Homelessness has more than doubled in Hastings in just four years.
That’s according to the county’s latest housing report, which states an annual average of 116 individuals in 2022 rose to 270 in 2025.
Data collected from sources including Stats Canada and provincial pricing indexes alongside Hastings County’s internal housing and homelessness database showed a worsening trend.
Researchers warned the rate could triple within the next 10 years.
Researchers also found that under a ‘high-growth’ scenario, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Hastings could surpass 800 by 2035.
They cite ‘broader economic pressures’ as the cause and are calling for ‘early, sustained intervention.’
Since 2002, the province’s Shelter Index rose to 189.6, representing a 89.6 per cent increase in costs.
Mortgage and rent payments, insurance costs, property taxes, utilities and maintenance have increased substantially.
Over the last two decades, the cost of food and other household needs has also jumped.
Last year, the Consumer Price Index reached 165.6 in Ontario, a 65.6 per cent hike since 2002.
Researchers said rising living and housing costs continue to strain households, increase system demand and pressure on emergency and homelessness services.
Despite increased investment since the previous plan, demand continues to outpace resources.
The authors of the report noted that homelessness in Hastings County is becoming more visible and complex.
Data from the report showed that while about 250 people are facing homelessness in the region, the county has 33 shelter beds and 74 transitional housing units on hand.
At last count 3,789 households remain on the community housing waitlist, with average wait times of seven to 10 years.
The authors of the report identified housing availability as a ‘critical barrier’ to resolving homelessness. More than 3,700 households in the county are awaiting affordable housing.
Over the last 15 years, the price of a home has increased by as much as 150 per cent in some areas of the county.
At the same time, rents have increased by as much as 80 per cent. With vacancy rates remaining low, between 3 to 3.3 per cent, leaving few options for families and individuals.
Affordability remains a key challenge. In 2025, a two-bedroom rental required an annual household income of approximately $53,600 to be considered affordable. While median incomes have risen (from $78,000 in 2022 to $88,000 in 2025), many low and moderate-income households remain unable to access market housing, the report stated.
Survey responses along with interviews and other forms of community engagement showed that mental health and substance use were also connected to the causes and challenges of homelessness.
It was back in 2014 that Hastings County developed its first 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan
At that time community leadership began making ‘targeted investments’ using Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) and Reaching Home funding.
The investments helped to increase emergency shelter capacity, expanded supportive and transitional housing options, and preserved existing housing stock across both urban and rural communities.
These included a 10-bed emergency and transitional youth housing program in Quinte West, a 40-unit affordable housing development in Bancroft, an 18-person hybrid warming centre also in Bancroft and some supportive and transitional housing in Belleville.
Since 2023, the county has added 81 new transitional housing spaces.
The report says the outcomes demonstrate progress and ongoing system pressure, reinforcing the need for continued investment, innovation, and coordination while ensuring funding fidelity to efficiently and expeditiously fund projects that have more immediate impact.
Also noted by the authors of the report are projections that suggest by 2035, about 177,000 people could face homelessness in Ontario alone. Researchers are calling for an $11 billion investment over 10 years to expand the housing supply.
