There are many lenses in which pathways to homelessness can be observed. When looking through the lens of gender, there are unique challenges, including gender-based violence, that increase the risk of women becoming unhoused. Unaffordable housing, unsafe shelters, as well as stigma and shame are just some of the factors that create uniquely difficult experiences for women experiencing domestic violence. Ongoing colonialism, racism and discrimination contribute to a history of violence towards racialized and Indigenous women in Canada. As rates of unaffordable housing and stressors that contribute to violence continue to rise in Calgary, the support systems needed to escape violence are reaching, or are already at, capacity. Although shelters were not as full during the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of reported domestic violence continued to rise, as well as instances of “hidden homelessness,” where women needing supports were not accounted for. Our goal is to better understand how all of these factors intersect in hopes of reducing misconceptions and stigma, and improving support for those most impacted.

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