Why do the people of Toronto ignore the fact that there is a homeless problem?

Question

I don't live in Toronto. I live Oakville, Ontario (just outside of the city) and every time I go to into Toronto I see homeless people all over the place, sitting next to over flowing garbage bins. Some even have the signs asking for money. The worst time is when there is a big game at the Rogers Center or AC center. They all come over and sit on the sidewalk on the main area where people walk into the stadiums. This is very sad, and it is also honestly very uncomfortable walking past homeless people everywhere you go ... very depressing.

I feel embarrassed when I travel to other parts of the country. Since a person from BC has probably never heard of Oakville as it's not a major city, I feel embarrassed having to say I live by Toronto. I don't think Torontonians realize that people in other Canadian cities look down on Toronto, while Toronto residents never shut up about how "clean" and sparkling their pristine city is, with wonderful "friendly" people. I find that hard to believe

Here are some pictures I found on Flickr, just to prove to you how bad the situation really is:
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=50080822&size=l
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photoshap/189802420/
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=14814984&size=o

Answer 1

As other have said, all cities have the poor and the homeless.
And contrary to what ashes opines, there ARE often reasons these people are homeless.

Often, it is a chosen lifestyle ... people that don't and/or don't want to fit in to normal society, they have given up or dropped out, and prefer the free independent life of a vagrant.

However, most homeless people fall into other categories, such as substance abuse/addicts, the mentally ill, the physically disabled, and the physically ill. In countries like Canada and the US, there is some agency assistance available, but it is not enough to rent a room and buy meals, clothing, etc. One cannot point a finger at these people, because much of what is up with them is not by choice -- drugs being an exception.

Then there are also the homeless people that are temporarily homeless ... they have lost financial resources for whatever reasons ... loss of a job, divorce, illness/family illness, a variety of reasons, have no where to go, end up on the streets, but with help are able to pick up and get back into mainstream society in 6-12 months.

Homelessness has no simple answers. No matter how good a society/.city is, there will always be some who are left on the sidelines. Another aspect is that once being homeless becomes a way of life, it can be very difficult to change habits and lifestyle.

Here are things you can do to help those less fortunate:
1) Treat all people with respect, reserving judgement ... unless you have been there, you cannot know or understand "why".
2) Give generously of time and money to proven charities that help, such as Salvation Army, Foodbanks, and Missions.
3) Do not give panhandlers/beggers money. Also, most large cities have a lot of "soup kitchens" that give free meals, in North America, you can almost always get enough food to keep you going, if not neccessarily well-nourished.
4) If you see a street person who appears to have a particular need ... and you can fill that need, do it. i.e. my husband and I give out small bags of dogfood to homeless people with dogs. We have also given out jackets, socks, and blankets. During the boil water order recently in Vancouver, we gave out bottled water as well.
5) Get involved ... find out what organisations/agencies in your community help the homeless and/or make legislation about the way cities are run, and start attending meetings and getting involved.

Do not be embarassed about where you live ... just tell people, I live in Oakville, Ontario, it is xx kilometers outside of Toronto, or its in southeast Ontario, or whatever.
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Answer 2

There is a homeless problem anywhere you go. I live in Calgary and it is a major issue here, as well. There are many municipal and non-profit organization trying to deal with it, but it seems to be getting worse... many factors are involved. I wouldn't go so far to say that the City of Toronto isn't doing anything... what would you suggest... these are peoople with free will that we're talking about.

You used B.C. as an example... have you ever been to B.C.? They have a major problem with the homeless and drug addicts, due to their milder weather. Have you not heard of East Hastings or Blood Alley? I suggest you do some research and you will find that this an issue in other cities all over the world and not just in Toronto.

Many cities in Canada have reputations for being clean and friendly... just not 100%... just like everywhere else; for the most part it is true. There is no Eutopia!

Answer 3

Hi. I live in downtown Toronto...and yes we have a homeless problem here. As others have said this problem is not limited to Toronto. I have been to many of the major cities in Canada and you will find homelessness everywhere.

What you forget, coming from Oakville, is that the social agencies that are set up to help alcohol & drug problems, mental illness issues and poverty are mainly located in larger metropolitan centres. Teenagers runaway to Toronto from small towns. People move to the big city to get jobs (and sometimes fail). Mental health facilities are located in Toronto.

As for the fact that it seems Torontonians don't seem to care....we spend a lot of money on social welfare and housing. Yes it isn't always the best, but it is something. You can not make someone stop living on the streets, if they refuse to stay in a facility, they are free to leave. As an example, last year a group of street kids wanted to continue living under a bridge here in the city, the city said they had to move (road construction was due to start).They offered to put them in shelters. The kids would have nothing to do with it....they wanted the city to buy them a house to live in. They did not want to live in a shelter and have to follow rules.....thier words, not mine.

I know it seems harsh, we walk pass them every day. We don't always give them hand outs (money). But on my half hour walk home from work everyday, I get asked about 5 times. I can not afford to hand out money every day. Yes we get jaded...but we aren't heartless.

Answer 4

There are homeless people all over the world, in every country. It could be a third world country, or a rich country like the United States, Canada or Britain. It's a global issue.

Answer 5

Think You should travel this great land of ours more bud.!!!

There is homelss in every city I've been to, same throughout the land!

Of course I know where Oakville is!!

I do not look down my nose at Toronto and no one I know does eiither...........Everyone has family scattered all over Canada!!

I am from B.C.

Answer 6

I know what you mean. There are tons of people in LA that have tents and tarps right in the streets living there. The question is not why does everybody not recognize this problem. It is not their problem. It is the person's living under the tarp/tent. They are just as able as us to go out and get a job and an apartment and bills. I get up at 4:00 every morning and go to WORK so I have money to LIVE in my APARTMENT so I won't have to live in a tent/tarp. They should go out and work and there wouldn't be a homeless problem. I don't have time to worry about their lazy asses much less worry about my own self.