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Statistical analysis of
the homeless in the Toronto Community
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The Street Needs Assessment is Toronto’s homeless count performed every few years with the help of trained volunteers, team leads, community partners, and the City of Toronto staff. The primary purpose of the SNA is not only to understand the scope of homelessness in Toronto, but also to learn more about the characteristics and service needs of the population to inform program and service delivery.
This past survey marked the 4th homeless count performed in the City of Toronto, occurring on April 26, 2018, and made possible through the participation of 378 trained volunteers, 166 team leads, along with support from community partners and City of Toronto staff. The 2018 survey results provide a valuable source of information about the service needs of people experiencing homelessness in Toronto. This information is used to improve the housing and homelessness programs provided by the City of Toronto and its partners to better serve the people and more effectively address homelessness.
2018 HOMELESS POPULATION IN TORONTO
Based on the 2018 SNA, it is estimated that there were 8,715 people experiencing homelessness as of April 26, 2018. This includes those outdoors, in City-administered shelters and 24-hour respite sites (including 24-hour women's drop-ins and the overnight Out of the Cold program), in VAW shelters, health and treatment facilities, and correctional facilities.
indoor population
The number of people staying indoors in City-administered sites represents 82% of the overall homeless population in Toronto in 2018.
outdoor population
The number of people experiencing outdoor homelessness on April 26, 2018 is estimated at 533.
The 2018 SNA found that while 6% of the total homeless population was estimated to be sleeping outdoors on the night of April 26, almost one-third (32%) of all respondents, including those staying in indoor locations, reported spending at least one night outdoors during the preceding six months.
Though the number of shelter beds in Toronto remained relatively consistent for many years, thankfully over the past two years, more than 2,400 shelter/motel beds have been added.
Learn how long most remain in homelessness
Age of First Homeless Experience: The average age that respondents reported first experiencing homelessness was 33 years, ranging from zero (potentially indicating since birth) to 81 years of age
The average reported length of homelessness in the past one year was 217 days (approximately seven months for all respondents), ranging from one day to more than one year. The federal definition of chronic homelessness is being homeless for six months or more in the past year. 48% of all respondents reported being homeless for six months or more. Further, over one-third (36%) of respondents reported being homeless for more than one year.
KEY FINDINGS
1. The number of people homeless in Toronto is due, in large part, to a significant increase in refugee/asylum claimants. 61% of respondents reported having been in Toronto for one year or more, including those who have always been in Toronto. 37% of respondents reported having been in Toronto for less than one year.
2. People who are homeless want housing and the key solutions are increasing income and housing affordability. 76% of respondents reported one of the following services as being most important to help find housing: increased social assistance rates, more affordable housing availability, subsidized housing or a housing allowance, help finding an affordable place, and help finding employment or job training.
3. There are multiple pathways into homelessness, but the primary causes are migration, the economy, and the housing market. While one-third of all respondents reported their first homeless experience as children or youth, this was considerably higher among outdoor respondents (63%).
4. Homelessness affects people from different backgrounds, yet there are specific groups that are over-represented in Toronto’s homeless population. Indigenous people continue to be over-represented in the homeless population, especially individuals sleeping outdoors.
5. Almost two-thirds of all respondents identified as members of racialized groups, with the largest percentage identifying as Black. In total, 11% of respondents identified as LGBTQ2S. This was higher among youth with 24% identifying as LGBTQ2S. Veteran homelessness is higher among the outdoor population (13%).
6. The average age of all respondents is 41 years, ranging from 16 to 85 years. The share of respondents who are youth (16 to 24 years) and seniors (60 years and older) is each 10%.
7. Men represent over half (54%) of all respondents surveyed, and 73% of those surveyed outdoors. Women represent 42% of respondents surveyed, and 75% of those surveyed in family shelters.