Our Impact
Safe and adequate housing is a human right. Homelessness and food insecurity are crises in our province.
Knowing that so many of our neighbours are unhoused or underhoused -- and unable to afford their basic needs -- is something that concerns the Foundation, REALTORS®, and Ontario real estate boards and associations alike.
In 2023, we made a major impact on shelter and food insecurity in Ontario:
Together we donated $1.8 million to over 170 organizations!
That's where we come in: To enable and empower REALTORS® across Ontario to fundraise in support of shelter-related causes in the communities in which they live and work. REALTORS® and real estate boards and associations recognize that they are in a unique position to help create healthier and more vibrant communities.
As the Foundation that brings real estate professionals together to make a lasting difference in their community, we are inspired by your collective generosity.
Facts About Shelter and Food Insecurity in Ontario:
Source: Association of Municipalities Ontario, August 2023
- Despite recent increases to social assistance program rates, in real terms, those rates have never been lower.
- In Ontario, 45% of tenant households spend 30% or more of their total income on shelter. This is the highest rate in Canada.
- By 2025, about 160,000 Ontario households will spend greater than 50% of their income on rent.
- Food bank use in Ontario has increased 42% over the past three years alone.
- One-third of these visitors were using food banks for the first time.
- There is not enough deeply affordable community housing. Canada – including Ontario – lags significantly behind other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries when it comes to our social housing supply.
- 200,000 Ontarians are waiting years for access to social housing. At least 99,000 new units would be required to meet this need.