Homelessness DOES exist in St. Thomas & Elgin County
Many people picture the homeless as those living on the streets, in parks, in doorways and in other public places. But the “hidden homeless” are much less visible and struggling every day.
In 2022, Statistics Canada found that 12.1% of Canadian households had experienced some form of homelessness during their lifetime. This included hidden homelessness, such as temporarily staying with family or friends because of a lack of housing, as well as sheltered or unsheltered homelessness.
During 2025, more than 35% of people identified through our community’s homelessness response as experiencing homelessness identified as women or gender diverse. This highlights the disproportionate impact of housing instability and homelessness on women and gender-diverse people in St. Thomas-Elgin.
%
of people experiencing homelessness in 2025 identify as women or gender diverse.
Housing is simply not affordable
The gap between local housing costs and social assistance shelter allowances continues to be significant. The St. Thomas-Elgin 2026–2036 Housing & Homelessness Plan reports a 2025 average rent of approximately $1,551 across rental unit types in St. Thomas, with a 2025 average market rent of $1,371 for a one-bedroom unit. The Plan also notes that St. Thomas rents have increased by approximately 87% since 2016.
As of July 2026, the maximum monthly ODSP income support for a single person increased by 1.9% to $1,436, with the shelter component subject to household circumstances and maximum shelter allowances. The maximum shelter allowance for a single-person ODSP benefit unit is now $611 per month.
For a person receiving Ontario Works, the maximum shelter allowance for a single person remains substantially below local market rents. The maximum Ontario Works benefit for a single person is $733 per month for basic needs and shelter combined, meaning the amount available for housing must also cover food and other basic needs.
This creates a significant affordability gap: even using the 2025 average St. Thomas rent of $1,371 for a one-bedroom unit, the rent alone is approximately $760 more per month than the maximum ODSP shelter allowance for a single person.
average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Thomas in 2025
When you contribute to YWCA’s Keep a Roof Campaign, you directly support residents at Tiny Hope and all other YWCA housing and poverty intervention programs
Our housing programs are called “supportive housing” because we provide more than a roof over the heads of women, men, youth, and women-led families. Our residents are linked to a network of services including those that give them the opportunity to develop a variety of life skills. We help them set goals, increase their employability, and become better able to contribute to their community and broader society.
Our Supportive Housing program includes our residences (Kains St Tiny Homes, Horizon House, Unity House, Harmony House, Fairwinds for Youth, several independent living apartments, YWCA Women’s Residence, and our Women-Led Family Transitional Home)
Your donation will go directly into our supportive housing and poverty intervention programs, helping to meet both immediate needs and long-term goals for the individuals and families we serve.
Funds may be used to purchase:
- New mattresses and bedding – ensuring residents have a safe and comfortable place to sleep
- Essential appliances – a new fridge or stove, which allow families to store and prepare healthy meals at home
- Basic furniture — a table where a family can eat together, a desk for someone returning to school, or a sofa for a youth to finally feel at home
- Hygiene supplies – allowing residents to live with dignity
- Non-perishable food – supporting food security needs
- Program materials – connecting residents through life skills and community
- Transportation – assisting residents to appointments
- Upkeep of shared spaces and improvements – making our housing more welcoming
Every dollar makes a direct impact — helping people not just survive but build a foundation for a better future.
How to Donate
Send an E-transfer to finance@ywcaste.ca (please include your full name, address and phone number within the notes of your transfer which will be used for your charitable tax receipt if $20 or more is donated. Sponsorship not eligible for tax receipts.)
By phone (519) 631-9800 or toll-free at 1-800-461-0954
By mailing a cheque payable to ‘YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin’ 16 Mary St. West, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 2S3
Online (up to $999) through our secure online donation system
Platinum+ ($20,000)
Platinum ($5,000 – $19,999)
Gold ($3,000 – 4,999)
Silver ($2,000 – 2,999)
Bronze ($1,000 – 1,999)
Doug & Mary Lou Campbell
Donors
$500 – $999
Debra & Carl Bagshaw
$250 – $499
Saverio Rinaldi