As students in Addictions and Mental Health, we directly witness how homelessness is deeply connected to trauma, mental health struggles, and substance use. These are not distant social problems — they are complex human realities that require stability, trust, and ongoing support. Unfortunately, the current response often disrupts that stability instead of strengthening it, leaving many individuals without the consistent care and secure housing they need to recover and rebuild their lives.

Homelessness in Toronto is not an isolated or short-term issue — it is a deepening housing crisis affecting thousands of people. According to the 2024 Street Needs Assessment conducted by the City of Toronto, approximately 15,400 people are currently experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, the shelter system offers only about 9,000 spaces per night, and it regularly operates at or near full capacity. Each day, an estimated 200–250 people cannot access a shelter bed due to lack of space. At the same time, more than 105,000 households are waiting for social housing, often for years.

Displacing these individuals without ensuring access to permanent housing doesn't end homelessness; it merely masks the problem. This disruption severely impedes access to critical outreach workers, healthcare services, and harm-reduction initiatives, all of which are essential for survival. The human consequence of this reality cannot be overstated.

To truly address this complex issue, it is imperative to treat it with the gravity it deserves. We urgently call for the expansion of permanent, affordable, and supportive housing to provide stable living conditions for those in need. Furthermore, we strongly advocate for pausing forced encampment removals unless a safe, suitable, and adequate housing option is made available. This isn't just about providing a roof over someone’s head; it's about providing dignity and a foundation for recovery and reintegration.

The time for acknowledging superficial solutions is over. We need comprehensive strategies that treat homelessness with the depth and compassion required to instigate genuine change. We urge city officials, policymakers, and the community to stand together in demanding these changes. By signing this petition, you join us in a committed effort to hold our city accountable for enacting policies and solutions that bring forth actual progress on homelessness. Together, we can push for action that reflects our deepest values of empathy, justice, and care for all individuals in our community.

sincerely, 
Shamoya, Veronica and Rebecca