Toronto shelter workers say holidays difficult time for refugee claimants

Workers on the front line of Toronto's homeless crisis say holidays have been tough for those living on the streets, as colder temperatures set in along with feelings of isolation.

Workers on the front line of Toronto’s homeless crisis say the holiday season has been tough for those living on the streets, as colder temperatures set in along with feelings of isolation.

“Whether you’re a newcomer and it’s your first Christmas away from the family, whether you’re Canadian-born and your family is still far away or not speaking to you for whatever reason, it’s hard for people to be aware that they are not at home,” said Michalina Seidl, a case manager at Bethlehem United.

“People who are staying in a shelter are regular people. Most of the time they’re the most vulnerable….So just remember to be kind to people, because you never know what they’re going through.”

Valentina Diaz, a manager at Fred Victor Bethlehem United Shelter, says the season exacerbates the “emotional heaviness” homeless people face year-round.

“Having to go through life hardships on your own can be particularly hard for people that are living on the streets or in shelters,” said Diaz.

Diaz said among the homeless people struggling are refugee claimants who now make up a large portion of the people currently using the city’s shelter system.

Earlier this year, the city said there had been more than 2,500 refugee claimants in the shelter system in 2023.

By the end of that year, that number had grown to nearly 4,200.