Adaptation and resilience: Using GBA+ to understand and address the new challenges of homelessness in the face of climate change in Quebec

This project aims to support the implementation of targeted climate adaptation strategies for populations experiencing homelessness, based on gender-based analysis with an intersectional approach (GBA+) and participatory action research methods.

Project details

Scientific program

Programmation 2020-2028

Theme(s) and priority(s)

Extreme Events - Social and Health Challenges - Adaptation of Living Environments

Start and duration

January 2025 • July 2027

Project Status

In progress

Principal(s) investigator(s)

Marianne-Sarah Saulnier

UQÀM

Context

Quebec is experiencing a marked increase in homelessness and in the diversity of the people experiencing it due to the housing crisis and the significant rise in the cost of living. At the same time, the effects of climate change are intensifying. A study conducted in Laval in 2023-2024 revealed that people experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as extreme heat waves, flooding, winter cold and changes in precipitation patterns. These conditions exacerbate the risks of health problems, social isolation and reduced access to emergency and support services.

Photo : Observatoire québécois des inégalités

Additional information can be found in a study completed in 2024.

Discover the study

Objective(s)

The overall objective of this project is to provide practical strategic resources to organizations that work directly with people experiencing homelessness in order to support them in implementing climate change adaptation strategies.

Specific objectives

To study the effects of climate change on homeless populations in different regions of Quebec in order to better understand how these impacts vary depending on several social and environmental factors
To improve understanding of the climate resilience of homeless populations in Quebec
To design resources and methodologies to assist in the implementation of specific interventions to improve the ability of homeless populations to cope with climate-related challenges
To use a participatory action research methodology to actively involve people experiencing homelessness or those with lived experience of homelessness, as well as people who work with this community, in the development of methods and recommendations
To provide evidence-based recommendations for integrating the needs of people experiencing homelessness into climate change adaptation policies and emergency management plans
To organize workshops to disseminate the project results and raise awareness in the public and among decision-makers of the issues associated with homelessness in the context of climate change

Methodology

The project relies heavily on a collaborative approach and implements several strategies to combine traditional qualitative methods with an intersectional approach (GBA+) and participatory action research methods.

Phase 1: Project initiation and collaboration
Create the project monitoring committee, identify the study locations and set up local committees there, identify research methods for examining links between homelessness and climate, and develop a knowledge transfer plan

Phase 2: Targeted analysis of climate variables
Create easy-to-understand resources explaining the hazards that may affect people experiencing homelessness by 2050 (fact sheets), and the differentiated impacts of climate change on these people (infographics)

Phase 3: Data collection and building lasting relationships
To build a relationship of trust with participants, set up informal meetings, semi-structured interviews, and discussion groups to explore participants’ experiences with climate change, then conduct participatory workshops to identify the challenges associated with climate change and co-create appropriate solutions with people with lived experience

Phase 4: Solution testing phase
Identify and implement adaptive solutions for each study location (with feedback from homeless people and adjustment of tested solutions as needed)

Phase 5: Synthesis of results and development of recommendations
Analyze and review the collected data with participants, synthesize the results, and formulate recommendations in consultation with local stakeholders

Expected results

The activities planned as part of this project should lead to the production of a diverse set of deliverables that are practical and useful for community organizations, decision-makers and researchers.

Fact sheets summarizing key information on climate change, observed trends, and their implications for homeless populations
Development of one or two solutions per municipality which can be tested throughout the project
Research report
A series of summaries to support the implementation of adaptation solutions responding to the realities of people experiencing homelessness from an intersectional perspective (GBS+), including concrete recommendations based on the lessons learned throughout the project
Production of various knowledge transfer tools and activities (e.g. conferences, webinars, easy-to-understand articles, infographics, podcasts, videos)

These results will document the issues, inform workers, and help with taking the realities faced by the homeless population in the context of climate change into account.

Benefits for adaptation

This project will help strengthen the collective capacity to integrate homelessness issues into climate adaptation policies and strategies based on an equitable and inclusive approach.

It will also influence the development of climate change adaptation measures by ensuring that the strategies developed are inclusive and equitably distributed to protect those who are most at risk.