Housing Instability - Recognising the Early Warning Signs.
- AHOM RMC
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
Housing instability is rarely sudden. We’ve outlined the early warning signs — and when intervention actually works — here.
Housing instability rarely starts with an eviction notice on the door. It usually begins with small shifts in income, safety, or stability that are easy to dismiss until they pile up. This post offers a simple way to notice those early signs, so you can act before a household tips into crisis.
What do we mean by “housing instability”?
Housing instability is the space between “securely housed” and “homeless,” where a household is technically indoors but their housing situation could change quickly. It can look like struggling to pay rent, moving frequently, living in overcrowded or unsafe conditions, or relying on short‑term arrangements that might end at any time. People in unstable housing often experience more stress, health challenges and financial pressure, even before a formal eviction or displacement happens.
Common triggers to watch for
You don’t need a complex assessment to spot risk; you can start with a few concrete questions about what has changed recently.
Notice to vacate or eviction steps starting (formal letters, legal notices, landlord threats to end the lease).
Income disruption such as job loss, reduced hours, delayed benefits or a major unexpected expense that wipes out the month’s rent.
Unsafe or unsuitable temporary housing, including overcrowding, couch‑surfing, unsafe roommates, or stays that are clearly time‑limited.
Transitions between systems: arrival in a new city or country, discharge from hospital or care, release from custody, or a family breakdown that forces someone to move quickly.
Repeated short moves or frequent address changes in a short period, especially when each move is unplanned or driven by conflict or cost.
Each of these triggers tells you that the current housing arrangement may not hold without support.
What to look for in everyday conversations
Front‑line staff and community partners often hear the early warning signs long before a file is opened. You might notice:
Rent is paid late more often, or only after borrowing, using credit cards, or skipping essentials like food or medication.
People talk about “just staying with friends for now,” “sharing a room with the kids,” or “sleeping in the living room until we find something.”
Increased stress at home: more arguments about money, children changing schools frequently, or adults cycling through short‑term jobs.
Mail or official documents still going to an old address, or uncertainty about where they will be living in a few months.
These details, on their own, might look small. Together, they paint a picture of a household that is one disruption away from losing housing altogether.
Visit https://www.cnapcanada.com/housingstabilizationchecklistandguide and contact us at info@cnapcanada.ca to explore available options.
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