Addressing BIPOC Youth Homelessness Ahead of the Upcoming Federal Election
Empowering Change for BIPOC Youth
REST Centres empowers youth to live healthier, more secure lives by addressing housing insecurity, particularly among BIPOC youth in Peel Region.
With the upcoming federal election scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2025, now is a critical time to bring national attention to the issue of youth homelessness and the disproportionate impact it has on Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth.
The Scope of BIPOC Youth Homelessness
The Data Speaks
In Toronto, 43% of homeless youth identify as Black, despite Black individuals making up a much smaller portion of the city’s population (Facts About Youth Homelessness, 2024).
"Black people are also twice as likely as white people to experience unsheltered homelessness"(Black Communities, n.d.).
Between 2011–2012, Black youth made up 24.1% of custody admissions in Ontario, while representing only 3% of the youth population (Anti-black racism in Canada's criminal justice system, 2021).
These statistics reveal deep systemic issues — not just in housing, but across education, justice, and mental health systems — disproportionately affecting BIPOC youth.
Understanding the Root Causes
Youth homelessness is not merely the result of poor choices or lack of ambition. It often stems from:
Family and relational breakdown
Systemic racism and discrimination
Mental health struggles
Lack of access to culturally appropriate support services
These root causes are interconnected and compounded by the absence of safety nets and inclusive policies.
Gaps in Policy and Support
Lack of Affordable Housing
“Too many people are choosing to forgo a healthy diet or the medication they need just to keep a roof over their head.” — Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, 2018
Housing is a human right. Yet, with rent prices climbing and social housing lagging behind demand, many BIPOC youth are being priced out of stability.
“...our affordable rental housing crisis will not be solved by building more condominiums or luxury purpose-built rentals. We need a combination of targeted policies and investments including funding for social housing, government support for non-profit housing, and strong protections in place for tenants.” — Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario
Inadequate, Non-Culturally Responsive Services
While support services exist, they often fail to meet the unique cultural and lived experiences of BIPOC youth. When services are delivered without cultural understanding or awareness of bias, young people may feel excluded or misunderstood — leading them to avoid seeking help altogether.
The Role of Community Organizations
Nonprofits like REST Centres play a vital role in closing these gaps.
At REST, we don’t wait for crises to unfold. We take a proactive approach — drawing from lived experience, data, and community partnerships — to support youth in the areas of:
Housing
Mental health and wellness
Education and employment
Financial literacy and life skills
Real Stories, Real Impact
Machei Morgan – RISE Program Participant
“I just wanted to take a moment to share how RISE has positively impacted me. Through programs like financial literacy, I’ve been able to learn and grow in ways that are truly valuable for my future.
Beyond education, RISE has given me the opportunity to stay active through basketball and workouts...and improve my soft skills. The support with bus tickets and groceries has also eased financial stress, making it easier to focus on personal growth.
One of the biggest positives has been meeting new people and collaborating with different perspectives, which has expanded my mindset and helped me build meaningful connections.”
Kurgeena – Employment Workshop Attendee
“I was really nervous before the workshop started that I’d mess up but Jacqui was so patient when explaining everything and we were able to have open discussion as well as following along with the PowerPoint. I was able to take helpful notes regarding the expectations of the hospitality & food industry. Marian & Jacqui gave such insightful feedback after our interviews so I made note of that as well. I feel so much more confident and prepared for any interview that I have in the future.”
These stories show what’s possible when young people are met with the right support at the right time.
What You Can Do
We all have a role to play in building a more just and compassionate society.
Your support helps REST:
Secure housing for youth
Provide education and career guidance
Offer wraparound, culturally informed care
Here’s how you can help:
Become a Community Landlord through our Bridge of Hope Program
Donate (monthly or one-time) to support housing and wellness services
Volunteer your time or skills to mentor, teach, or support youth
Advocate for systems change, especially during this election season
Learn more and get involved – REST CENTRES www.restcentres.org/getinvolved
A Call to Action Ahead of the Federal Election
With the election around the corner, we urge elected officials and community members alike to prioritize:
Investments in culturally responsive housing and supports
Policy reforms that address systemic racism and inequality
Sustainable funding for community-based, BIPOC-led solutions
We must move beyond awareness to action.
Federal Election Day: Monday, April 28, 2025
Let’s use this moment to raise our voices for the youth who need us most.
Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario. (2018). Where Will We Live? Ontario’s Affordable Housing Crisis. HomelessHub. https://homelesshub.ca/resource/where-will-we-live-ontarios-affordable-housing-crisis/
Canadian Civil Liberties Association. (2021, November). Anti-black racism in Canada’s criminal justice system. https://ccla.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Anti-Black-Racism-Fact-Sheet-2021.pdf
Homeless Hub. (2020). Black communities . HomelessHub. https://homelesshub.ca/collection/population-groups/black-communities/#:~:text=Black%20people%20are%20also%20twice,is%20concentrated%20in%20certain%20areas.
Unknown. (2024, November 5). Facts about youth homelessness. Eva’s. https://www.evas.ca/about-us-2/facts-about-youth-homelessness/#:~:text=From%20the%202021%20City%20of%20Toronto%20Street%20Needs,Black%20of%20youth%20identified%20as%20a%20refugee%2Frefugee%20claimant