Homelessness in Toronto is a pressing issue that affects thousands of individuals and families each day. At Homes First, we are committed to addressing this crisis through a holistic approach. We develop and provide affordable stable housing and support services to break the cycle of homelessness for those with the fewest housing options. 

The Effects of Homelessness in Toronto 
Homelessness has profound effects on individuals and communities, leading to increased health risks, significant economic burdens, and social consequences such as isolation, stigma, and a reduced quality of life. 

Current reports indicate that rates of homelessness have risen since 2023, with almost 12,000 people currently experiencing homelessness. This alarming increase highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address not only housing but also the broader factors driving homelessness.  

The full Street Needs Assessment is expected to be released in Q2 2025 and will provide updated data on the number of, demographics, and conditions of individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Types of Homelessness in Toronto 
Homelessness in Toronto is not a one-size-fits-all issue; it manifests in several forms such as:  

• Chronic Homelessness: This refers to individuals who have experienced prolonged or repeated episodes of homelessness, typically lasting one year or more, and who often face complex challenges such as mental health issues, addiction, or other barriers that prevent them from maintaining stable housing. In the 2021 Street Needs Assessment, 27.4% of participants self-reported as chronically homeless. 

• Emergency Shelter Use: Many individuals temporarily use shelters due to sudden life events such as job loss, eviction, or family breakdown. Shelters provide temporary relief, but without long-term solutions, the risk of returning to homelessness remains high.  

• Provisionally Accommodated: Those staying temporarily with friends or family due to lack of permanent housing. 

• Hidden Homelessness: People who may not be visibly homeless but are living in temporary, unsafe, or overcrowded conditions. These individuals often “fall through the cracks” of the system, as they are not counted among the most visible homeless populations. 

Why Do People Experience Homelessness? 
Homelessness is caused by a combination of various interconnected factors, such as: 

• Economic Challenges: High housing costs, unemployment, and low-income levels make it difficult for individuals to afford stable housing, leading to instability or eviction. 

• Health Issues: Physical and mental health challenges, including addiction, can prevent individuals from maintaining housing, as they may struggle to manage daily life or secure steady employment. 

• Social Factors: Experiences of trauma, discrimination, and lack of social support networks increase vulnerability to homelessness, as individuals without a support system often lack resources to escape housing instability. 

Addressing Homelessness Through Comprehensive Support 
At Homes First, we believe that lasting change starts with stable housing—but it doesn’t end there. A home provides the foundation, but true transformation comes from comprehensive support. That’s why we take a holistic approach, offering direct essential services like food assistance, addiction treatment, life skills training and partner with several like-minded organizations to provide other essentials like access to onsite pharmacies and health supports. By addressing root causes of destabilization, we hope to empower individuals with experience of homelessness to build brighter, more stable futures. 

Here’s more on Homes First’s dedicated multi-approach strategy to addressing homelessness: 

1. Our Wrap-Around Services: We provide reliable access to essential wrap-around services like food security through our Centralized Food Program (CFP), ensuring individuals have access to nutritious meals. Additionally, we offer life skills programs, harm reduction initiatives and other services designed to help folks transition to independent living; our Follow-Up Support Team works with newly housed clients acclimate to their new neighbourhoods and maintain their housing.  

2. Our Portfolio: We operate 9 shelters and 17 supportive housing sites across our portfolio. We focus on supporting residents with their goals, meeting them where they are in their journeys. Our teams help folks exit temporary shelter and secure appropriate housing within the Homes First supportive housing portfolio or private market housing.  We are committed to expanding our own supportive housing portfolio – adding more units to our city’s inventory is crucial in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Our efforts also include working toward systemic changes that address the root causes of homelessness, ensuring sustainable solutions and better outcomes for those facing housing instability.  

Get Involved and Help Us Make a Difference 
Homelessness in Toronto is a multifaceted issue requiring collective action. By supporting empowering initiatives, such as those provided by Homes First, you are helping create a city where everyone has the resources to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.   

To learn more about Homes First’s work or to get involved, please visit our website.  

For more information on homelessness in Toronto, we encourage you to check the City of Toronto’s resources.  

Together, we can create a Homefull Toronto, ensuring dignity and stability for all.