According to specialists, poverty is an escalating issue in Canada, with numerous organizations and government bodies adopting innovative technology to combat this challenge.
One of the tools being utilized is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which employs algorithms to analyze data and predict future trends.
The term “chronic homeless” refers to individuals who have been without employment for a year or longer. In certain instances, this technology aids municipalities in gaining a better understanding of individuals at risk.
Another algorithm is utilized to predict which regions in Canada will witness a surge in poverty rates and the contributing factors to homelessness by analyzing a multitude of data points.
Tim Richter, the president of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH), mentioned that AI could potentially enable the targeted implementation of preventive measures for individuals. For example, AI could assist urban planners in determining the specific housing requirements and rental rates in various neighborhoods to help prevent homelessness.
Craig Cooper, the head of housing security services in the City of London, Ontario, noted a significant increase in individuals seeking housing assistance following the COVID-19 crisis.
Cooper highlighted the strain on the city’s housing and rental resources due to its projected rapid growth and diverse population.
London employed an AI system in 2021 to develop a priority list for assisting those in need based on their likelihood of experiencing chronic homelessness.
Statistics from a report by Statistics Canada revealed that over 25,216 individuals across 61 communities in Canada were experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2018.
Alina Turner, the CEO of HelpSeeker, emphasized the importance of utilizing AI-generated insights to prevent the exacerbation of homelessness across the country.
Despite the advancements in AI technology, experts like Tim Richter caution that AI alone cannot fully address the complexities of poverty in Canada. While AI can provide valuable insights and aid in problem-solving, it is not a definitive solution on its own.
