Encampments
With increased homelessness in Waterloo region and across Canada, you may notice more encampments in public places across the city.
Find out how the City of Waterloo is working with community partners to address the issue and what we're doing to help.
On this page
Background
The number of local people experiencing homelessness has grown significantly in recent years.
The Region of Waterloo estimates about 1,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness across the region, including 450 people experiencing chronic homelessness.
This is a complex issue impacted by many factors, including:
- housing affordability
- mental health and trauma
- job loss and poverty
- synthetic drugs and the opioid crisis
Local government response
The Region of Waterloo is the official 'service manager' for local housing and homelessness.
This means they play a leadership role in bringing together community partners, local municipalities, and provincial/federal government to work on this complex issue.
This includes:
- running housing and shelter programs
- expanding emergency shelters and transitional housing
The City of Waterloo is committed to playing our part to find solutions.
This includes increasing the number of affordable housing units across the city and responding to encampment issues (find info below).
Report an encampment issue
If you have encampment related concerns:
- call 519-747-8785 to report garbage, nuisance concerns or unsafe conditions
- call 519-886-2310 or email sharpscleanup@waterloo.ca to request needle pick-up
- call the police at 519-570-9777 for non-emergency criminal activity
- call 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress