FAQs

Chronic homelessness is defined as an experience of homelessness for long periods of time. This includes an experience of homelessness that lasts a total of at least six months (180 days) over the past year or a total of at least 18 months (546 days) over the past three years.

The Region of Waterloo estimates there are about 1,000 people currently experiencing homelessness across the region.

This includes about 530 people experiencing homelessness for more than six months at a time, known as chronic homelessness. 

The longer a person experiences homelessness, the more their health and well-being suffers. They are more likely to experience violence, trauma, social isolation, justice challenges, and increases in substance use.

Targeting efforts in ending chronic homelessness as a starting point ensures those with the longest experiences of homelessness and most complex needs are the first to receive housing and support to end their homelessness. 

The Ontario Government has set a target for all Ontario communities to end chronic homelessness before 2025, and the Federal Government’s goal is to reduce chronic homelessness by 50 per cent by the end of the 2027/28 fiscal year.

Ending chronic homelessness will be the beginning of the end of all forms of homelessness in Waterloo Region.

The Plan to End Chronic Homelessness will be a roadmap of strategies, resources and timelines to end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region. 

The creation of The Plan will be in community, by community, for community.