Advocates are urging for a fresh approach to tackle youth homelessness in Toronto, highlighted during a summit attended by city leaders and over 100 young individuals on Monday. This gathering included representatives from more than 50 organizations, such as the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board.
Negha Kanagavarathan, the housing lead for the Toronto Youth Cabinet, emphasized that youth homelessness is distinctly different from adult homelessness, necessitating a dedicated strategy. "What we’re hearing from youth is pretty clear. The system is not built for them," Kanagavarathan stated, underlining the urgent need for a targeted response tailored to young people's needs.
Advocates attribute the increase in youth homelessness to a challenging confluence of factors. Post-pandemic inflation, combined with rising rent prices, has created a particularly tough situation for young individuals. Mark Aston, CEO of Covenant House Toronto, explained that many are in the early stages of their careers with lower wages, high student debt, and limited savings. This financial instability exacerbates their risk of homelessness.
In addition to economic challenges, many youths face the impact of poverty and discrimination, complicating efforts to escape homelessness. As resources currently available are deemed insufficient, leaders are advocating for strategies developed in consultation with youths who have experienced homelessness themselves. Aston noted that if effective measures are implemented early, fewer young people will fall into chronic homelessness and consequently transition into the adult homeless system—a pathway that up to 40 percent of those in adult shelters have experienced, tracing back to their youth.
Proposals from the summit included the creation of a new shelter model and enhanced access to mental health support. Joy Mohamed, a youth who shared her lived experience, pointed out that many young people become homeless due to family conflicts often rooted in childhood trauma, which can lead to PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Addressing these issues early has shown significant long-term benefits.
According to the latest report from the City of Toronto, approximately 1,500 individuals aged 16 to 24 experience homelessness on any given night. Additionally, youth represent about 10 percent of the city’s shelter population, with many more remaining unaccounted for in the current statistics.
City Councillor and Chair of the Toronto Board of Health, Chris Moise, also highlighted the complex demographics affected by homelessness. He pointed out that a significant portion of the shelter population comprises individuals from the 2SLGBTQ+ community, along with Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Moise stressed the importance of recognizing these complexities and providing targeted support to those affected.
Moise indicated that recommendations arising from the summit may be considered by the city in future strategies to combat youth homelessness effectively.
