Communicating Across Contexts

Project Outline:
Homelessness in Toronto

Prepared by:
Mariana Bulla Pinilla (101469916)
Sepehr Abolhassani (101529429)
Kazeem Oluwapelumi Zainab (101515895)
Hargun Singh (101494261)
Ola Aderounmu (101441574)

Professor:
John Gudmundson

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

To: John@humanrightsactivist.com
From: group_4@gbc.com
Date: March 13, 2024
Subject: Addressing The Homeless Crisis in Toronto

Hi John,
We are writing to you in hopes of bringing awareness to the increased levels of
homelessness in Toronto. To start off, it is important to note that Toronto is facing a
homelessness crisis with over 9000 people being affected (Fred Victor, 2024). One of the main
factors that leads to this is the lack of social support. When individuals do not have a safety net,
they are vulnerable to many challenges including housing instability, family break-up, abuse,
and poor physical health, all of which can have severe consequences. Without the support of
their loved ones and their community, individuals experiencing homelessness can feel isolated
and struggle to access the resources they need to address their circumstances.

Unemployment and low salary

The homelessness epidemic in Toronto is mainly driven by unemployment and low salaries.
Affordable housing can be hard for many individuals and families to obtain due to the high cost
of housing in comparison with income levels. This issue is getting worse because of the
shortage of vacancies and job positions, particularly for individuals who have lower levels of
professional skills or educational literacy.
To address this issue properly, a well-rounded approach will be needed including actions to
increase access to affordable housing, create job training programs, and implement policies that
protect vulnerable populations. Government agencies, nonprofits, and other community
members must work together to address the root causes of homelessness and come up with
long-term solutions in Toronto.

● Drug addiction/Substance abuse( ola )

It is essential to act on drug addiction and substance abuse, not only for the individual’s well-
being but also for the betterment of society as a whole. It’s a complex issue that requires
comprehensive strategies, including prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.
 ● Housing & Food Costs (Hargun)

The already overcrowded shelter system in Toronto is about to burst due to inflation's

increasing hold. Low-income residents are forced to choose between keeping a roof

over their heads and putting food on the table due to increasing housing prices and

grocery bills. More individuals are being forced onto the streets by this harsh reality,

which emphasizes the urgent need for solutions to address the current crisis as well as

the deeper root causes of homelessness in our community.

● Lack of affordable healthcare (Zay)

Addressing the issue of affordable healthcare is vital for the following reasons: Preventing
homelessness, Enhancing the quality of life, Cost of efficiency.
Addressing these issues is not just about compassion or human rights, but also a practical and
economic matter. We can also reduce homelessness, improve lives, create a healthier and
more equitable society.
 Reference

Community Social Planning Council of Toronto, Butt, N., De Gaetano, R., & Thompson, R.
(2004). Homelessness in Toronto: A Review of the Literature from a Toronto
Perspective. In F. Gloger (Ed.), Community Social Planning Council of Toronto.
https://www.reddoorshelter.ca/sites/default/files/files/Publication%20Review%20-
%20HOMELESSNESS_in_Toronto.pdf

Gibson, D., & Gibson, D. (2022, January 28). Housing Affordability: The impact on
homelessness in Toronto. Regen Outreach Community
https://regenbrampton.com/housing-affordability-the-impact-on-homelessness-in-toronto/

Homelessness in Toronto - facts and statistics. Fred Victor. (2024, January 25).
https://www.fredvictor.org/facts-about-homelessness-in-toronto/