Published on August 14, 2024 by The Trillium
The government of Ontario estimates nearly a quarter of a million people — roughly three of every 200 residents — are homeless, according to information contained in a housing ministry document.
The number is about nine times higher than the auditor general’s most recent estimate, and still likely drastically undercounts the true number of people experiencing homelessness in the province, experts say.
Ontario’s “unofficial estimate” of “approximately 234,000 individuals” experiencing homelessness is referred to in the transition binder created by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Associate Housing Minister Vijay Thanigasalam after he was appointed to the cabinet role in June.
A quote from Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services:
The revelation that 1.5% of the population of Ontario is homeless (234,000 individuals) calls into question how many Indigenous people are represented in this figure. We know that Indigenous people account for 20-65% of homelessness counts in communities across Ontario and these rates can reach up to 99% in many Northern Ontario communities.
Non-market supportive housing solutions are the answer. OAHS has called upon all levels of government to unlock opportunities to build housing that meets community needs – housing that is culturally appropriate, connected to supports, safe, and deeply affordable.
We are committed to addressing this growing crisis and require investments into non-market housing to accelerate the work we do every day to build housing and create lasting change.
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