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 our Keep a Roof Campaign, you will help open doors to opportunities through supportive housing and poverty interventions.
Our Supportive Housing programs include our residences Hope Crossing, Horizon House, Unity House, Harmony House, Fairwinds, several independent living apartments, our Women’s Residence, and our Women-Led Family Transitional Home.
Every day we connect women, women-led families and youth to a network of services and programs giving them the opportunity to develop life skills, confidence and independence for a brighter future.
With your support, individuals can access not only a roof overhead, but also food, essentials, life-skills programming, community resources, and compassionate support.
Your contribution will help provide:
- Safe and supportive housing.
- Food, essentials, and practical support.
- Programs that build stability and independence.
- Dignity, belonging, and hope.
Together, we provide more than a roof—we provide safety, support, stability, and hope.
Become a Sponsor Today!
Your business or organization can make a meaningful difference while showing your commitment to our community. Whether you’re a local business, service club, or community organization, there’s a giving level for you!
In return, we’ll proudly recognize and showcase your support with our followers, helping shine a light on the difference we can make together.
Help us reach our goal of raising $50,000!
Click here to view our Sponsorship Levels & Donation Form
Your charity of choice!
Make safe, affordable housing and poverty interventions your priority as you select YWCA as your charity of choice this season whether you are a business, individual or family, your contribution will make a difference.
Donors will automatically receive a charitable tax receipt from our Zeffy charitable giving platform upon completion of your donation.
Click here to view our Donation Levels & Confirmation Form
Ways to Give
- E-transfer finance@ywcaste.ca (Please include full name & mailing address in your e-transfer notes or email completed confirmation form for tax receipt purposes.)
- Mail cheque payable to YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin with your completed confirmation form
- Submit credit card information with your completed confirmation form
- Donate online using the ‘Become a Sponsor’ or ‘Become a Donor’ buttons above
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Bronze ($1,000 – 1,999)
Doug & Mary Lou Campbell
Donors
$500 – $999
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$250 – $499
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