A recent report by Maytree, a human rights organization dedicated to combating poverty and enhancing community welfare, reveals a concerning trend in Ontario. The study indicates a staggering 72% increase in homelessness among individuals relying on Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) since 2019. Approximately 30,000 beneficiaries of these programs are currently without stable housing, as per data obtained from the provincial government between July 2019 and July 2025.
According to Alexi White, Maytree’s director of systems change, the initial intent of OW and ODSP in the 1990s was to provide sufficient financial support for individuals to secure accommodation in various parts of Ontario. However, over time, the living conditions for those on low incomes have significantly deteriorated, largely overlooked from a policy standpoint.
The report emphasizes the growing challenges faced by recipients of social programs, revealing a 136% surge in homelessness among individuals relying on OW for more than a year within the same six-year period. Lena Balata, the study’s author and Maytree’s senior policy adviser, asserts that rather than alleviating poverty and stabilizing lives, dependence on OW is increasingly leading to homelessness.
Furthermore, the report highlights that 70% of homeless recipients are single adults, the demographic receiving the lowest benefits from the province. In response to the report’s findings, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services spokesperson Daniel Schultz stated that the government has implemented significant measures to enhance affordability for Ontario families, expand employment opportunities, and safeguard the economy and communities.
Despite these efforts, gaps persist in the support provided to OW and ODSP recipients, particularly in the face of soaring rents, notably in urban centers like Toronto. The maximum monthly rate for a single adult on OW stands at $733, while the highest ODSP benefit is $1,408. In comparison, the average market rent for a bachelor apartment in Toronto is $1,499, escalating to $1,763 for a one-bedroom unit.
Maytree urges the provincial government to address the root causes of poverty, especially for Indigenous, racialized, and disabled communities, ensure adequate income support for housing affordability, and expand accessible and affordable housing options. The organization’s call to action underscores the pressing need for comprehensive policy reforms to combat the escalating homelessness crisis in Ontario.