The number of homeless individuals in Ontario rose by 17.9% between 2022 and 2024, with Toronto experiencing a notable decrease, as highlighted in a recent report from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO).
Toronto, being the province’s most populous city, had the highest count of homeless individuals in 2024-25, totaling 19,462. Surprisingly, it also saw the most substantial year-over-year decline of 8.2%. Niagara Falls followed with a decrease of 7.0%.
Conversely, Durham, Peel, and York regions witnessed significant spikes in homelessness, with increases of 130.0%, 90.5%, and 76.6%, respectively.
In response to the escalating issue, the province engaged in partnerships with cities like Toronto and Ottawa, providing additional funding for homeless services. Toronto and Ottawa received extra support, amounting to $240 million annually in 2023-24 and 2024-25, with potential further funding in 2026-27.
The report also shed light on the underlying factors contributing to homelessness in Canada, including financial struggles (41.8%), relationship issues (36.9%), and fleeing abuse (13.3%), as reported by Statistics Canada in 2023.
Furthermore, a Street Needs Assessment conducted by the City of Toronto in 2024 revealed that 22% of respondents cited eviction as the reason for their homelessness.
The surge of refugee and asylum claimants in 2023 and 2024 also impacted various Ontario municipalities, notably Toronto. At its peak in August 2024, Toronto accommodated 6,490 refugee claimants nightly, comprising 60% of its shelter population. However, as of 2025, the numbers have decreased significantly due to transfers to federally funded accommodations like hotels or reception centers.
Toronto’s Street Needs Assessment study highlighted that the influx of asylum seekers prompted many homeless individuals to relocate, with a notable increase from 5% in 2021 to 31% in 2024.
