Our third recommendation is for the inclusion of LGBTQ2 needs and voices within federal and provincial housing strategies, particularly for youths and older adults. Pride Home holds a special place in my heart, and so moving to the topic of housing, I only want to amplify what has been said by other witnesses.
At OUTSaskatoon, we've conducted community-based research into housing for seniors and for youths, and both areas need attention. Our findings in Saskatoon show that 40% of queer youth have experienced homelessness or face barriers to housing, and this is greatest for two-spirit and indigenous queer youth. We created Pride Home because we found that some youths had nowhere to go after Rainbow Coffee, due to being rejected by their families and due to the homophobia and transphobia in other shelters.
One of Pride Home's greatest strengths is that it does not adhere to a gender binary, and as well, we're able to provide wraparound supports throughout Saskatoon's existing community programming. The problem is that despite this model aligning directly with Housing First recommendations for youth homelessness, we've struggled to access sustainable funding for Pride Home, as both federal and provincial dollars earmarked for housing and homelessness are for capital projects and not staffing or operations. We can apply to get $1 million to build a brand new home, but we cannot apply for the $100,000 a year that it takes to support those youths living in the home.
We don't need more research into youth homelessness nor the barriers that LGBTQ2 seniors face. The evidence is vast, as Egale and Dr. Abramovich have already testified. We need investments and we need action.
For the queer community, housing strategies must include non-gendered and inclusive housing at the same time that they include education for existing housing agencies, shelters and residential care facilities, so that our communities can safely access all services.
We recommend that designated funds within Canada's homelessness strategy “Reaching Home”, and any future housing strategies, address these gaps in service.