Because of the rising demand for housing and the scarcity of low-income housing, there has been an alarming increase in the number of homeless people in Canada, particularly in Toronto. [1] Many of these people are single parents, mainly mothers with young children.
These unfortunate families are often shunted from one shelter to another or to suburban motel rooms until suitable housing is found. At the moment, none is available.
Because of financial constraints, the children of the homeless are poorly fed and clothed. They are at higher risk of illness and many of the children have behavioural and learning problems because of a lack of parental stability. [2] I have coined the term "motel kids syndrome" to describe the global symptomatology of these unfortunate children, who are in essence products of communal neglect.
Social workers, teachers, physicians and others are all aware of the plight of homeless people, but they cannot properly deliver the services needed because of financial constraints at all levels of government.
We must not allow the situation of ever-increasing poverty among Canadians to continue. As a nation we can begin by creating social programs that provide a basic income and affordable housing for all, and programs that address the needs of all children, including those who are homeless and disadvantaged.
It's the least our children deserve.
Peter Lewin, MD
Toronto, Ont.