Welfare Reform on the Web (February 2005): Homelessness - Overseas

HOMELESSNESS, GENDER AND SUBSISTENCE: THE CASE OF TORONTO STREET YOUTH

B. O'Grady and S. Gaetz

Journal of Youth Studies, vol.7, 2004, p.397-416

Based on questionnaire and interview data, paper explores how income generation among homeless young people from Toronto varies according to gender. Results show that, in relative terms, young men are involved in the more lucrative sectors of the street economy, such as theft and drug dealing. Even when homeless young people report being engaged in similar income generating activities, gender segregation is often manifest in terms of opportunities for independent activity (begging and sex work), roles played (the drugs trade) and control over earnings.

YOUTH HOMELESSNESS IN BRITAIN AND AUSTRALIA: THE SAME STORY?

C. Robinson

Housing, Care and Support, vol. 7, Dec. 2004, p.29-31

Compares approaches to helping young homeless people with complex needs in Britain and Australia. Services in both countries are bedevilled by lack of funding, meaning that they cannot offer the intensive support the young people need. Money is short because of a lingering suspicion that some homeless people deliberately choose their situation.