New Shelter Response as Toronto Homelessness Doubles, Hitting Racialized Groups Hardest

Toronto is facing a deepening housing crisis, with more than 15,000 people currently experiencing homelessness.

Fred Alvarado — Local Journalism Initiative

At a recent meeting of the City’s Economic and Community Development Committee—chaired by Councillor Alejandra Bravo—city officials outlined new shelter strategies aimed at supporting Toronto’s most vulnerable.

Ward 13 Councillor Chris Moise pushed the conversation forward, focusing on areas like Regent Park and Moss Park where the need is urgent. Staff from Toronto Shelter and Support Services presented data from the 2024 Street Needs Assessment, showing the city’s unhoused population has more than doubled in just three years. Indigenous and Black residents are disproportionately affected due to systemic barriers, lack of housing, and insufficient income supports.

Among the initiatives discussed were micro shelters—small, quickly built units proposed for vacant city lands such as TTC parking lots. Updates were also provided on long-term infrastructure projects like the George Street Revitalization.

Community voices played a key role in the meeting, urging the City to provide more compassionate, accessible, and localized shelter options.

For residents of Downtown East, these discussions hit close to home. Stronger shelter strategies are not just policy ideas—they're essential for building safer, more just communities. As housing costs rise and displacement continues, new models of care and infrastructure are urgently needed.