the elderly, students and new Canadians are most at risk; however, middle income families facing situations of instability without community support are also at risk. CHALLENGES Factors that May Contribute to Becoming Homeless: Shortages of affordable housing High unemployment rates Adequate levels of minimum wage Poverty Substance abuse Domestic violence Racial discrimination Discrimination against the poor Inadequately treated mental illness More on Persons who are Homeless or At Risk of Homelessness: According to Citizens for Public Justice, it is estimated that there are 4 million Canadians in need of affordable housing. Based on an estimated Canada-wide homeless population of 150,000...homelessness costs Canadian taxpayers between $4.5 and $6 billion annually, inclusive of health care, criminal justice, social services, and emergency shelter costs.(4) 1 in 5 rent-paying Ontario households still spend more than 50% of their income on rent. The average wait for social housing (housing partly or fully-owned by the government to assist low-income families) is between 5 and 20 years.(5) Some of the most common challenges faced by the homeless:(6) Constant search for shelter and appropriate, permanent housing Inadequate food and nutrition Shortage of appropriate clothing Sexual victimization, harassment, physical assault Inadequate medical services Negative or low self-esteem Social isolation Development of mental health issues and/or substance abuse Poor prospects for employment Where Do We Begin to Search For Solutions? Diaconal Ministries Canada (DMC) encourages a community ministry model which incorporates justice and advocacy . When we meet people who are at-risk or homeless, our first response is often to