Gentrification: Prime Cause of Homelessness

Gentrification: Prime Cause of Homelessness

Introduction

In the 21st century, urbanization in the infrastructure remains one of the most invested areas by the Governments of many developed countries. Bizarre buildings, well constructed roads, well engineered shopping malls, impressive driveways and drive through, well mastered amusement parks and amazing subway systems are some of the projects that were introduced and supported for facilitating the public and achieving commercial objectives(Abramovich, 2012).

However, the most important aspect of the development in the infrastructure is Gentrification that has now been one of the most currently observed trends in recent times. However, it is important to note that besides the fact that Gentrification is an essential part of Urbanization, it has also been the major of cause of homelessness in many of the developed and emerging economies(Corrado et al, 2005). In fact, the terms “Development and Gentrification” are now regarded as very controversial in economies like Canada where the economic importance of these procedures cannot be denied. However, the severe consequences such as homelessness must also not be neglected.

Thesis Statement

Gentrification is an essential phenomenon for any country's economy. However, the followed consequences such as homelessness surpass the disadvantages of these procedures as opposed to its benefits.

Discussion

According to the surveys conducted in the 1980, number of homeless only continued to grow, as the social service and housing cuts kept increasing and the economy kept deteriorating. The government of Canada recorded that between 200,000 to 500,000 Canadians were homeless then. Approximately after two decades, there were recorded to almost 643,000 unsheltered and sheltered homeless Canadians nationwide by 2009(DeVerteuil & Wilton, 2009). Around 2/3rd stayed in transitional housing program and emergency shelter where as 1/3rd of the population was living in abandoned buildings, on the street, and other areas not suitable for human habitation.

In accordance with the Conference in 2008 of the Canadian Mayors, three most agreed up on causes of homelessness were; unemployment, poverty and lack of affordable housing(Echenberg & Jensen, 2009). The economists and other experts believe that the biggest factor that contributes towards unaffordable housing (besides unemployment and inflation) is the various gentrification and development programs in many of the highly or moderately developed cities and regions of Canada that includes Toranto, Vancouver, Montreal, and others.

The dynamic process of Gentrification has emerged in various poor urban areas in Canada. As a result will occur, the urban planning, residential shifts, and many other associated phenomena which will consequently influence the composition of numerous neighborhoods. It is important to note that urban gentrification in many developing countries especially Canada often involves the migration of the population simply because the poor inhabitants of the neighborhood are usually displaced(Hulchanski, 2009).

In any community or neighborhood that undergoes gentrification, it is noted that average family size is reduced where average income increases. Similarly in Canada, the occurrence of both these factors further result in increase in the price of the land and the property. This further result in shifting and displacement of the pre-gentrification poorer residents ...