The Situation:

Facts about Homelessness in Toronto

There are over 15,000+ people in Toronto who are homeless on any given night. There are many reasons why people become homeless - loss of employment, family break-up, family violence, mental illness, poor physical health, substance use, physical, sexual or emotional abuse just to name a few.

Homelessness describes the situation of an individual, family or community without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it.

It is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/ household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical challenges, and/ or racism and discrimination. Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, unhealthy, unsafe, stressful and distressing.

The key driver of homelessness in Toronto is the economy and the housing market. Rental costs have increased dramatically over the past 15 years and a lack of affordable housing has increased to record high numbers. Majority of shelter users receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support, however, social assistance rates don’t respond to local economic factors that contribute to the growing affordability gap. Affordability is the most significant challenge in helping move people out of shelters.

15,000+ of homeless people are sleeping outdoors, shelters and in emergency respite centres, and in health and correctional facilities every night
98% occupancy rate in Toronto shelters every night
100,361+ households are on the subsidized housing waitlist
24% Toronto households experience food insecurity
75% experiencing homelessness struggle with mental illness
46% of the homeless population are aged 25 - 44
9 - 14 years average waitlist for one-bedroom affordable housing
77% of homeless people have been homeless for more than 6 months
10% seniors and youth both represent of the homeless population
80 non-fatal overdoses in Homelessness Services settings
3 average deaths per week of people experiencing homelessness

No one is safe from experiencing homelessness.
It can happen to you or someone you know.

The Statistics:

Homelessness 101
Toronto Shelter System Flow Data

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