General Article Public libraries and faith-based organizations join forces to address homelessness

Topic Selected: Homelessness Book Volume: 398

Public libraries and faith-based organizations join forces to address homelessness

Tents and other structures are seen in an aerial view at a homeless encampment at Strathcona Park in April, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Kaitlin Wynia Baluk, McMaster University

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated homelessness. Throughout the pandemic, shelters reduced capacity to comply with public health protocols, people lost jobs and affordable housing remained elusive.

With a rise in tent cities and makeshift accommodations, homelessness has gained visibility.

Local municipal authorities across Canada have worked to enforce bylaws. Many have dismantled encampments to the dismay of activists and homeless people.

These events, media coverage, ensuing protests and policy discussions raise important questions about public space: How should it be used? Who is the public? And the question I am concerned with here, what are the implications of pushing people who are homeless out of these “i...

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