The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) published the Municipalities Under Pressure: The Growing Human and Financial Cost of Ontario’s Homelessness Crisis Report, which reveals the unprecedented and growing toll of homelessness on individuals, families, communities, and governments. The study was conducted by HelpSeeker Technologies, in partnership with AMO, the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) and the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA).
In 2024, more than 80,000 people in Ontario experienced homelessness. That is roughly equivalent to the population of Peterborough and represents an increase of more than 25% since 2022. The number of people experiencing prolonged or repeated episodes of homelessness has tripled since 2016. Chronic homelessness now accounts for more than half of the homeless population. These numbers demonstrate systemic failures that extend beyond housing, reflecting deep gaps in income security, mental health and addictions services, justice systems, and more. Even under a steady economic scenario, homelessness in Ontario could double over the next 10 years and could grow to almost 300,000 people in an economic downturn, without significant intervention. The report proposes a fundamentally new approach that focuses on long-term housing solutions over temporary emergency measures and enforcement.
Access the Municipalities Under Pressure: The Growing Human and Financial Cost of Ontario’s Homelessness Crisis Report to learn more, click here.