Day In, Day Out: Exploring the Experiences of the Homeless Working Poor in Calgary, Alberta

• Author / Creator

  Payne, Jacey D.

• This thesis explores the experiences of the homeless working poor in Calgary, Alberta through semi-structured interviews with local homeless sector service providers (n=7) and homeless working poor individuals (n=24). The results are interpreted within a capital theory framework focusing on economic, social, cultural, symbolic, human, and health capital. The results show Calgary’s homeless working poor population to consist most commonly of Caucasian males between their 20s and 40s yet inclusive of a diverse range of backgrounds. Their paths towards homelessness relate to shifts and shortages in capital, particularly around a lack of familial and social networks and supports, economic challenges, education, training, or skill gaps, and health issues. Their day-to-day experiences are shaped largely by work (commonly in low-paying, low-skilled, non-permanent or temporary positions) and accommodations (typically shelters). The findings highlight the fact that homeless working poverty amounts to more than financial issues and present implications for programs and policies.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Forms of capital
  • Homelessness
  • Homeless working poor
  • Homeless working poverty

• Graduation date

  Spring 2013

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Arts

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3Z36V

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.