Encampments in Mississauga: A complex issue demanding compassionate solutions

Homelessness in Mississauga is more than just a hidden problem – it’s a clear sign of the real challenges facing our community. It’s a complex issue with deep roots, affecting many cities across Ontario. Anyone can find themselves unhoused at any point no matter of age, gender, background. Every individual living in an encampment has a unique story, and their housing situation shouldn’t define how they are treated by community.

Inadequate housing, funding shortfalls, overwhelmed shelters, limited resources, and personal circumstances such as job loss, mental health issues, and substance abuse, have led to many residents facing eviction, and lacking the means to provide for themselves and their families. Not everyone chooses to live in an encampment. For many, it’s a last resort when they have nowhere else to turn to.

Across Mississauga, encampments have sprouted up in parks, under bridges, and in vacant lots, highlighting the urgency of this issue for all to see.

Compassionate, co-ordinated response

Every individual in Mississauga, including those living in encampments, deserve dignity and respect. This sentiment underscores Mississauga’s approach to addressing the issue, focusing on compassion and support rather than be punished.

On June 26, Peel Region Council approved a new Co-ordinated Homeless Encampment Response, establishing a consistent, compassionate and collaborative human rights-based approach to supporting people experiencing homelessness in Mississauga.

Mississauga’s approach is grounded in dignity and respect for every individual, including those living in encampments. The City, in partnership with Peel Region and community organizations, is committed to a coordinated, human rights-based response that balances the needs of encampment residents with those of the broader community.

Key elements of the Regional response:

• Staff from local municipalities, Peel Region, police, and outreach agencies work together to assess and respond to encampments.
• An encampment is evaluated for health and safety risks, with voluntary relocation prioritized.
• Outreach teams provide on-site support, including hygiene products, food, and referrals to shelter and health services.
• Certain public spaces are designated ‘No Encampment Zones’, areas unsuitable for encampment due to safety concerns, with clear protocols for removal and support.

Collaborative efforts and challenges

Protocols developed and approved by Regional Council form the basis for Mississauga’s response to encampments. The City of Mississauga, with its and community partners, continues to work on appropriate responses that uphold the rights of those living outdoors while providing safe housing options and necessary supports. The Peel Street Outreach team plays a crucial role in this effort, conducting regular wellness checks and facilitating referrals to alternative shelter and supportive services.

However, the challenge is daunting. Peel’s emergency shelter system is currently operating above capacity, forcing the Region to contract with hotels for overflow rooms. This strain on resources highlights the urgent need for increased funding and support from provincial and federal governments.

Funding challenges

Despite these coordinated efforts, resources are stretched thin. Peel Region’s emergency shelter system is operating at above capacity, requiring the use of hotels for overflow. There is a significant funding gap: Peel Region residents receive $578 less per person annually from the Government of Ontario for municipal and social services compared to other regions, amounting to an $868 million shortfall each year. This impacts critical services including housing, mental health, and youth programs.

There are simply not enough resources to meet the growing need. Addressing the issue of unhoused individuals and encampments requires ongoing, increased investment and a shared commitment from all levels of government.

Proactive steps and initiatives

Despite these challenges, Mississauga is taking proactive steps to address the housing crisis. The City recently approved a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) that will provide $44 million in funding to encourage the construction of more affordable rental housing.

Initiatives like the Open Window Hub provide a safe, welcoming space for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

The Open Window Hub offers access to social workers, housing support, mental health resources, and basic needs such as food, hygiene products, and computer access. Since its launch, this program has connected hundreds of individuals with vital services, including finding shelter, and beginning pathways to permanent housing. Every client who has secured stable housing, reconnected with family, or accessed addiction and mental health supports through referrals made at the Hub is a success story.

At a glance:

• In 2024, Open Window Hub served 6,700 people
• 20,889 request for supports (1,823 request for housing)
• 19,371 referrals to Regional supports
• 1,441 referred to Regional shelter or stay the night programs

Resources and support for individuals in encampments

Several resources and support services are available to individuals living in homeless encampments in Mississauga. The Peel Street Outreach Team provides on-location services, including hygiene products, food, and referrals to shelters and other supportive services.

If a resident is in need or worried about someone, they can call the Region of Peel Street Help Line at 1-877-848-8481. The helpline is available 24 hours a day to support the unhoused.

• If you need an immediate place to stay, there are shelters available for youth, families, adults and people fleeing violence or abuse.
• Call 905-450-1996 if you need a safe place to stay or shelter access.
• Visit mississaugalibrary.ca/OWH to learn about the resource and information Open Window Hub. On-site services include complimentary light snacks every weekday, and lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays. Staff are available to assist with resource navigation and connecting to Wi-Fi and hotspots at facilities. The Open Window Hub is located on Level 2 of the Hazel McCallion Central Library. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact the Open Window Hub at 905-615-3200, ext. 3541 to seek support.
• Community Centre Shower Access Pass: Individuals can obtain a no cost Shower Access Pass at the reception desk of various recreation locations during daily operating hours. Hours will vary by location and are subject to change. Learn more at mississauga.ca/homelessness or visit the participating facilities for details.
• Food Banks: Call 211 or Region of Peel at 905-791-7800 or visit peelregion.ca. There are programs that distribute free groceries or vouchers to eligible individuals and families on low incomes.
• Transitional housing: Transitional housing for youth is a temporary, supportive type of housing. It offers structure, supervision, support, and life skills to help young people go from homelessness to permanent housing. Visit Region of Peel Transitional Housing for more information.
• Housing Services: Apply online or phone 905-453-1300 during office hours to complete a new application.
• Mental health supports:
  • Distress Centre of Greater Toronto 905-278-7208
  • Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868
  • EveryMind’s 24/7 Crisis Response Service at 905-278-9036
  • Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700
• Peel Region: Call 905-791-7800 or toll free: 1-888-919-7800 or visit peelregion.ca for homeless or at-risk of homelessness support. Services include emergency and transitional shelters, street outreach, support services and help to find permanent housing.

Homelessness trends and statistics

Homelessness in Mississauga has been on the rise, reflecting broader trends seen across Ontario. In November 2024, Peel Region completed its Point in Time (PiT) count, a community-level measure of homelessness at a single point in time that provides both local and national insights. That exercise reveals the proportion of unsheltered (living outdoors or in encampments) is smaller in Peel than in many neighbouring regions, with about 12 per cent of the unhoused population being unsheltered, compared to higher percentages elsewhere.

While the overall number of unhoused individuals is rising, the majority are accessing shelters or other supports. Only a small minority live in encampments, and ongoing efforts are made to connect them with services and safer alternatives.

Community responsibility and support

As Mississauga continues to navigate this complex issue, City officials emphasize the importance of community understanding and support. Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency concerns to 311, while any immediate threats to safety should be directed to 911. For those concerned about individuals experiencing homelessness, the Peel Street Outreach team operates a 24-hour helpline at 1-877-848-8481, providing support and resources for unhoused individuals.

The story of being unhoused in Mississauga is about people, not just numbers. The City’s focus remains on compassion, dignity, and building long-term solutions through community-wide efforts while ensuring safe and accessible public spaces for the entire community. The City will maintain collaborative efforts with other levels of government, community agencies to facilitate access to supportive services for residents. Every person living in Mississauga deserves a safe and secure place to call home.

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• Housing
• Libraries
• Plans and Strategies