The situation for unhoused individuals in Toronto is critical, with the city’s shelter system struggling under intense pressure. In June, an average of 231 people per night were unable to secure a shelter bed, according to the city’s Shelter System Requests for Referrals webpage. Advocacy groups, including the Shelter and Housing Justice Network, are raising alarms about the severe lack of shelter and housing, labeling it a public health emergency.
Greg Cook from Sanctuary Ministries of Toronto highlighted the dire conditions, emphasizing that shelters are full and people have no refuge during extreme weather. Dr. Paige Homme of Health Providers Against Poverty described the situation as “untenable” and dangerous. Advocates are urging the city council to take immediate action by opening available city-owned spaces, leasing private buildings, creating 300 to 400 new shelter spaces by the end of the month, and halting the clearing of encampments.
Donovan Huycke, who is currently homeless, shared his struggles at the Allan Gardens encampment, mentioning difficulties accessing basic services. In response, the city has pointed to its heat relief strategy, which includes over 600 cooling locations such as libraries, community centers, and pools. Additional outreach teams are deployed during extreme heat to check on unhoused individuals and provide essential support.
Gord Tanner, general manager of Toronto Shelter and Support Services, acknowledged the shelter system’s strain, citing factors like the housing crisis and rising refugee claimants. Mayor Olivia Chow is working to unlock additional spaces and secure more funding for permanent housing solutions, but faces challenges due to halted federal funding for the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit. Recent data indicates that Toronto has approximately 10,627 actively homeless individuals, with 9,842 using shelters as of Sunday.
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