The belief that mental illnesses are the main driver of rising homelessness is noticeably widespread, and is prompting governments across Canada to expand involuntary commitment as a purported “solution.”
This belief, though, is not promoted by experts on homelessness so much as by influential proponents of more funding for mental health services and involuntary commitment, such as the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society, and by governments themselves, dodging responsibility for failed economic policies. In fact, the belief is heavily based on misleading claims and dubious data. Worse, it’s hindering us from fully recognizing and discussing – let alone helping – the people who are actually the fastest-growing demographic of unhoused Canadians. And if we don’t start seeing more clearly and investing in real solutions, this latter group could soon overwhelm the country’s already stretched support systems.
