York Region 2024 Homelessness Point-in-Time Count Highlights Need for Coordinated, Long-Term Solutions

TORONTO, ON – The number of people experiencing homelessness in York Region has increased since the 2021 Point-in-Time Count, reflecting the impact of ongoing economic pressures across the community.

According to Point-in-Time Count 2024 (I Count 2024) conducted by United Way Greater Toronto  and The Regional Municipality of York, in partnership with local municipalities, community agencies and volunteers, nearly 880 individuals were counted in 2024, compared to under 330 in 2021. While Point-in-Time Counts are only a reflection of a point in time and does not identify everyone who may be experiencing homelessness, this increase underscores the importance of coordinated action to address them.

“As the provincially designated Service System Manager for Housing and Homelessness, York Region will use data from I Count 2024 to better understand the scope of homelessness and assist with service planning,” said Eric Jolliffe, Chairman and CEO, The Regional Municipality of York. “York Regional Council remains committed to taking action to reduce and prevent homelessness; however, given homelessness is a complex challenge, recognizing and leveraging collaborations and partnerships with community agencies, local municipalities and other levels of government is required. The 2024 to 2027 Homelessness Service System Plan outlines goals and priority areas to improve, enhance and align services and supports across the Region.”

“With rising numbers of people experiencing homelessness, I Count 2024 helps identify increasing needs and service gaps,” said Nation Cheong, Vice President of Community Impact and Mobilization, United Way Greater Toronto. “We know that coordinated investments and resources, focused on sustainable solutions create hope and lasting change for people and families who need it most. Addressing homelessness means meeting immediate needs and systemic solutions that ensures solutions are equitable and informed by the lived experiences of those most affected.”

I Count 2024, which was conducted over 24 hours from November 26 to 27, 2024, identified the number of people and families experiencing homelessness and invited participants to complete a survey about their experiences, characteristics and needs.

I Count 2024 snapshot of homelessness in York Region:

• 878 people experienced homelessness in 2024 across three locations:
  • 178 unsheltered - living on the streets, parks, transit stations, abandoned buildings, vehicles, and encampments
  • 475 sheltered – living in emergency housing, hotel overflow beds, Violence Against Women shelters, and seasonal shelters
  • 225 provisionally accommodated – living in transitional housing and addictions and recovery centres
• From the 428 people surveyed, key insights for York Region included:
  • Top Challenges for Finding Housing:
    • 75% of respondents reported “rent is too high”
    • 72% of respondents cited having “low income”
    • 21% of respondents cited having “no income assistance”
  • 86% of respondents reported their most recent housing loss was within the last three years
    • 42% of respondents reported their most recent housing loss was due to an eviction
    • 60% of respondents experienced chronic homelessness (at least 180 days of homelessness in the past year)
    • 25% of respondents experienced homelessness for the full 12 months prior to the survey
    • 78% of respondents reported dealing with at least one health-related challenge, including mental health; substance abuse; physical mobility; medical condition; learning, developmental or cognitive issues; sensory issues; and acquired brain injury
    • 98% of respondents wanted permanent housing
    • 40% of respondents were newcomers
    • 34% of respondents had a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree

I Count 2024 is a national enumeration under United Way’s Reaching Home strategy in York Region, which is part of the federal government’s national homelessness strategy that focuses on community-based approaches.

You can read the full report here.

Media Contact:

Tamara Ostrowski
Corporate Communications Advisory, York Region
905-251-6412 @email

Meetu Madahar
Communications Manager, United Way Greater Toronto
(416) 817-4668 | @email

About United Way Greater Toronto

As the largest non-government funder of community services in the GTA, United Way Greater Toronto reinforces a crucial community safety net to support people living in poverty. United Way’s network of agencies and initiatives in neighbourhoods across Peel, Toronto and York Region works to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive. Mobilizing community support, United Way’s work is rooted in groundbreaking research, strategic leadership, local advocacy and cross-sectoral partnerships committed to building a more equitable region and lasting solutions to the GTA’s greatest challenges.

About The Regional Municipality of York

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.29 million residents and 57,000 businesses with approximately 624,000 employees. More information about York Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices