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Frequently
asked questions |
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Why do people become
homeless?
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There are many reasons
people become homeless. They may have lost their jobs and can’t
afford to pay rent along with food and everything else they need. Some
may be fleeing abusive situations or problems at home. Some have just
arrived from other countries and haven’t found a place to stay
yet. Still others suffer from poor health, disabilities, mental health
problems and addictions and may be waiting for housing with special
supports. Others simply can’t find housing they can afford or
have to leave unsafe housing. While everyone’s situation is different,
it’s important to remember that anyone can become homeless, including
seniors, families and teenagers. |
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If there are shelters why do people live on the street?
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Although
there are many shelters in Toronto where people can find a bed, a shower,
food, and services to help them, some people still live outdoors. Mostly,
that is because they feel they have no other choice or don’t
know that services are available. Perhaps they are scared to go to
a shelter. Maybe they don’t have any friends
or family to help them. Once they start living on the street, it can
be very hard to leave.
The City of Toronto tries to help homeless people living in shelters
and on the street find a way to a better life by helping them to find
safe homes and giving them support to keep them. |
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Why
can’t they find a place to live? |
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It
costs a lot to rent a home in a big city and not everyone has enough
money to pay for rent as well as for all the other things that they
or their family need. Governments help by building and operating communities
where part of the rent is paid for. The problem is there are not enough
apartments and houses like this. The City of Toronto is building more
affordable homes with help from the Government of Canada and the Government
of Ontario, social service agencies and building developers so more
homeless and low-income people can find permanent homes. |
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Why can’t
they just get a job? |
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Some homeless people
do have jobs. The problem is they often don’t
earn enough to pay for both rent and food. Some don’t have jobs
because they don’t have the right skills or training but with
the right training and support probably could work. However, some people
are not able to work because of poor physical or mental health or because
employers don’t like to hire people who are older. Jobs for homeless
people are not easy to find and some employers are not willing to hire
homeless people because of fear or mistrust. Given the chance, many
homeless people would be interested in working and would be able to
do a good job.
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Who is helping them to find their own homes? |
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Toronto’s
City government coordinates services for homeless people and those
who are in danger of losing their homes. Each year, the City and its
community partners help about 4,300 households move from shelters
into housing. A special program tries to help people living outdoors
to move directly into their own homes, too. Since this program started
in February 2005 more than 3,000 people have been helped in this way.
The City also provides workers to help people stay in their homes. |
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How many people are living on the street or in shelters in Toronto?
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Based on the 2009 Street Needs Assessment:
- The number of homeless individuals estimated to be sleeping outdoors on April 15, 2009 was 400, a 51.1% decrease since 2006.
- A minimum 4, 390 estimated people were homeless or living in shelters
on that night.
- 69% were male
- 30% were female
- 8% were under 21
- 3% were over 65
- These numbers do not include people temporarily living with family
and friends but with no home of their own.
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I know someone who is homeless, how can I help them? |
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Call 311 or Central Intake at 416-338-4766 for a referral to emergency shelter. |
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How can I help? |
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There are lots of ways you and your parents can help. You are already
helping by finding out more about this important issue in our city
and our country. We have a whole section of this website devoted to
ways to make a difference.
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