The Forgotten Homeless Initiative Unites Toronto Artists and Community Leaders to Address City’s Growing Housing Crisis
Toronto’s arts and advocacy communities are joining forces in a bold new initiative to confront one of the city’s most urgent challenges: homelessness. At the heart of this effort is “The Forgotten Homeless,” a powerful musical and social campaign created by Toronto singer-songwriter Richard Todd, whose message of empathy, action, and hope is resonating across Canada.
The initiative’s impact extends beyond the recording studio. Todd’s guitar, lyric sheet, and the accompanying music video for “The Forgotten Homeless” are now part of the City of Toronto’s Market Gallery exhibition, ‘At Home in Toronto’, which runs through November 30.
“Visitors are drawn to Todd’s guitar on display, often stopping to listen to the original song and view the handwritten lyrics,” says Kendra Campbell, Museum Administrator of the City’s Museum & Heritage Services. “It’s a vivid example of how art can illuminate the housing crisis while celebrating community-driven solutions.”
According to a 2024 Street Needs Assessment by the City of Toronto, the city’s homeless population has more than doubled since 2021 — from approximately 7,300 to 15,400 people. This rise reflects complex social factors, including a lack of affordable housing, limited income support, and gaps in health and refugee services. Within this reality, “The Forgotten Homeless” brings together artists, advocates, and citizens to build awareness and inspire change through creativity, compassion, and collaboration.
Written by Todd and performed by his ensemble Artists Against Homelessness, the song serves as both a tribute and a call to action. The group includes acclaimed Toronto artists such as Chris Birkett, Sarah Siddiqui, David Moses, Anna Goldsmith, Luciana Santaguida, Michael Quattro, Shari Tallon, and others.
All streaming royalties from the project are being donated to WoodGreen Community Services’ UNMET Needs Campaign, which supports those experiencing homelessness. The museum installation also features a QR code that enables visitors to stream the song, providing additional support for WoodGreen’s programs.
“I’m very grateful to the City of Toronto and WoodGreen for their dedication to this cause,” says Todd. “Music has the power to unite people. Through this song, we want to remind everyone that homelessness affects us all, and that each act of kindness makes a difference.”
Todd’s artistic journey underscores his deep commitment to community. Best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the Toronto band Redpath Traffic, he is also the founder of Warm it Up! — a grassroots outreach initiative that provides essential items such as socks, gloves, and coffee cards to people in need. To date, the program’s volunteers have assisted more than 3,800 individuals in Toronto and beyond.
Producer Chris Birkett, a Juno Award–winning musician known for his work with Sinead O’Connor, Talking Heads, and Alison Moyet, brought his world-class expertise to the project.
“Richard’s song stands out because it comes from genuine empathy,” says Birkett. “This initiative turns music into a tool for healing and social impact.”
By uniting artists, advocates, and audiences, “The Forgotten Homeless” exemplifies how the arts community can mobilize compassion into tangible change. The project continues to grow in scope, with media coverage, museum inclusion, and partnerships ensuring that its message reaches new audiences across Canada.
Through melody, storytelling, and collective purpose, Richard Todd and Artists Against Homelessness offer not only awareness but also action — reminding Toronto that every voice, every note, and every gesture of humanity can help bring lasting change.
Learn more here.