The health impacts of residential eviction among people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada

Over the past decade, there has been a steady rise in homelessness in Canadian cities due in large part to loss of low-income housing stock in inner-city neighbourhoods undergoing redevelopment. People who use drugs (PWUD) disproportionately face eviction from buildings targeted for renovation and demolition and also face significant barriers in subsequently obtaining affordable housing. While the devastating health impacts of homelessness among PWUD are well documented, little is known about the role of eviction stemming from urban redevelopment as a unique mechanism influencing health. This study will utilize innovative statistical, qualitative and geospatial methods to longitudinally examine the impact of evictions on health outcomes, including drug-related harms (e.g., overdose) and healthcare access and adherence (e.g., HIV treatment), among PWUD in Vancouver, BC. The research findings will inform knowledge translation strategies to promote the uptake of evidence-based policy recommendations and equip PWUD with legal tools to protect their rights.

Faculty Supervisor:

Thomas Kerr

Student:

Mary Clare Kennedy

Partner:

Pivot Legal Society

Discipline:

Epidemiology / Public health and policy

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Program: