Comparative Research on Homelessness in Iran and Canada with a Focus on Housing Policies

Access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing is a fundamental human right, yet homelessness remains a persistent global issue. This study employs a comparative qualitative design using the Most Different Systems (MDS) approach to examine homelessness and housing policies in Iran and Canada. Data were collected through document analysis and secondary analysis of policy documents, statistical databases, academic literature, and official reports. The comparative analysis focuses on three dimensions: economic and homelessness indicators, housing policies and programs, and prevention and intervention approaches. Findings indicate that while both countries struggle with housing affordability Iran faces a more severe socio-economic context characterized by rising poverty, inflation, and food insecurity. Canada maintains a national system for homelessness data collection and classification, whereas Iran lacks a unified definition and systematic data collection. Available data indicate that approximately one in every 150 people in Canada experiences homelessness, while the analysis conducted in this study suggests that around one in every 100 people in Iran may experience some form of homelessness annually; however, this figure should be interpreted as a cautious approximation rather than an official estimate. Canada’s policy framework emphasizes prevention and personalized support through programs such as the National Housing Strategy and Housing First. Conversely, Iran continues to rely on supply-side, homeownership-focused policies, which have proven ineffective in reducing homelessness. The study concludes that Iran’s structural limitations and policy gaps contribute to a more critical housing crisis.