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Public Opinion

Survey of Canadians' Attitudes Toward Homelessness

2000 Survey Results

Questions were developed for inclusion on the June 1996, March 1997, March 1998 and March 2000 Environics' public opinion surveys. These questions are organised to gauge the non-homeless population's general perception of the homeless, the public's general awareness of homelessness, whether homelessness is a priority for Canadians, who they feel is responsible for addressing the issue and finally, the sense of responsibility Canadians feel toward persons in need.

Survey respondents were read the list of statements and for each statement were asked to indicate if they strongly agreed, somewhat agree, somewhat disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement, or had no opinion.

 

March 2000 Survey Results

The number of homeless people in Canada is increasing a lot.

Strongly or somewhat agree: 80%

Strongly or somewhat disagree: 14%


The homeless population in Canada is changing and now includes more young people, women and children than used to be the case.

Strongly or somewhat agree: 89%

Strongly or somewhat disagree: 7%


Organizations like food banks and temporary shelters are sufficient to handle the problem of homelessness.

Strongly or somewhat agree: 20%

Strongly or somewhat disagree: 79%


The homeless include more than just people living on the street and in shelters. They also include people who must "double up" with others because they cannot find accommodation.

Strongly or somewhat agree: 77%

Strongly or somewhat disagree: 21%


People may have income from social assistance or a job and still be homeless.

Strongly or somewhat agree: 69%

Strongly or Somewhat disagree: 28%


Homelessness only really harms the people who are homeless themselves, there is no real cost to society.

Strongly or somewhat agree: 13%

Strongly or somewhat disagree: 86%


Governments should spend more on preventing homelessness, even if the money must come out of other areas or possibly from increased taxes.

Strongly or somewhat agree: 67%

Strongly or somewhat disagree: 30%

1996 - 1998 Survey Results


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