A new report reveals that Torontonians in their twenties are grappling with significant challenges, surpassing those experienced by their older counterparts. The findings, published in a brief titled “The Hidden Cohort: Why Twenty-somethings Won’t Be Fine on Their Own,” underscore a growing crisis among young adults in the city, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Toronto’s Black community, the impact of these issues may be even more severe, given the well-documented disparities in economic and social outcomes.

Drawing on data from the 2023 Toronto’s Vital Signs Report and the 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study, the brief paints a stark picture of the difficulties confronting young Torontonians. Financial insecurity, mental health struggles, and increased reliance on food banks are just a few of the pressing issues affecting this age group. Alarmingly, 40% of 20-somethings report concerns about paying their rent or mortgage each month—nearly double the rate of those in their thirties. For young Black Torontonians, who face systemic barriers to economic stability, these financial concerns are likely even more acute.

Mental health has also taken a severe hit, with 45% of 20-somethings reporting their mental health as fair or poor, compared to 33% of those aged 30 and older. The data further reveals a dramatic increase in food bank usage, which has surged sixfold among this demographic since 2019. Given the existing racial disparities in access to mental health services and economic resources, the Black community is particularly vulnerable to these escalating challenges.

The findings have prompted calls for urgent action from community leaders and youth-serving organizations. Shaneeza Nazseer Ally, Executive Director of For Youth Initiative, emphasized the need for “radical intervention” to address the mental health crisis and rising unaffordability that 20-somethings are navigating. Ally highlighted the importance of social networks and mutual aid support groups in providing much-needed support, especially for marginalized communities who may be disproportionately affected.

The report also sheds light on the disconnect between what 20-somethings want from their work and the realities they face. Unlike older generations, only 50% of young adults prefer to work from home one day a week or less. Additionally, an overwhelming 94% desire jobs that allow them to express their creativity—highlighting a need for meaningful and engaging work opportunities. For young Black professionals, the desire for creative and fulfilling work is often met with additional challenges, including workplace discrimination and limited access to opportunities.

“While financial woes are structural and harder to solve, there are nimble solutions that can be applied in the meantime to create opportunities to connect and increase resilience,” said Mohamed Huque, Director of Community Impact at Toronto Foundation. Huque called for employers, service providers, and funders to intervene before the situation worsens, stressing the importance of supporting the wellbeing of young people, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

The report underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges and calls for collective action to support young Torontonians. As the city’s community foundation, the Toronto Foundation is committed to creating a more just society where everyone can thrive. With over 900 individual, family, and organizational funds and more than $700 million in assets under management, the foundation continues to play a pivotal role in city-building and improving the quality of life in Toronto.

For more insights and to access the full brief, visit www.torontofoundation.ca.