Right now in Canada, families are making impossible choices between rent and groceries. The cost of basic necessities has skyrocketed, pushing more people toward housing instability than we’ve seen in decades. Regeneration Outreach has witnessed this crisis firsthand, serving community members in Brampton who face these daily challenges with dignity and compassion.
The current cost of living crisis in Canada is directly driving increased houselessness and housing instability, as families can no longer afford the basic expenses of housing, food, and transportation on stagnant incomes. From 2023 to 2024 alone, many communities have seen dramatic increases in people seeking support services, with some areas experiencing significant growth in food bank visits.
What the Cost of Living Crisis Means for Canadian Families
Rising Housing, Food & Transportation Costs
Housing costs have become the largest expense for most Canadian families, often consuming 50% or more of monthly income. Rent increases have far outpaced wage growth, leaving families with less money for everything else. Grocery bills that used to cost $150 per week now reach $300 or more for the same items.
Transportation costs add another layer of financial pressure. Public transit fares, gas prices, and vehicle maintenance expenses have all increased significantly. These aren’t luxury items—they’re necessities for getting to work, school, and medical appointments.
How Inflation Affects Community Members Most
People living on fixed incomes feel the impact of inflation most severely. When prices rise but disability benefits, pensions, or minimum wage jobs don’t keep pace, families fall behind quickly. A single unexpected expense—like a car repair or medical bill—can push someone from stable housing into crisis.
Young adults starting their careers and seniors on fixed incomes are particularly vulnerable. These groups often have the least flexibility in their budgets and fewer resources to draw on during tough times. Understanding poverty lines in Ontario helps illustrate how many working families now live precariously close to housing instability.
The Link Between Rising Costs & Housing Instability
When Rent Takes More Than 50% of Income
Housing experts recommend spending no more than 30% of income on rent, but many Canadians now pay 50% or more. When housing costs consume such a large portion of income, there’s little left for food, medication, or emergency expenses. This creates a precarious situation where any financial disruption can lead to eviction.
Landlords are increasing rents at maximum allowable rates, and new rental properties often cost significantly more than older units. Families face the choice of paying unaffordable rent or moving to areas with fewer job opportunities and services.
The Impossible Choice: Food or Housing
Many families now regularly choose between paying rent and buying groceries. Some skip meals during the last week of each month to ensure they can pay housing costs. Others delay paying utilities to afford food, risking disconnection of services.
This isn’t a temporary situation for most families—it’s become their new normal. The stress of constantly managing these impossible choices affects mental health, family relationships, and overall well-being. These challenges often lead to persistent cycles of poverty that become increasingly difficult to escape.
How Families Move from Housed to Houseless
The path from stable housing to experiencing houselessness tends to start off gradual, but it often accelerates suddenly. Families might start by staying with friends or relatives when they can’t make rent. They may live in overcrowded conditions or unsafe housing because it’s all they can afford.
Eventually, these temporary solutions become unsustainable. Families find themselves with nowhere to turn, facing the reality of sleeping in cars, shelters, or on the streets. What once seemed unthinkable becomes their daily reality.
Food Insecurity & Housing Crisis: A Dangerous Combination
What Food Insecurity Really Looks Like
Food insecurity affects families in ways that extend far beyond hunger. When people can’t afford nutritious meals, their health suffers, making it harder to work and maintain a stable income. Food insecurity also creates additional barriers to stability, including:
- Skipping meals to pay rent
- Choosing between groceries and utilities
- Relying on food banks monthly instead of occasionally
Why Community Members Visit Food Banks More Often
Food banks in Brampton Ontario and across Canada are seeing unprecedented demand. People who never imagined needing food assistance now visit regularly to help stretch their budgets. Working families, seniors, and students make up a growing portion of food bank users.
The stigma around accessing food banks is decreasing as more people realize that these services provide necessary support during difficult times. In fact, food banks have become a lifeline that helps families allocate more money toward housing costs.
The Reality in Brampton & the GTA
Rising Numbers in Our Community
Local communities in the Greater Toronto Area are experiencing dramatic increases in people seeking support services. The numbers tell a story of families under increasing financial pressure, with many accessing community resources for the first time.
Community centers and support organizations are adapting to meet this growing demand. They’re extending hours, increasing capacity, and finding new ways to serve more people with dignity and respect. This growing need highlights the importance of comprehensive support services in addressing housing instability.
Who’s Affected Most by Housing Costs
While the cost of living crisis affects everyone, certain groups face particular challenges. Single parents, people with disabilities, seniors, and newcomers to Canada often have the fewest resources to weather financial storms.
Young people aging out of foster care, individuals leaving hospital or correctional facilities, and those dealing with mental health challenges also face additional barriers to securing stable housing.
The Growing Need for Support Services
Community organizations are seeing increased demand for all types of support services. Beyond food assistance, people need help accessing identification documents, connecting with healthcare, and finding affordable housing options.
The need for wrap-around services has become more apparent as families deal with multiple challenges simultaneously. Addressing food insecurity without tackling housing costs only provides temporary relief.
How Community Support Makes a Real Difference
The Role of Food Banks & Community Centers
Brampton food banks and other community organizations provide more than just emergency food assistance. They offer connection, resources, and hope to families navigating difficult circumstances. These spaces become gathering places where people can access multiple services and find community support.
Community centers also provide practical resources like internet access, meeting spaces, and information about other available services. They help people navigate complex systems and connect with the support they need most. Understanding how food banks operate helps communities better support these vital resources.
Why Accessible Support Matters More Than Ever
During times of crisis, accessible support services become lifelines for families. When people can walk into a welcoming space without appointments or complex requirements, they can get help before their situations become more desperate.
This approach recognizes that people know what they need and when they need it. Removing barriers to access helps families get support quickly and maintain their dignity throughout the process.
How You Can Help Your Neighbors Through This Crisis
Community response makes a tangible difference in addressing the cost of living crisis. When neighbors support each other, families can weather difficult times and work toward stability. Small actions create ripple effects that strengthen entire communities.
Your involvement doesn’t require special skills or large financial contributions. Often, the most meaningful help comes from showing up consistently and treating people with respect and kindness.
Ways to Get Involved in Brampton
Small Actions That Create Big Impact
Getting involved in your community can start with simple actions. You might donate non-perishable foods, volunteer a few hours each month, or simply spread awareness about local resources. Every contribution matters and helps build stronger community connections.
Consider what skills or resources you have to offer. Whether it’s helping with paperwork, providing transportation, or sharing a meal, your unique contributions can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Learning about essential donation items can help ensure your contributions meet the most pressing needs.
Volunteer Work Brampton Opportunities
Volunteer work in Brampton offers many ways to support community members facing housing and food insecurity. You can help serve meals, sort donations, or provide administrative support to local organizations. Many volunteer opportunities require just a few hours per week, but they all have a lasting impact. Consider:
- Volunteer work Brampton opportunities at local community centers
- Supporting your local food bank through donations and time
- Connecting with community members who need help through friendly conversation and practical support
Regeneration Outreach continues to serve as a caring community where every person can find support, connection, and hope during these challenging times. If you’re looking for ways to help your neighbors or need support yourself, we welcome you to join our community and experience the power of people caring for each other with dignity and respect.
