Homelessness in Thunder Bay Sees Significant Rise Over the Past Decade
THUNDER BAY — The growing number of shelter beds and transitional housing in Thunder Bay reflects a sharp increase in homelessness, according to local officials.
“We’ve definitely seen a significant increase in homelessness across the district, as well as more visible encampments,” said Aaron Park, Manager of Housing and Homelessness Programs for the Thunder Bay Social Services District Administration Board (TBDSSAB).
Over the past decade, the number of shelter beds in the Thunder Bay district has nearly doubled, rising from 96 in 2014 to 188 in 2024, according to TBDSSAB’s ten-year final report on housing and homelessness. Most of this increase has occurred since 2020.
Expansion of Shelter Services
In 2014, shelter beds were only available at Shelter House and the Salvation Army. The landscape has changed significantly since then:
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2017: Grace Place launched its Out of the Cold program, adding 10 more beds, bringing the total to 106.
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2020: A slight reduction to 108 beds occurred when the Salvation Army moved into a new facility, temporarily reducing overflow capacity.
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2021-2022: Urban Abbey introduced 10 beds for women, and the Salvation Army expanded overflow spaces, increasing capacity to 128.
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2023: Urban Abbey added another 10 women-only beds, and the Salvation Army further increased overflow capacity, raising the total to 148.
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2024: Urban Abbey opened a new mixed-gender shelter with 20 beds, while additional overflow spaces were added at Grace Place and Shelter House, pushing the total to 188 beds.
Rise in Transitional Housing
Transitional housing—long-term accommodations with support services aimed at securing permanent housing—was almost nonexistent in Thunder Bay in 2014. However, in recent years, provincial funding for homelessness prevention has enabled TBDSSAB to invest in new housing initiatives.
Park noted that 150 transitional housing beds have been added in recent years, with more expected in the coming year.
“If we can provide programming alongside housing so individuals can develop the skills they need for long-term stability, that’s a crucial piece that was missing,” said Park.
Homelessness Beyond Thunder Bay
While all 188 emergency shelter beds are in Thunder Bay, homelessness is not confined to the city. TBDSSAB serves 15 municipalities, including Nipigon, Greenstone, Marathon, and Manitouwadge. However, there are no emergency shelters outside of Thunder Bay due to the lack of a willing partner to operate one.
Crisis housing options do exist for victims of domestic violence, such as Geraldton Family Resource Centre and Marathon’s Marjorie House. However, Park said no organizations have stepped forward to run general emergency shelters outside the city.
To address the gap, TBDSSAB has partnered with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to provide short-term shelter by placing individuals in motels while long-term solutions are explored.
“Oftentimes, people migrate to Thunder Bay because that’s where services are available, but that can mean leaving behind their community, which isn’t ideal,” Park said. “In the absence of local support partners, this is the best option we have.”
With homelessness becoming more visible and resources stretched, officials emphasize the urgent need for long-term solutions to address the growing crisis.
