Like many cities across the country, pc28¹ÙÍøis grappling with an unprecedented demand for shelter space, a surge driven by a complex mix of issues, including the ongoing opioid crisis, the skyrocketing cost of living, insufficient income supports and a record number of refugee claimants in need of emergency shelter.
As a result, the City of Toronto’s shelter system is under intense pressure, with a growing number of people requiring support.
“Right now, the City of pc28¹ÙÍøis supporting about 11,000 people each night,†said Gord Tanner, general manager of pc28¹ÙÍøShelter and Support Services. “Even with continuous investment in the shelter system — with capacity increasing by more than 60 per cent since 2021 — demand continues to grow.â€
In response, the City has launched the Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy (HSCIS), which aims to build up to 20 new shelters over the next decade. The goal is to create smaller, more accessible sites that are better suited for the people staying in them.
Building these new shelters will also help stabilize the shelter system and help the City to move out of shelter hotels opened during the COVID-19 pandemic – which cost significantly more than a regular shelter bed. The City is also trying to focus these new sites outside of the downtown core to help address geographic gaps in homelessness services. A portion of the sites will be dedicated to areas with significant need, such as family, youth, Black-led and Indigenous focused programs.
Tanner said the City’s approach to the shelter system is to deliver person-centred support to help improve the well-being of people experiencing homelessness while they work to find them stable housing as quickly as possible.
“Shelters not only provide basic necessities, like clothing and food, but also supports to develop housing plans and access to important health and mental health services. And we are seeing success. Last year, more than 4,300 people moved from the shelter system into permanent housing,†he explained.
Bradshaw
ContributedThe new sites will be designed in a way that they can be converted into permanent supportive housing in the future if the demand for shelter services decreases.
Bradshaw is just one of the , having transitioned into permanent housing with support from City of pc28¹ÙÍøshelter services. A family man who ran a thriving business in his home country, Bradshaw faced increasing threats of violence in the wake of his vocal criticism of a corrupt government and fled to Canada for his safety, eventually landing in Toronto’s shelter system.Â
“My experience with shelters was both challenging and eye-opening. They offer some relief during difficult times, but I also encountered limitations, like crowding and lack of privacy,†he explained, adding there were also the struggles of navigating resources while he was trying to rebuild his life. “At first it was very challenging. However, I saw first hand the resilience of people experiencing homelessness and the dedication of the frontline workers.â€Â
Noting the misconceptions surrounding homelessness, Bradshaw stresses that many people in shelters once had stable lives and successful careers before being caught in circumstances beyond their control.
“A common myth is that homelessness results from poor choices. In reality, most people become homeless due to systemic issues — like the lack of affordable housing, mental health struggles, job loss or even violence,†he explained, adding homelessness is not a fixed identity. “I was homeless, but now I’m not. With the right supports, stable housing and opportunities, people can rebuild their lives.â€Â
Tanner echoes this sentiment, highlighting that the City’s efforts go beyond providing temporary shelter.
“Our goal is not just to offer shelter, but to help people transition to stable housing,†he said. “The reality is many of our friends and neighbours could be one bad break away from homelessness.â€Â
To learn more about how the City of pc28¹ÙÍøis responding to the growing need for shelter, visit .
