WATCH: Homeless crisis can be fixed in Ontario — for $13 billion

A new report has painstakingly tallied the number of Ontarians who experienced homelessness last year — and the figure is staggering: 81,515.

Without meaningful intervention, that number is expected to double over the next decade (and potentially reach 300,000 in the event of an economic downturn).

What can be done to turn things around?

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), which commissioned the report, says the fix will cost $13 billion in government funding: $11 billion over 10 years to boost the supply of affordable housing, improve transitional and supportive services, and enhance prevention programs; and $2 billion over eight years to eliminate encampments.

Woud taxpayers support such a huge investment? Lindsay Jones, director of policy and government relations at AMO, made the case on a recent episode of our Inside the Village podcast.

You can watch her full interview HERE.

CLOSER LOOK: Homeless crisis in Ontario will get worse before it gets better

​Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.

Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

Have something to say? You can reach us at [email protected].