Mortality, a health issue in homelessness in Quebec, a multiple case study to prevent and reduce avoidable deaths among people experiencing homelessness

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased significantly across Canada. The fragility of social infrastructure (social housing, social services, etc.) has led many people to experience homelessness in order to meet their needs. This reality has further forced them to deal with worrying living and health conditions. People experiencing homelessness are considered to be at higher risk of mortality than the rest of the population. However, no data is available in Quebec to provide a clear picture of the mortality rate in homelessness and thus guide homelessness interventions and policies. Objectives: Considering that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated homelessness and complicated the provision of services dedicated to these people, the goal of this project is to prevent avoidable deaths among people experiencing homelessness and to better intervene in the context of a health emergency. The aim will therefore be to better understand how the mortality census can improve the overall response to homelessness and strengthen the health system. Methodology: This research is based on a multiple case study methodology (Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver). It will aim to conduct a content analysis of coroner's reports, available grey literature (minutes of municipal councils, national assemblies, websites, etc.) and to conduct semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders related to the issue of this mortality. Desired outcomes: This research aims to prevent and reduce avoidable deaths, both on a daily basis and in the context of a health emergency, by deepening and better understanding the current and potential process of censusing homeless deaths in Quebec.