Housing Crisis Facts
How many youth experience homelessness every year in Canada?
35,000–40,000
Can a landlord evict you without a legal reason in Ontario?
No – proper legal notice and reason are required.
What does “inclusionary zoning” require developers to do?
Include affordable housing units in new developments.
True or False: Most homelessness is caused by bad personal decisions.
False – it’s largely systemic.
What 3 components make up our Hearts and Homes Collective solution?
Advocacy, Awareness (Tenant Guide), and Student Support (Funding Access).
In Toronto, how much have rents increased for new tenants in 2023?
Up to 40% increase
What legal resource offers free advice to tenants in Ontario?
Legal Aid Ontario / Tenant Duty Counsel Program
Which level of government controls most housing policies in Ontario?
Provincial government
What is one common reason youth experience homelessness?
Family conflict, abuse, or being kicked out.
What specific population does Hearts and Homes Collective focus on?
Students at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
How many affordable housing units does Canada currently need?
Around 4.4 million
What is the name of the tribunal that handles landlord-tenant disputes in Ontario?
Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
Name one simple way students can advocate for better housing policies.
Petitions, contacting MPPs, writing letters, student union involvement
What percentage of students experiencing homelessness are working or in school?
Many — homelessness doesn’t always mean unemployed.
What is the purpose of the tenant guide we’re building?
To connect students with legal aid, financial resources, and housing support services.
What is the most common age group experiencing homelessness for the first time?
Youth ages 13–24
Are landlords allowed to increase rent by any amount they want every year?
No – subject to rent control guidelines.
What is upzoning?
Changing zoning laws to allow for more dense and flexible housing.
Name one stereotype about homeless people that creates stigma.
They’re lazy, addicted, or dangerous.
What kind of advocacy are we focusing on?
Policy changes such as zoning reform, inclusionary housing, and rent protections.
What percentage of Canadians live paycheck to paycheck, making them vulnerable to housing instability?
Roughly 50%
True or False: A landlord must complete repairs in a timely manner even if you are behind on rent.
True
What city introduced modular housing with urban farms as an innovative solution?
Vancouver
True or False: Most people experiencing homelessness have serious mental illness.
False – many are fully functional but lack stable housing due to systemic barriers.
What Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) does our project align with?
SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.