Take Action: Tackle Homelessness, Open Shelters
Shelters are full and each night 230 people are turned away with nowhere to go. That’s why the City of Toronto plans to create 20 new shelters so people can have a safe place indoors. But some politicians and shelter opponents are trying to block them.
With nowhere to go, people are sleeping outdoors in parks, under bridges, and on sidewalks.
While we need more affordable housing, shelters are vital to tackling the homelessness crisis. Tell your City Councillor, MPP, MP, and the Mayor to support shelters:
What does the City’s Shelter Infrastructure Plan mean?
Each night, hundreds of people are turned away from our city’s shelters. Why? Because there aren’t enough beds for everyone in need—a crisis that has persisted for years.
In June 2024, City Council passed the Shelter Infrastructure Plan, which set a target of creating 1,600 new long-term and permanent shelter spaces by 2033 to address the growing demand. While progress is underway, with potential locations for new shelters being identified, opposition from certain politicians and anti-shelter advocates threatens to stall these efforts.
The homelessness crisis affects every corner of our city, and no neighbourhood should be considered “off-limits” for shelters.
Take action today: contact your City Councillor and let them know that to tackle homelessness, our city must open shelters to provide safe, warm, indoor spaces for those in need.
While all levels of government must address the homelessness crisis by building more affordable and supportive housing, we also know that people need safe and warm places to go right now. Without adequate shelter space, many are left to sleep outside—on benches, in parks, and under bridges.
With nowhere to go, it’s time for politicians to stop passing the buck and start focusing on real solutions. Send a message to your elected representatives and demand they take action to open shelters immediately.