (40% of studies); substance use (40% of studies); and other health problems such as physical and mental conditions (80% of studies).…”

“…Mental health and substance use problems were also found to be important factors associated with evictions, as has been found in reviews of factors associated with homelessness (Susser et al., ; Tsai & Rosenheck, ). Relatively high rates of mental health problems and substance use problems have been found among those at risk of evictions (Montgomery et al., ; Phinney et al., ; Rodriguez et al., ; Van Laere et al., ; Zivanovic et al., ); additionally, cognitive deficits, money mismanagement and other behavioural problems that accompany mental health problems and substance use disorders can negatively affect one's ability to pay rent and abide by lease agreements. Rates of mental health and substance abuse treatment utilisation among those at risk of evictions are unknown and so it is unclear whether they are receiving adequate treatment or whether there are barriers to care.…”

“…Evictions are one of the most common pathways to homelessness (Cusack & Montgomery, ; Desmond & Kimbro, ). In addition to homelessness, studies have shown that evictions are associated with various negative health outcomes, including long‐term stress, medical problems, substance use, depression and suicide among adults and their children (Rojas & Stenberg, ; Van Laere, De Wit, & Klazinga, ; Zivanovic et al., ). Thus, a growing number of studies have begun to conceptualise evictions as an important social and public health problem.…”

Perceived Devaluation and STI Testing Uptake among a Cohort of Street-Involved Youth in a Canadian Setting

“…In Canada, street-involved youth are a highly marginalized population that often experience reduced access to healthcare, and are more likely to become involved with the criminal justice system and exposed to food insecurity, homelessness and unstable housing, as well as limited job and education opportunities (Tyler & Johnson, 2006; Worthington et al, 2008; Zivanovic et al, 2016). Studies have shown that up to 95% of street-involved youth have ever used illicit drugs whereas over 40% have ever injected drugs (Barnaby, Penn, & Erickson, 2010; Canada, 2007; Kerr et al, 2009; Public Health Agency of Canada, 2006; Worthington et al, 2008).…”