Neoliberalism and Homelessness in the Western Canadian Arctic

• Published in: Canadian journal of nonprofit and social economy research
• Main Authors: Michael G. Young, Joshua Moses
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English; French
• Published: Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing 2013
• Subjects: homelessness; nonprofit; neoliberal; socio; anthro-se; Arctic; Arctique*
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.22230/cjnser.2013v4n2a147; https://doaj.org/article/84cec5b3ed154996b12346c27636b579

Homelessness in the Beaufort-Delta represents a significant problem that is underserved by government, market, and nonprofit agencies. Based on research conducted during 2011-2012, this article outlines the breadth and scope of the housing problem and details extant service provision networks for homeless and hard-to-house (HtH) persons with addiction and mental health problems. A critique of neoliberal governance on housing development and social services suggests that significant effort is needed to deal with the problems associated with centralization on the one hand and the isolation associated with Arctic life on the other. The authors conclude by making recommendations for the future role of nonprofit agencies in the Beaufort-Delta through the adoption of a housing first approach. Dans le delta de Beaufort, l’itinérance pose un sérieux défi que négligent les secteurs gouvernemental, commercial et sans but lucratif. Cet article se fonde sur une étude menée en 2011-2012 qui souligne l’envergure du problème de logement et recense les réseaux actuels qui desservent les sans-abris et les personnes difficiles à héberger souffrant de problèmes de dépendance et de santé mentale. Il s’ensuit dans cet article la critique d’une politique néolibérale envers la fourniture de logements et de services sociaux. Cette critique suggère qu’un effort important est requis pour surmonter les problèmes reliés à la centralisation des services d’une part et à l’isolement du milieu arctique d’autre part. Pour conclure, l’article propose un rôle futur pour les agences à but non lucratif dans le delta de Beaufort en recommandant à ces dernières une approche qui met l’accent sur les logements avant tout. Homelessness in the Beaufort-Delta respond to a significant problem that is underserved by government, market, and nonprofit agencies. Based on research conducted during 2011-2012, this article outlines the breadth and scope of the housing problem and details extant service provision networks for homeless and hard-to-house (HTH) ...