The City of Toronto is releasing its most recent Street Needs Assessment findings as it harnesses this research to strengthen responses to homelessness in the city.
The Street Needs Assessment is a city-wide point-in-time count and survey of people experiencing homelessness, mandated as part of federal funding agreements, that is used to inform planning and programming across the homelessness sector. The most recent survey was in the field in October 2024 and the research finalized this spring.
Results show homelessness in Toronto has increased since 2021 as result of a wide range of issues such as lack of affordable housing, unmet health needs, insufficient income support and substance use struggles. This mirrors trends seen in Ontario and across Canada.
The scope of the homelessness crisis requires thoughtful, strategic responses. The City is focused on building new homes and shelters, bolstering support programs and reinforcing strong intergovernmental funding partnerships to address these challenges.
The homelessness crisis continues to grow, with a significant increase in numbers since the previous Street Needs Assessment in 2021.
Specific groups continue to be overrepresented among those experiencing homelessness, outlining the need for targeted investments and specialized supports.
The majority of people surveyed reported one or more health issue including mental health concerns, an illness or medical condition and substance use.
Individuals said the top factors that could have helped them avoid homelessness were housing affordability programs such as rent-geared-to-income (RGI), advice on tenant legal rights and support with employment or education.
The full results are available on the City’s website.
The Street Needs Assessment is a key piece of data when forming the City’s strategies to address homelessness including the current development of a five-year strategic plan that will serve as the roadmap to tackle homelessness in partnership with other orders of government.
Over the next decade, the City will invest in up to 20 new shelter sites that will be smaller, more cost effective and better suited to the needs of the people they serve. These new shelters, located in wards across Toronto, are projected to save up to $33.6 million per site over 10 years compared to leased shelter hotels. Seven sites have been selected and additional sites will be announced later this year.
Toronto provides more shelter beds per capita than any other Canadian city – and has expanded its capacity by 60 per cent since 2021.
Last year, 1,078 people living outside were referred into the shelter system, more than 4,300 people were housed and 25,000 outreach visits were made to people experiencing homelessness. Up to 45 new front-line and outreach workers are being hired this year to continue this important work.
To ensure decisions are being made with the most current information, the City will now conduct a Street Needs Assessment count annually, and the full federal assessment will be carried out every three years.
Access to affordable housing is the best way to lift people out of homelessness. Guided by the HousingTO Action Plan, the City is making record-level investments and leading through bold policy initiatives to spur new housing construction, support renters and protect existing affordable rental housing stock. In 2024, the City approved approximately 6,600 rent-controlled, affordable and rent-geared-to-income (RGI) homes.
The City remains committed to evolving its response to homelessness, building more affordable housing and providing a safe, vibrant city that is inclusive for all residents.
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.