Together, we can end homelessness in Canada. Adequate funding would enhance homelessness interventions, unlock transitional and low-barrier shelters and ensure lasting solutions. We need a National Prosperity Partnership between all orders of government to address this crisis and end homelessness in our communities.
Homelessness has surged by 38% over the past decade, and nearly half a million Canadians could be without homes by 2030. From large urban centres to rural and northern communities, homeless encampments are becoming more common. With 72% of Canadians in favor of a national plan to end homelessness, municipalities are leaders in tackling this crisis and are ready to partner with the federal government to do more.
Here's what we're focused on:
- Increasing affordable and supportive housing: Canada’s non-profit and social housing makes up only 3.5% of our total housing supply, far below the OECD average. Investing in deeply affordable and supportive housing can drastically reduce homelessness. Every dollar invested in wraparound health and social services through Housing First initiatives saves $1.54 in healthcare and justice costs.
- Reaching Home program expansion: This federal initiative provides vital support for emergency shelters and wraparound services. However, to truly make an impact, annual federal funding needs to increase from $563 million to $3.5 billion, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, to reduce chronic homelessness by 50% by 2028.
- Addressing refugee housing needs: With too many claimants relying on emergency homelessness shelters, Canada needs a comprehensive plan to support housing for refugees. Short-term funding through the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) is a start, but it’s not enough.
- Preventive measures through benefits: Establish a portable housing benefit aimed at preventing at-risk individuals from becoming homeless. This benefit should cover rent gaps and arrears, targeting people facing eviction, those leaving institutional care, or fleeing domestic violence.
We need a true National Prosperity Partnership in which every order of government does their part to address homelessness in Canada with local solutions. Together, we can end the homelessness crisis in Canada once and for all.
