Toronto’s housing and homelessness crisis was front and centre at City Hall this week as the Economic and Community Development Committee, chaired by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, reviewed the city’s multi-divisional response to homelessness.

Fred Alvarado — Local Journalism Initiative

Toronto is experiencing record shelter use, rising rents, and more people living outdoors. These pressures are felt most sharply in the downtown east, including Regent Park, where many residents are struggling to afford housing or are at risk of losing their homes. That’s why this committee meeting matters so deeply to our neighbourhood.

City staff presented updates on how divisions are working together across housing, shelters, health care, and outreach services. The committee also passed a motion to map out clear pathways from homelessness into permanent housing, ensuring that the city’s approach is grounded in human rights and easier for people to navigate.

One of the most powerful moments came from Regent Park resident and housing advocate Miguel Avila Velarde. He emphasized the urgent need for transitional housing, warning that without proper supports, both newly housed residents and long-time tenants can fall through the cracks. His words highlighted the importance of pairing rapid rehousing with strong community supports.

For Regent Park and the downtown east, these decisions are not abstract policy. They shape our daily
lives, our safety, and our future as a community.