About Homelessness
Who is at Risk?
 More than one million people call the Region of Peel home. The Region is one of Ontario’s most culturally diverse communities and among the fastest growing in the province. The factors that stimulate and support growth – affordable housing, growing businesses, strong educational institutions, safe and secure communities – benefit everyone.
Even so, in 2005 the United Way of Peel noted that: “Small pockets of poverty exist throughout Peel. These pockets are often obscured by their proximity to the relative affluence of other parts of the region. For many observers it is hard to believe that there are approximately 115,000 people in Peel living below the poverty line. This represents more than 10% of the region’s population. (Source: Portraits of Peel).
A number of groups have been identified as being especially vulnerable to becoming homeless because of their low incomes. These groups include seniors, sole support parents, and recent immigrants.
The issue of poverty has led to an increased need for, among other things, income support, affordable housing, employment training, prenatal care, child care subsidies, support for the elderly and drug rehabilitation centres. |
