Research paper examines effectiveness of alternative shelter models

A new research paper from United Way Perth-Huron’s United Housing initiative examines effectiveness of alternative shelter models.

The paper warns that municipalities’ growing reliance on non-permanent shelter systems risks entrenching homelessness rather than resolving it.

Written by Kathy Vassilakos, United Housing Director and research intern, ‘The Social and Financial Cost of Non-Permanent Shelter Systems for Addressing Homelessness’ finds that turning to temporary shelters as a response to do something about homelessness may seem like progress but doesn’t help individuals transition to permanent housing.

According to Vassilakos, evidence doesn’t support the belief that tiny shelter communities and other similar temporary solutions can effectively help vulnerable individuals transition into permanent housing.

“Temporary shelters may seem like progress to communities wrestling with the issue of homelessness, but the evidence doesn’t support the belief that tiny shelter communities and other similar temporary solutions can help vulnerable individuals transition into permanent housing,” said Vassilakos.

“By contrast, research does show that an approach like Housing First is a more effective investment in permanent and supportive housing.”

According to Vassilakos, Housing First is a program designed to eliminate homelessness among individuals experiencing mental health and addiction challenges who are also dealing with chronic homelessness.

When looking at challenges facing communities around homelessness, the numbers are sobering and underline the need to invest in permanent and supported housing.

According to United Way, a 2024 study in the U.K. examining Housing First, showed this approach generated an average of $29,197 CAD per year, per person in benefits to both individuals and the larger system.

United Way reports that in Ontario, more than 81.500 people experienced homelessness in 2024, which is a 25 per cent increase since 2022. Over half were classified as chronically homeless.

Provincial data shows a large gap between the need and available resources, with just one supportive housing space for every 14 people experiencing homelessness.

To narrow it down, local data reflects provincial trends.

In July, 2025, at least 148 households in Huron County were experiencing homelessness, with 126 classified as chronic.

“In the end, investing in permanent housing instead of creating costly and ineffective temporary systems is the only evidence-based solution to the challenges we face around homelessness,” explained Vassilakos.

The research paper recommends reaffirming Housing First as the foundation of homelessness policy, redirecting funding from the option of short-term shelter expansion to permanent housing. Vassilakos believes this would advance supportive housing projects as a more effective and fiscally responsible response to the issue.

“We understand that for certain groups, including women escaping intimate partner violence and vulnerable youth, there remains a need for emergency shelters, so it’s not a matter of dismissing them completely,” Vassilakos added.

“But, if we keep investing in temporary fixes, we risk losing an opportunity to build long-term solutions. We need to shift our thinking toward making sure people who need housing get it, and can keep it for years to come.”

While Vassilakos’ paper doesn’t address the need for investments in homelessness prevention, that remains a focus of United Way Perth-Huron’s work.

The paper sheds light on the need for permanent housing and how there are already community partners, like United Housing, working toward that goal.

Yet, Vassilakos stresses that it is important to help people before they find themselves vulnerable and in need of housing.

“That’s why UWPH’s work, both through internal programs and our partners, remains critical to addressing the upstream causes of homelessness, and why the organisation’s annual campaign remains such a vital part of the region,” Vassilakos commented.

For more information visit unitedhousingperthhuron.ca