Toronto’s Homelessness Crisis: Stories of Resilience and Struggle

TORONTO – The struggle against homelessness in Toronto is vividly illustrated in the lives of those who frequent Sanctuary Ministries, a church that has served as a refuge for over three decades. On a recent Thursday, the church opened its doors to individuals grappling with homelessness, addiction, and poverty, providing not only meals but community support and essential services.

Tanja Futter, the pastoral director at Sanctuary Ministries, highlighted the importance of creating a safe space for those in need. “There is a beauty of Sanctuary where I’ve said to many people that this is the most transformative community I’ve ever been part of,” she explained. The church, located on Charles Street East, offers hot meals, medical care, and essential supplies, fostering a sense of belonging among its visitors.

Despite its noble mission, Sanctuary Ministries faces opposition from local residents. The board of CASA condos at 33 Charles Street East has filed a $2.3 million lawsuit against the church, alleging that its services have led to safety concerns for residents, including drug use and violence. While the lawsuit remains unresolved, Greg Cook, an outreach team lead at the church, emphasized the urgent need for their services amid Toronto’s deepening homelessness crisis.

According to city data, the number of homeless individuals in Toronto has surged from under 8,000 in 2021 to over 15,000 by late 2024. The Ontario Municipalities Association reported that approximately 80,000 people experienced homelessness in the province that year. Earlier this month, Ontario’s Big City Mayors urged the provincial government to declare a state of emergency in response to what they described as a “community safety and humanitarian crisis.”

The stories of individuals affected by homelessness reveal the human impact of this crisis.

Sabrina Wanee-Katari Sutherland, who was taken into foster care after facing abuse, has struggled with addiction and homelessness for years. At 51, she battles a fentanyl addiction and is HIV positive. Sutherland expressed the stigma she feels as an Indigenous woman, stating, “They are misunderstood and targeted and abused by the system.” Despite her challenges, her daughter, Kayla Sutherland, remains hopeful and actively supports her mother.

Tony Aguiar, aged 44, has also faced significant hurdles. After leaving his supportive housing unit due to deteriorating conditions, he has been sleeping in a doorway. “I do feel lucky. I do feel blessed,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his personal space while navigating the challenges of homelessness. Aguiar expressed his desire for the children at a nearby school not to see him living in such circumstances.

Meanwhile, Aubree Olson, now 28, has struggled with addiction since a knee injury in high school led her to painkillers and eventually street drugs. After facing multiple hardships, including the death of her boyfriend due to an overdose, she now lives in an encampment and is determined to regain control of her life. “I want to take the nine credits I still need to graduate from high school,” she stated.

Another individual, Crystofur Taggart, became homeless at just 16 after being forced to leave his foster home. He has faced numerous challenges, including the death of his partner from an overdose. Taggart described the fear and anxiety of living outdoors, stating, “Being outside in the cold is, it’s not manageable. It’s not easy. It’s scary.”

The ongoing crisis has prompted community leaders to call for immediate action. Cook emphasized that the work done at Sanctuary Ministries is crucial, stating, “I’d say it’s also an honour to hold people’s trust.” Each week, between 300 and 350 community participants visit the church, highlighting the pressing need for support services.

As winter approaches, the challenges intensify for those experiencing homelessness. The harsh conditions push individuals like Olson and Taggart to seek shelter while battling the deep-rooted issues of addiction and trauma. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address homelessness in Toronto and beyond.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 16, 2025. If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available by calling or texting 988, Canada’s national suicide prevention helpline.