Description:
This research bulletin outlines the results of a survey of 295 rooming house residents conducted by Inner City Health Research Unit, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto and Centre for Urban and Community Studies, University of Toronto. The result is a fascinating portrait of an often poorly understood population. Rooming houses are considered the lowest rung on the housing ladder, just above homelessness; yet they do provide affordable housing. The demise of a large proportion of the rooming house stock is an important factor in the increase in homelessness over the past two decades. One third of survey recipients had been homeless and 60% had chronic health problems while only one third were employed. There were also some surprises, however: 15% had university degrees and 53% had their highschool diploma or more. Furthermore, heavy drinkers were in the minority. The survey results should be considered as interesting evidence rather than as definitive because the data relies entirely on what residents were willing to share with the interviewers.
Type of Resource:
Journal
Publication Date:
2003
Location:
Toronto