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Canadian Missions

Homelessness in Canada

We not only realize the importance of extending a hand to third world countries but we see the need in our own backyard as well.

Poverty is the leading cause of homelessness in Canada. Lack of income or affordable housing is forcing thousands of Canadians into homelessness. Estimates from Statistics Canada show 1 in 10 Canadians live in poverty. There are no “official” statistics of the number of homeless people in Canada due to a current lack of methodology to carry out a census of “hidden” populations.

The estimated numbers based on information from shelters and informed groups show that Canada has some of the highest per capita rates of any developed nation. Estimates place the number of homeless in Canada at as many as 200,000 people. Close to 7,000 youth stayed in shelters last year, accounting for only 22% of shelter clients. However, due to a lack of support, organizations that assist the homeless are faced with a number of problems:
 
  • Lack of funding has forced a reduction in food programs.
  • Initiatives to help the homeless are nearly always short staffed.
  • A lack of supplies to assist the homeless.
  • The growing demand for shelter exceeds the available space and clients have to be turned away.

Realizing the need for awareness, Crossroads launched the One Homeless Night project in 2005. To read more about this project that was birthed out of Crossroads and our involvement, please visit the History summary.

Crossroads has now shifted into more of a TV focus; with our hearts still to raise awareness surrounding homelessness and gain support for organizations that are in direct assistance to the poor. We will be bringing these important issues to the forefront throughout the year by featuring them on 100 Huntley Street. We will be giving practical and spiritual help to those in need and work together with various shelters to provide a unified voice for those who cannot be heard.

It’s imperative for people’s eyes to be opened, their hearts to be touched and then inspired to action to be Jesus’ hands and feet to the poor around them. Responsibility to the homeless is not just a social obligation but a spiritual one as well. Crossroads helps to remind Christians that Jesus was not just the helper and the Savior of the less fortunate, but He was also one of them. This is an issue very close to God’s heart.

You can help. Please contact a shelter and volunteer your time, help support them financially and remember to pray for them. To view a list of shelters who could use your assistance, please visit the Organizations list.

"…We cannot just ignore those that are less fortunate or pretend that they are not there, or even worse blame them for being in their situations. I see the homeless as an opportunity for those of us who have been blessed with so much to share the gifts that God has provided for us because what we do for our brothers and sisters, we do unto Him.”  - A participant in Crossroads’ One Homeless Night initiative.