Emotional speakers at City Hall rally decry the lack of shelter.

Today, the Shelter and Housing Justice Network (SHJN) held a media event and rally at 10:00 am in front of Toronto's City Hall. Speakers addressed the catastrophic consequences of a shelter system that is full and a housing crisis that is harming the lives of thousands. We demanded that the Mayor and City Councillors declare an emergency and act now.

Kayla Hamilton, a registered nurse and member of Health Providers Against Poverty said, “the situation has gotten notably worse over the last two years, yet City Hall still refuses to call things for what they are: an emergency. This past month alone, eight homeless individuals have died.”

Blankets, pillows and warm clothing were collected for people trying to survive outside.

Banners pronouncing '2000 BEDS NOW!' and 'DECLARE AN EMERGENCY' were later dropped to hang on the front of City Hall.

Photo: Paul Salvatori