The Plan
to End Chronic Homelessness
A shared plan with clear steps and resources to end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region.
Homelessness in Waterloo Region
Monthly Snapshot:
The size of the homelessness problem
Overall Homelessness Count
17
Chronic Homelessness Count
32
Total Number of Spaces In Use
89%
Chronic Homelessness in the System
78%
Overall Homelessness Count
Overall homelessness is the total number of people we know are experiencing homelessness at a given time.
The real number is likely higher, because we cannot fully count hidden homelessness, like when people stay with friends or in unsafe housing.
Chronic Homelessness Count
Chronic homelessness means a person has been without housing for at least six months in the past year, or many times over the last three years that add up to 18 months or more.
Total Number of Spaces In Use
The total number of spaces in use shows how many spots in our housing system are filled. This includes shelters, overflow hotel spaces, transitional housing, and supportive housing.
Some spaces are only open to certain groups, so it may look like there are more open spots than people can actually use.
Chronic Homelessness in the System
The percent of people in the system experiencing chronic homelessness.
Gender and Age of People Experiencing Homelessness
Male
Female
Two-Spirit
Transgender Man
Transgender Woman
Non-Binary
Others
Navigating through the Homelessness System
How People Enter and Leave Homelessness
New to Homelessness
Returned after Time Away
Become Homeless Again
Inflow
629
Active
Moved into Housing
No contact for 90+ days
Passed Away
Outflow
How Our Shelter System Is Doing
People Who Need Shelter vs. Spaces Available
Supportive
Transitional
Emergency Shelter / Overflow Motel
Average Beds Available
46
Average Days of Stay
48
Number of People Turned Away
247
The data on this page comes from a database called HIFIS 4.0, which is the Region of Waterloo's client management system.
Our housing system has become progressively more unstable
When constraints are not addressed
Our foundation becomes shaky
Until it can't withstand its own weight and comes crashing down
It's time to build a stronger system.
The data we collect have real life stories behind the numbers.
View the researchOur goal
Help us reach functional zero by 2030
Functional zero is when a community has ended homelessness for a group of people. This means there are no people without a home, or just a very small number, like 3 people or less than 1 out of 1,000. The community also has enough housing and support to help anyone who needs it. To count as functional zero, the community must keep numbers this low for three months in a row.
Together with our community partners, we have a plan to end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region.
Learn about The Plan