[Policy Brief] Policy Pathways for Aging in the Right Place: Strategies to Address Homelessness among Older Adults in Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal

In response to an aging homeless population, the Aging in the Right Place (AIRP) Partnership has been evaluating innovative solutions for older adults who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness or housing precarity since 2020. This project is located in three of the four most populated cities in Canada: Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal–each representing unique demographic and socio-economic contexts. 

To better understand what is needed to support older people experiencing homelessness to age in the right place, a literature review and stakeholder meetings were carried out. Three themes from the existing literature were identified as impacting how older adults with experiences of homelessness can age in the right place: housing stability, supportive housing with integrated services, and inclusive design. Following, a jurisdictional scan was conducted to explore how these three themes apply to the unique urban contexts of Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal. This scan showcased significant trends, as well as gaps across these jurisdictions.

Policy Brief Authors: Sarah L. Canham, Isabel Diavolitsis, Tara Fernando, Dominique Garreaud Calderon

Read the full report here