The Housing System is Under Strain
Our housing system is like a tower with missing blocks: it can't hold everyone up. As we face more challenges, the whole structure becomes shaky.
We've got cracks in our system
To make sure our system does not topple over, we have to build a better foundation that supports all of our needs. Homelessness is complicated, and unfortunately, lots of people fall through the cracks.
More than halfof all known homelessness in Ontario is chronic.
Chronic Homelessness
All Homelessness
Since 2020, chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region has grown by 28% each year.
On October 22, 2024, 2,371 people were experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region. With only 301 shelter beds available, many had to live outside or sleep in cars.
Some people may not be counted if they are living outside, staying in unsafe housing, or sleeping on a friend’s couch. This is called hidden homelessness. It means the real number of people without housing may be higher than what our system shows.
5 main reasonspeople in Waterloo Region are experiencing homelessness:
- They did not have enough income for housing (44%)
- Had a conflict with their partner (18%)
- Had a conflict with their landlord (13%)
- Were stuck living in unfit and unsafe housing conditions (12%)
- Substance use challenges (10%)
45% of family homelessness cases are caused by gender-based violence.
In local research, 83% of women said they stayed in an abusive home because it felt safer than being homeless. This adds to hidden homelessness.
In a 2023 region-wide survey, 13% of youth aged 9 to 18 said they had experienced homelessness. Most had faced hidden homelessness, but 3% said they had experienced visible homelessness.
High rent and low-income support contributes to housing loss.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) housing allowance
$522
Average rent price for 1-bedrooms in Waterloo Region
$1,600+/month
Rising rents hit people with disabilities the hardest. They are more than twice as likely to live in housing that does not meet their needs.
There is no rent control for housing built after 2018, so we are losing affordable housing. As one lived expert said: “Affordable housing means rent control. People on fixed incomes can't handle big rent increases without harming their health.”
We don't have enough shelter beds or transitional housing units.
Many unhoused people can't find a safe space that meets their needs; shelter spaces often have rules about who can stay, which leaves gaps for couples, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and those with pets.
This leaves people with no choice but to live outside. 41% of people counted as experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region in 2024 were living rough.
There is a long waiting list for subsidized housing in Waterloo Region.
The number of people on the waiting list for subsidized housing increased by 44 per cent in Waterloo Region between 2020 and 2023.
A shortage of subsidized housing, along with rising rents and income that can't keep up with the cost of living has put even more pressure on a system under strain.
We're changing the system
It is time to transform our system rather than trying to force pieces to fit where they no longer make sense. We're building a stronger foundation.
Building More Homes
- We're building more affordable housing.
- We're adding more transitional housing.
- We've created more shelter spaces for women and gender-diverse people.
- Learn about the Region of Waterloo's Building Better Futures Plan.
Community First
- We’re centering community voices in all our work.
- We’ve created flexible funding so equity-owed groups can use it in ways that work best for them.
- We’re doing more research to better understand the needs of the community.
Better Systems
- We’ve set up working groups to solve big challenges in ending homelessness.
- We’re checking our work to make sure it follows best practices and is trauma-informed.
Stronger Supports
- We’ve launched a supplement program to help people pay their rent.
- We’re introducing new supports for the workers who help people without housing.
But there’s still work to do!
We still need more safe, affordable housing and stronger supports to help the system thrive for everyone.
Be part of the solution
Ending chronic homelessness takes all of us. Learn more about the Plan, share what you know, and speak up for safe, affordable housing in Waterloo Region.
Learn about The Plan