In Toronto, the number of people living in encampments or tents has more than doubled over the past year. As of March this year, over 200 tents were spread across the city, compared to around 85 in the same month last year. These encampments are set up in parks and other accessible public spaces. The number of camp sightings has surged from 24 last year to 72 this year. Advocates are not surprised by this drastic increase, noting that the trend has been worsening for some time.
Encampments are a symptom of a chronic social issue driven by various factors, including the housing affordability crisis, rising shelter demand and limited availability, the increasing cost of living, insufficient income supports, and social challenges such as substance abuse and mental health crises.
The city acknowledges this problem and has made it a policy priority. Multiple city divisions are collaborating to help those in encampments access services. Through the Street to Homes (S2H) initiative, in partnership with other organizations, people in encampments can now access social services, housing referrals, and health and safety services. This initiative made significant progress by referring over 880 people from encampments to the shelter system in 2023.
Street to Homes staff and volunteers provide daily outreach to people living in encampments, offering water, food, income support, housing plans, wellness checks, clothing, supplies, mental health support, and harm reduction services. To learn more about Street to Homes or to volunteer, visit toronto.ca and search for ‘street to home.’ Call 311 to access Street to Homes outreach services for yourself or someone in need.
