Homelessness in Ontario has shown a concerning increase, rising by more than 23% in the past four years to exceed 76,000 individuals, according to a recent report from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO). The FAO predicts that the number of homeless individuals will further rise by over 15%, reaching more than 88,000 people within the next three years. This figure represents the documented homeless population and excludes individuals who have not consented to be included in the count.
Factors such as declining housing affordability and significant population growth contribute to this surge in homelessness, as stated in the report. However, the report notes that this growth is somewhat mitigated by increased provincial and federal support for asylum seekers in 2025-2026.
On the other hand, the FAO highlights a projected decrease in the number of households benefiting from provincial homeless programs due to the discontinuation of time-limited funding and reduced base program expenditures. These programs encompass various forms of support like emergency shelters, supportive housing, rent assistance, and community outreach.
Toronto leads the list with 19,462 homeless individuals in 2024-2025, followed by Ottawa with 9,431, London with 4,576, Windsor with 4,007, and Hamilton with 3,744. The most significant increase from 2022-2025 was observed in Durham, Peel, and York regions, with growth rates of 130.8%, 90.5%, and 79.6%, respectively. Notably, Toronto experienced an 8.2% decline in total homelessness during the same period.
Opposition members express concern over the escalating numbers. Ontario NDP MPP Jessica Bell urges Premier Doug Ford to take immediate action, emphasizing the unacceptable conditions faced by families resorting to sleeping in public places. The opposition criticizes the decreasing support at a time when it is most needed.
According to the FAO, the documented homeless population grew from 62,252 individuals in 2022-2023 to an estimated 76,741 people in 2025-2026, marking a 23% increase. The report forecasts a further 15.8% rise to 88,859 individuals in 2028-2029, while the number of households supported by provincial programs is anticipated to decrease from 204,876 in 2025-2026 to 187,205 in 2028-2029.
Overall, provincial spending on homelessness programs is expected to climb from $297 million in 2013-14 to $708 million in 2028-2029, indicating an average annual growth rate of 6.0%. The FAO projects a decline in total provincial homelessness program spending to $708 million in 2028-2029 as time-limited funding phases out.
Responding to the report, Michael Minzak, press secretary for Ontario’s minister of municipal affairs and housing, emphasizes the government’s substantial investments in mental health support and initiatives to address homelessness. The government remains committed to supporting municipalities in combating homelessness and expanding services to aid individuals in need.
The government’s directive to municipalities in March 2021 to implement a “by-name” list aims to gather demographic details of local homeless populations to facilitate tailored service connections.
