Demand for homelessness services in Muskoka continues to grow, with new data showing significant increases in both prevention supports and emergency housing needs across the district.
A report presented to the Community and Planning Services Committee and Health Services Committee outlines rising service pressures and the increasing complexity of needs among residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Homelessness prevention supports delivered through the Homelessness Support Fund have increased by 49 per cent since 2021, rising from 604 households assisted in 2021–22 to 902 households in 2024–25. The trend has continued into 2026, with more than 250 applications received during the first two months of the year.
Since April 1, 2025, Homelessness Team Case Managers have supported 582 households requiring shelter assistance, housing navigation, and related supports. Of those, 449 households were experiencing homelessness and 133 were considered at risk. Fifty-seven households secured housing, while others resolved their situations through diversion, treatment, relocation, or increased self-sufficiency supports. Currently, 208 households remain actively supported by case managers.
Staff report that client needs are becoming more complex, with 43 per cent of active cases classified as high acuity.
Motel placements continue to serve as a key emergency response due to limited shelter capacity. The number of households supported in motel accommodations increased by 51 per cent between 2021 and 2025. During the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, 235 households accessed District-funded motel stays, nearly half of whom were chronically homeless.
Projected motel use totals nearly 23,000 shelter nights annually at an estimated cost of just over $1 million.
According to the report, staff are reviewing data, best practices, and partnership opportunities to improve efficiency and strengthen prevention-focused, housing-first supports as demand continues to rise.
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