Story by Owen Benoit
Toronto shelters prepare for large influx of those in need this upcoming winter season.
Last winter Toronto shelters overflowed, violated shelter guidelines and turned away those in need. After
outrage was expressed by homeless advocates regarding the shelters last year, the city has introduced
some possible solutions for this winter.
Paul Raftis the City shelter general manager said to CTV news “Starting November 15th we’ll have 600
spaces that will carry right through the winter season.”
“It costs about $100 a space, per person, per day, and that includes food, logistics, staffing, care of the
buildings.” Said Rafis to CTV news when asked about cost of these new shelter spaces.
Many of these new shelter spaces are being rented, not newly built. This saves money and allows relief
for the winter season.
The City’s new approach has been called a quick fix, short-term solution to solving the housing crisis.
But this has also angered some homeless advocates. “Homelessness is 365 days of the year.” said Rafi
Aaron of the interfaith coalition to fight homelessness in a CBC article. “The shelter crisis is not isolated
to the winter months.”
Last year the Toronto shelters were overcrowded and this resulted in the Moss Park Armoury to be
converted into shelter space.
This winter is reported to be colder than usual. This has already shown with this years cold November.
Homelessness advocacy groups are concerned and are hoping the City’s new plan helps this season but
are urging major change in year round shelter care.
Mayor John Tory has campaigned to tackle this crisis by promising to build 40,000 new affordable
housing units over the next 12 years.
Although the seasonal shelter spaces are not a solution to the housing crisis, they will provide relief for
this holiday season.
Infographic by Nour Al Saied
Video by Megan Mullen
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