People don’t often think about homelessness if they don’t see it, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem.
For those helping the most vulnerable in the community, the issue is very real.
“Milton has a hidden homelessness problem. It’s not as visible as in big cities, but we know there are people living in tents and others staying on friends’ couches,” said Donna Danielli, executive director of Milton Transitional Housing (MTH) for 11 years. “Milton seems like a wealthy town, but many people struggle with homelessness and food insecurity, and it’s getting worse.”
MTH is preparing for its biggest annual fundraiser, the Coldest Night of the Year on Feb. 22. Right now, they provide temporary housing to 10 local families through their two-year program.
However, the need is much greater—recent data shows that over 700 people in Halton are experiencing some form of homelessness.
“My phone rings all day with people looking for housing because there just aren’t enough affordable options,” Danielli said. “If I had more spaces, I could fill them overnight. Once you become homeless, it’s almost impossible to get back on your feet.”
MTH works to change that.
With support from Halton Region’s Assisted Housing initiative, MTH provides shelter for two years while also helping people address the root causes of their homelessness. They cover 70% of rent and offer personalized support to help people get back on track.
“Our case management is the key,” Danielli said, noting that 100% of the people who complete MTH’s program—about 36 since 2014—have found long-term, stable housing.
MTH helps people facing many challenges, including:
An Afghan veteran with PTSD
A man with severe anxiety
A woman escaping domestic abuse
College graduates living in their car due to student debt
“There are many reasons people become homeless,” Danielli said. “It’s not just about drugs, alcohol, or mental health—it’s much more complex.”
The rising cost of living is a major cause, but Danielli says solving homelessness requires tackling multiple issues at once:
The housing shortage
High housing costs
Low incomes
“You can’t fix just one—you have to address them all together,” she said.
As MTH prepares for Coldest Night of the Year, they are asking Milton residents to join or support the event on Feb. 22. Their goal is to raise $80,000, surpassing last year’s $73,000. So far, they have collected about $22,000.
“There are so many ways to help,” Danielli said. “Imagine if you didn’t have a warm place to sleep or a hot meal. That’s the reality for more people than you might think.”
Click here to sign up for CNOY, or to support a walker or become a sponsor, and visit mthmilton.ca for more on the organization and its services.
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