Did you know that between 150,000 to 300,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Canada? If your organization is trying to find solutions, it can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of a future where you’re helping five more homeless people each day. You want to help, but figuring out where to start is difficult. The fear of not doing enough—while knowing the problem continues to grow—can feel frustrating.
You’re not alone. Many organizations like yours and Main Street Project are searching for ways to make a meaningful impact on homelessness. If we don’t tackle this problem, more people will lose access to resources like housing, healthcare, and transportation. In addition, people will continue to face serious health issues due to limited access to stable housing, healthcare, and sanitation.
At MoveMobility, we’ve spent over two decades manufacturing vehicles that remove barriers to healthcare and transportation. We’ve seen firsthand how mobile units can change lives. While we’re a leader in this space, we know we’re not the only manufacturer. Our goal is to share actionable insights, not just talk about ourselves.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the impact of homelessness and what your organization can do to help end homelessness in Canada, from understanding the causes to exploring mobile solutions.
What do the stats say about homelessness in Canada?
Did you know that more people are dealing with homelessness in Toronto than anywhere else in Canada? The numbers are staggering. On any given night, nearly 35,000 people across Canada experience homelessness. This is a national issue, impacting cities like Winnipeg, Vancouver, and many more.
The financial cost of homelessness is significant. Here are some key stats:
$7 billion: The annual financial impact of homelessness in Canada is over $7 billion. This includes the costs of emergency services, shelters, and health care.
$2.2 billion: The government has committed to invest $2.2 billion over the next decade to expand funding for homelessness. This will go toward housing projects and support services.
Demographics: 30% of the homeless people in Canada stem from Indigenous communities.
22% of shelters: In Canada, 22% of shelters are specifically geared toward young people experiencing homelessness.
Despite these efforts, homelessness continues to grow, particularly in Ontario and Toronto, where resources are stretched thin. The numbers show that the issue isn’t going away without help from more than just the government. As an organization, you might ask: How can we help?
Understanding the scope of the problem is the first step. These stats highlight why finding long-term solutions is important to ending homelessness in Canada.
Take a look at the Homeless Hub to learn more about the stats on homelessness in Canada.
8 things that cause homelessness in Canada
There are many reasons people end up facing homelessness in Canada. Let’s break down some of the main causes so it’s easier to understand:
1. Poverty: When people don’t have enough money to meet basic needs like food and rent, they often lose their homes. Once someone falls into poverty, getting back on their feet without help is hard.
2. Abuse: A lot of people, especially women and children, become homeless after leaving a home where they experienced emotional or physical abuse from a partner or parent. They may leave to stay safe but don’t have anywhere else to go.
3. Addiction: Substance abuse is another big cause. People struggling with addiction can lose their jobs, their homes, and their relationships. Without support, it’s tough for them to get back on track.
4. Unemployment: When people can’t find a job, they often can’t pay for housing. Unemployment can push people into homelessness, especially in cities where the cost of living is really high.
5. Expensive housing: Affordable housing is hard to find in many parts of Canada. With rising rent prices, some people simply can’t afford a place to live, leading to homelessness.
6. Disability: People with mental or physical disabilities can have a harder time finding and keeping jobs. Without income or support, they’re more likely to lose their homes.
7. Mental health: Mental health issues are another key factor. People who don’t get the care they need often struggle to stay housed.
8. Moving to a new area: Some people relocate to find new opportunities but end up without the resources they need, leading to homelessness.
How the Mobile Outreach Van can help end homelessness in Canada
Now that you’ve learned about some alarming statistics about homelessness in Canada, as well as how it can start, you might be wondering how to make an impact.
The Mobile Outreach Van is a great way to start. It allows you to meet people where they are, which helps build trust. For people facing homelessness, trust is everything. Here’s how the van’s features can help your team support those in need:
A clean, comfortable space
People dealing with homelessness don’t always have access to a clean, safe environment. The Mobile Outreach Van gives them a space where they can feel comfortable, even if it’s just for a short time. This clean, welcoming environment helps them feel respected and safe.
Removable passenger seats for flexibility
The van’s removable seats make it easy to adjust the space. You can use it to transport people to shelters, offer private services, or create room for supplies. Flexibility is important when needs change every day.
Storage for supplies
The aluminum floor-to-ceiling cabinets allow you to store supplies like:
- Food
- Clothing
- Hygiene kits
- First aid supplies
Many people facing homelessness don’t have access to these items, and being able to offer them can make a big difference.
A mobile office on wheels
The van’s desk space and secured rolling chair chair give your team a spot to help people:
- Fill out paperwork
- Connect them to services
- Have one-on-one conversations or counselling sessions
It’s a private area where you can have important conversations without distractions.
Power supply for staying connected
The power supply is important for keeping things running. Your organization can use it to:
- Charge devices
- Power equipment
- Provide light for evening outreach services
Sink and fridge options
With the option to have a sink and fridge, you can offer basic hygiene or store perishable items, like snacks or medicine. This keeps things clean and ensures that people get the care they need.
Rear heat & air conditioning
No matter the weather, the van’s heating and air conditioning keep the environment comfortable, making it a safe space for people to rest and receive help.
Equipment and records storage
You’ll have a secure place for medical equipment, records, or other important items. This makes it easy to stay organized while you’re out in the field.
Cab divider for more privacy
The cab divider adds an extra layer of privacy, making people feel safe and secure. It’s especially helpful when discussing personal matters or providing medical care.
The Mobile Outreach Van allows your organization to directly connect with people experiencing homelessness. Its flexibility, comfort, and essential features make it easier to provide immediate support. If you’d like to talk to a mobility expert about how the Mobile Outreach Van can help your team make a difference in homelessness across Canada, we’re here to help.
Next steps on how your organization can help end homelessness in Canada
You came to this article because you might’ve been looking for ways to help end homelessness in Canada. We talked about what causes homelessness and how the Mobile Outreach Van can be a useful tool to support those living on the streets.
At MoveMobility, we’ve spent over 20 years designing vehicles that break down barriers to healthcare and transportation. We understand how tough it can be to find the right tools to make a real impact, and we’re here to help. The Mobile Outreach Van gives your team a way to meet people where they are and offer support directly, making a huge difference in their lives.
If you have any questions or want to chat more about how the Mobile Outreach Van can help your organization, click the button below to connect with a mobility expert. We’re here to support you on your journey to ending homelessness.
Not ready to talk just yet? No worries—we have more resources you can check out to learn more.
Knowing what your organization can expect to pay before purchasing something is always important. Watch the video below to get a better idea of what you’ll pay for a Mobile Outreach Van
After that, check out the article on our van’s warranties. This will give you some insight into the warranty package our vehicles come with.
