Posted On: January 14, 2026, Posted By: Glynn Perkins, 105.9 The Region, Original Audio.
A new report from Ontario’s municipalities reveals that 85,000 people in the province are currently without a home. If no action is taken, that number is projected to rise to 177,000 by 2035. Emmy noted that York Region declared an affordable housing crisis in 2021, and since then, services have reached capacity while affordable housing has become nearly nonexistent.
Emmy explained that many Canadians are now one paycheck away from homelessness due to rising living costs, insufficient minimum wage, stagnant social supports, and a severe shortage of affordable housing—only 15% of new housing is considered affordable.
Homelessness, she emphasized, affects people across all demographics, including individuals who have worked their entire lives and followed the traditional path of education and employment.
How Blue Door Is Responding?
During the conversation, Emmy outlined how Blue Door is working to address the crisis by providing:
- Emergency, transitional, and supported housing
- Blue Door’s first affordable housing build, now in development
- Construct, a social enterprise that helps people build careers in the trades that pay a living wage, supporting long-term housing stability
Emmy stressed that while Blue Door and its partners have the solutions and expertise, significant new investment is needed to meet the scale of the crisis.
Emmy and Glenn also discussed Coldest Night of the Year – Richmond Hill, Blue Door’s annual fundraising walk in support of people who are hurting, hungry, and homeless. Last year, the event drew 500 walkers. This year’s walk will be held on February 28, with a goal to raise even more awareness and support.
Listen to the full interview here.