What is Poverty?

Poverty can be measured in two ways: absolute and relative. Absolute poverty is measured by taking a person’s income and comparing it against the cost of a predetermined basket of goods. If that person’s income is insufficient to cover the cost of the basket then they are deemed to be living in poverty. Relative poverty compares a person’s total income and spending patterns with those of the general population. People spending a larger proportion of their income than the threshold that is deemed typical of the general population are considered to be living in poverty.

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Street-Involved and Homeless Youth

On any given night in Canada, an estimated 8,000 to 11,000 youth are homeless. Youth are homeless for any number of reasons. Many have been victims of physical or sexual abuse, are suffering from mental health and/or substance abuse issues, have been unable to maintain their housing or employment, and do not have the education or skills required to succeed. Few feel they have anywhere else to go. A recent study found that over half of the street-involved youth surveyed had been forced to leave home.

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