A report from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario reveals that homelessness in Ontario reached nearly 85,000 in 2025, marking an 8% increase, with rural areas experiencing a 31% rise. Advocates, like Erin Schooley from Huron County, emphasize the need for increased funding for housing and social services amid growing demand. Challenges in rural homelessness include tracking and resource availability, as noted by Danielle Neilson of St. Thomas and Elgin County, who highlights the underfunding of homelessness response programs. Despite provincial efforts, rural municipalities remain reliant on property taxes, which hinder their capacity to address these issues effectively.
