Number of children under 16 years of age using emergency shelters, Canada, 2005 to 2009
![](https://cichprofile.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2.3.8_December_.png)
Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. The National Shelter Study 2005-2009 – Highlights.
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/esdc-edsc/migration/documents/eng/communities/homelessness/reports/shelter_study.pdf – accessed July 18, 2017.
In 2009 there were over 9,400 children under 16 who stayed in emergency shelters in Canada.
The median length of a shelter stay for children increased from 16 days in 2005 to 24 days in 2009.1
The average age of children in shelters was 6.5 years.1
Families stay in shelters on average 2 1/2 times longer than individuals.1
The length of stay for children under 16 increased from 11 nights to 17.4 nights between 2005 and 2009.1
1Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. The National Shelter Study 2005-2009 – Highlights. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/esdc-edsc/migration/documents/eng/communities/homelessness/reports/shelter_study.pdf– accessed July 18, 2017.