Non-profit raising alarm after study shows how many people who suffer brain injuries end up homeless

March of Dimes Canada, a non-profit organization that provides services for people with disabilities across the country, is raising the alarm regarding the connection between acquired brain injuries (ABI) and housing instability and homelessness.

A study shows between 70-90 per cent of those experiencing homelessness sustained a brain injury prior to ending up on the streets.

“People don’t realize they have had a brain injury, and so when cognition starts to decline, it’s more difficult to problem solve, maintain relationships, manage your finances, keep your housing, so that can lead to chronic homelessness,” explained Meredith Daun, the regional director of March of Dimes Canada.

Daun says the issue is only worsened by the fact that brain injuries are not classified as a chronic condition, leaving some of those needing assistance having to choose between paying their bills and getting the help they need.

“There is a huge gap in brain injury services in Manitoba, particularly for those who don’t have third party insurance or are covered by MPI or workers comp.”

Janine Bramadat with End Homelessness Winnipeg says another factor leading to the issue is the stigma surrounding brain injuries, with many individuals who need help not knowing where to turn.

“That’s another outcome of ABI is this feeling of isolation, this feeling of questioning oneself and not being sure whether what I am feeling is real or manufactured,” said Bramadat. “I think if we better understand traumatic brain injuries and ABI, we can then come at it from a more solution-based lens.”