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Homelessness is a complex, urgent and growing issue in Toronto. There are approximately 8,500 people in Toronto who are experiencing homelessness, many more are experiencing “hidden homelessness”, and thousands of others are on the wait list for supportive housing.

Toronto has a shortage of affordable housing. Many individuals experiencing homelessness rely on temporary shelters, emergency services or a friend’s hospitality. Others live “rough” in the city’s parks, ravines, and alleys. Finding a safe, affordable place to live can be difficult. Homes First is here to help.

 

Statistics on Homelessness

  • On any given day over 8,500 people in Toronto are experiencing homelessness.
  • For every 10,000 people in Toronto, 30 are homeless.
  • In 2018, nearly half of Toronto’s homeless population reported being homeless for over 6 months, which makes them chronically homeless.
  • Over 30 per cent of Toronto’s homeless live with a mental health issue, and over 25 per cent live with an addiction.
  • 94 per cent of those experiencing homelessness in Toronto want permanent housing, but face barriers in securing it.
  • 80 per cent said they need more affordable housing options.
  • In the past 10 years, average market rent for a one-bedroom has increased by 33 per cent. In that same time, Ontario Works shelter benefits have increased only 10 per cent.

FAQs

Thanks for your interest in Homes First! Below are some common questions (and answers) about Homes First. If you require additional information please reach out to admin@homesfirst.on.ca

Nicole never thought she would live in a shelter. Though she was luckier than most, having only spent a few months in the shelter system before securing a supportive housing unit with Homes First at 90 Shuter St., Nicole still faced a debilitating systemic barrier: food insecurity.

According to the City of Toronto, 1 in 5 households experience some sort of barrier to regular access of nutritious food. In Nicole’s case, she had several complex health challenges that made holding a job difficult, especially without often-over-stretched social supports. Among low-income and homeless Torontonians, food insecurity often presents as an emergency; far too many live with the constant fear of running out of food, choosing less healthy and/or inexpensive foods, or completely skipping meals just to get by.

Homes First’s operations are guided by resident need and the commitment to assist them in maintaining their housing; for many of clients, such as Nicole, Homes First’s provision of/access to subsidized meals is one piece of the puzzle.

Once Nicole had regular access to nutritious meals, her overall health began to improve, offering the energy needed to connect with her new community at Shuter. Nicole began volunteering to help with community meals each week, and the karaoke nights.

“The karaoke was the best was the best part. Getting to know the tenants in the building, what they’re about and why they’re here … you didn’t feel like you were the only one.”

Then, the opportunity to be a peer-leader in a diabetes prevention program came up, and despite some initial hesitation, Nicole was the perfect fit. She gained the confidence to lead workshops on her own when her other peers and program coordinator were unavailable; at the end of the 18-month program, Andrew was one of two peers who remained for its entirety.

“That was eye opening,” she says.


Nicole’s story demonstrates the health and socio-economic benefits of stable and consistent access to food; eradicating chronic homelessness in the City of Toronto begins with someone’s sense of self-worth and wellbeing, both of which are improved by Homes First’s resident meal programs.


Many of our residents can share a similar experience to that of Nicole’s; to eradicate hunger amongst our residents, Homes First has developed a robust internal strategy. In early 2022, Homes First will be launching the first stage of our Centralized Food Program (CFP) from an interim kitchen, while construction begins on a commercial kitchen at our Sheila Miller supportive housing site, which will serve our entire agency. In addition to the provision of existing community meals at housing and shelter sites, the CFP will produce individualized, frozen-ready meals for our most vulnerable residents.


This past summer, Nicole moved out of 90 Shuter after living there for six years. When asked what she will the most, she says the people she’s met, staff and roommates here that made her experience a good one.

“I want to tell them all thank you for their support and for helping me out. I will miss you guys.”