The Social and Financial Cost of Non-Permanent Shelter Systems for Addressing Homelessness
Across North America, communities are responding to rising homelessness by investing in temporary shelters. While these approaches offer short-term relief, evidence shows they do not address the root cause: a growing shortage of affordable housing driven by decades of reduced public investment and market pressures.
Housing First—an approach that prioritizes permanent housing with supports—remains the only proven strategy to reduce chronic homelessness. However, its impact is limited by a lack of housing and resources. As a result, communities are increasingly relying on temporary solutions that risk diverting funding from long-term, effective responses.
This report examines the social and financial costs of non-permanent shelter systems, highlighting the urgent need to refocus efforts on permanent and supportive housing as the foundation for lasting solutions to homelessness.
The Housing Strain
In Perth and Huron, 14% of renter households live in core housing need.
| 2018 | 2022 | % Increase | $ Increase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Bedroom | $793 | $1,405 | + 77% | + $612 |
| Two-Bedroom | $958 | $1,782 | + 86% | + $824 |
| Three-or-More | $1,090 | $2,331 | + 114% | + $1,241 |
Average income increase: 19%
More Information About Housing and Homelessness
- Association of Municipalities of Ontario: Municipalities Under Pressure: The Human and Financial Cost of Ontario’s Homelessness Crisis
- United Way Perth-Huron’s Social Research & Planning Council: Speak Up For Housing