“Shelters are becoming de facto long-term housing” as Ontario grapples with alarming rates of homelessness

Author Sharlene Gandhi
An estimated 81,000 people experienced homelessness in 2024, according to an Association of Municipalities of Ontario report.

Why It Matters

Ontario is the only province where housing responsibility has been passed down from the provincial government to municipalities. Many shelters rely on a patchwork of funding sources, and are having to consider more financially sustainable options.

The number of people experiencing homelessness is likely far higher than officially because available data doesn’t include those staying with friends and family, or in other temporary accommodations. 

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