For full directory of "How to" listings on different topics, see here
In an emergency call 9-1-1 for police, fire and/or ambulance
- for Emergency Shelters in Halton and surrounding area, see listing BTN4778
- for 24/7 Crisis & Distress Services serving Halton, see listing BTN2466
- for Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting, see listing BTN0483
- for Suspected Human Trafficking or Sexual Exploitation, see listing OAK9163
______________________________________________________________________________________
This is a general overview of 24/7 Sexual Assault and Domestic/Family Violence crisis resources, serving Halton region
Assaulted Women's Helpline
- 1-866-863-0511, or text #SAFE (#7233)
- provincial telephone and online chat crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals to emergency shelters, legal information and community services, as well as culturally appropriate resources for women who have experienced abuse
- ages 16 and up
- see listing MET5691
EFry Hope and Help for Women
- 416-312-6938
- Female Mobile Support (FMS) for female youth 12-24 who have been involved, are still involved or at risk of sexual exploitation
- support and services including housing, life skills, counseling, medical care, mentoring and advocacy, and referrals to community resources
- see listing PEL0689
Fem'aide
- 1-877-336-2433 (1-877-FEMAIDE)
- a provincial telephone helpline for Francophone women dealing with violence
- crisis intervention, support and referral to community agencies
- see listing MET4619
Halton Womens Place
- South Halton crisis line, 905-332-7892
- North Halton crisis line, 905-878-8555
- Online Chat
- emergency shelter, crisis services and support to physically, sexually, financially and emotionally abused women and their dependent children
- see listing BTN2544
Nina's Place: Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Care Centre
- 905-632-3737 ext 5708
- the regional sexual assault and domestic violence care centre of Halton that provides comprehensive, trauma-specific care and treatment
- See listing BTN4365
Ontario Network of Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence Treatment Centres
- 1-855-628-7238
- 24-hour telephone line available to assist victims/survivors and service providers with service navigation
- See listing MET1757
SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services)
- crisis line, 905-875-1555
- for all survivors of violence ages 16 and up
- free, confidential, non-judgmental, support and counselling services for all survivors of violence, as well as for the support people of survivors
- advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
- see listing OAK2741
Seniors Safety Line
- 1-866-299-1011
- crisis and support line, includes emotional support, safety planning and information and referrals
- see listing MET5690
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Program
- 1-866-887-0015
- multilingual support service for male survivors of sexual abuse, both recent and historical, and their family and friends
- Information and referral to community support services to meet long term needs including crisis and follow-up services
- see listing MET1911
Talk for Healing
- 1-855-554-4325
- culturally appropriate counselling services to Indigenous women by Indigenous women, via telephone, text, or online chat
- see listing IMP0327
Victim Support Line
- 1-888-579-2888
- multilingual Victim Support Line provides information and referrals for victims of crime, to supports and services that are available in their community
- chat online
- see listing MET5466
- Administration 905-332-1200
- North Shelter (Milton and Halton Hills) 905-878-8970
- South Shelter (Burlington and Oakville) 905-332-1593
For national online directory of shelters for women experiencing abuse, see sheltersafe.ca
Major Services:
- 24 hour crisis lines for abused women
- HWP Chat provides online support, Mon-Sun 24 hrs, from a trained Violence Against Women Counsellor
- safe shelter accommodation, food, and basic personal items for abused women and their dependent children
- individual and/or supportive group counselling at the shelter
- community agency information and referral when necessary
- court support for interim custody and restraining orders
- children's services
- emergency transportation to shelter, if necessary
- depart planning
- SafePet Program
- advocacy and public education around ending violence against women
- transitional housing - helps facilitate housing opportunities for women and children as they journey forward towards a life free from violence and abuse
- accepts donations of goods for those in the shelter and those moving from the shelter to permanent housing (see list of needs here)
Family Court Support Worker Program
Facilitates a victim's understanding of and passage through the familly court system.
Support provided includes:
- information on the family court process
- assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
- debriefing with clients following family court appearances
- referral to specialized services and supports in the community
- safety planning
- court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate
Schools programs
- EngageMENt 'male ally' program is a conversation-based 4-week program led by a male facilitator that guides male students through discussion around popular and sports culture, through a gender lens, and discusses what 'healthy masculinity' means, wrapping up by planning an experiential or service learning initiative (participants may receive up to 15 volunteer hours toward their Community Involvement requirement)
For full directory of "How to" listings on different topics, see here
Shelter Intake
For intake to shelters in the region of Halton, call Access Halton at 3-1-1
- Please note: Individuals who are willing to accept support or services from Halton Region will be provided emergency shelter
- unhoused or sleeping outside?
- contact Halton Social and Community Services at [email protected] or 1-866-442-5866
- experiencing a mental health crisis?
- call COAST at 1-877-825-9011
- for more details see here
______________________________________________________________________
The following is an overview of emergency shelters in the Halton Region and surrounding areas
Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter
- 905-339-2918 or call 3-1-1 and ask for referral
- emergency shelter services for males 16yrs and older
- located in Oakville, shelter may be able to arrange transportation
- for more details see full listing here
Wesley Housing Services - Halton
- call 3-1-1 and ask for referral
- emergency shelter services for youth, single females and families
- intake staff through Wesley will assist in finding temporary housing
- for more details see full listing here
Bridging the Gap
- a voluntary program offered to youth ages 16 to 24 yrs who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless that provides case management support in finding Ontario Works, food, alternative education, work, housing, counselling, financial management, and life skills
- to make a referral, contact a Transitional Youth Worker at 1-877-425-8661 or [email protected], Mon-Fri, 9 am-4:30 pm
- for more details see full listing here
Halton Womens Place
- Emergency Shelter for abused women, their dependent children and pets
- Shelters
- South Halton (Burlington) 905-332-1593
- North Halton (Milton) 905-878-8970
- Crisis Phone
- South Halton (Burlington) 905-332-7892
- North Halton (Milton) 905-878-8555
- administration 905-332-1200
- online chat through HPW Chat
- protects pets from violence through the SafePet Program
- for more details see full listing here
Shifra Homes Maternity Residences
- provides the basic needs of life: shelter, food, clothes, safety and support, to pregnant women 16 to 30 yrs, who need support during their pregnancy
- accommodation, pregnancy counselling, and support services during pregnancy, childbirth and for a period after the birth, for the young women, their babies and family members
- 905-681-9633, [email protected]
- for more details see full listing here
______________________________________________________________________
Emergency Shelter's in Surrounding Regions
ShelterSafe.ca
- an online clickable map that connects women with the nearest shelter
- map provides the shelter's 24 hour phone number and/or website, and information on each shelter's pet policy, wheelchair accessibility, and availability of children's programming
- for more details see full listing here
Hamilton
- to find shelter information call 211
- for more information on shelters in the Hamilton area, see here
Niagara
- call 211 to connect with a local shelter, if all shelter beds are full, ask to be connected with Niagara Assertive Street Outreach for more support
- for more information on shelters in Niagara Region, see here
Peel
- to find shelter information call shelter intake at 905-450-1996
- for more information on shelters in Peel, see here
Wellington County and City of Guelph
- to find shelter information call the Housing and Shelter Prevention and Diversion Line at 226-821-3345
- for more Information on shelters in Wellington County, see here
Toronto
- to find shelter information call the central intake line 1-877-338-3398
- for Street Outreach Services call 311
- for more information on shelters in the City of Toronto, see here
For full directory of "How to" listings on different topics, see here
If you witness or suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation, or if a victim comes to you, there are agencies in Halton Region that offer help and support services:
For all emergencies, please call 911
Reporting to Police
Halton Regional Police Service
- HRPS Drug and Human Trafficking Unit, non-emergency 905-825-4747 ext 5331 or email [email protected]
- 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
_________________________________________________________
Crisis Support & Counselling
Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS)
- 24/7 crisis line 905-875-1555
- Anti-Human Trafficking Services 905-825-3622
- 24/7 distress line Oakville 905-849-4541, Burlington 905-681-1488, North Halton 905-877-1211
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)
- 24/7 crisis line 1-877-825-9011
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
- 24/7 helpline 1-833-900-1010
_________________________________________________________
Peer Accompaniment or Mobile Support Workers
Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS)
- 905-825-3622 (after hours call crisis line 905-875-1555)
- 905-624-1755 (after hours call Female Mobile Support 905-459-1315 ext 250)
Restorations Second Stage Homes
- 905-962-7378
_________________________________________________________
Emergency Shelter and Practical Assistance
- 905-878-8555 (north Halton), 905-332-7892 (south Halton)
- call 3-1-1
- emergency shelter intake and referral to Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter (men) or Wesley Housing Services - Halton (women and families)
Halton Regional Police Service - Victim Services
- 905-825-4777 ext 5239
_________________________________________________________
Health Care Support (sexual assault or abuse) & Hospital Emergency Rooms
Nina's Place (located at Joseph Brant Hospital)
- 905-336-4116
- Halton Region's only sexual assault and domestic violence care centre
- 905-632-3737
Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
- 905-845-2571
- 905-878-2383
- 905-873-0111
_________________________________________________________
Support for people younger than 18 or dependents younger than 18
- 24/7 helpline 905-333-4441
Halton Regional Police Service - Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau
- 24/7 non-emergency 905-825-4747 ext 8970
Internet Child Exploitation Counselling Program (ICE)
- 1-866-264-8900, Mon-Fri 8:30 am-12 noon, 1 pm-4:30 pm
- referrals to short-term counselling
Milton, ON, L9T 1Y7
Satellite court located in Burlington. Please contact the Milton VWAP Office for more information on location and hours
Information and assistance to support participation in and understanding of the criminal court process.
Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over.
Services include:
- information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
- needs assessment and referrals to community agencies, including Indigenous and other culturally specific agencies
- crisis intervention, trauma informed support, victim advocacy
- facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids, trial preparation and court orientation
- arrange for interpreters and accessibility accommodations
- information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution
- facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds
- debriefing and follow-up support
Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund (VVFF) -- Helps support victims of crime, including families of homicide victims and motor vehicle fatalities resulting in criminal charges, to participate more fully in the criminal court process by providing financial assistance and court-based supports for:
- travel to attend key court dates
- language interpretation services
- special accomodations for victims with disabilities, such as real-time captioning
- basic necessities for victims of human trafficking or gun and gang violence while attending court
905-825-4810 or 905-825-4777 ext 5239
Oakville, ON, L6H 0G6
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- program of last resort providing short-term assistance to victims/survivors to increase immediate safety and lessen the impact of a violent crime by offering:
- financial assistance for crime scene clean-up, transportation, and counselling services, including traditional Indigenous health services
- also offers enhanced supports for victims/survivors of human trafficking, victims/survivors of serious injuries, and families affected by homicide
- additional aid may be offered to victims of human trafficking may include storage lockers, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
- peer support groups for survivors of childhood sexual abuse
- support groups for family and friends of survivors
Oakville, ON, L6M 3L1
Priority access to rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance for social housing
- Special Priority Policy (SPP) ensures housing is not a barrier to leaving situation of family/domestic abuse or trafficking
- administration and delivery of community housing through local Service Managers, including RGI assistance and SPP
- see here for more information
Oakville: 905-849-4541 * Burlington: 905-681-1488 * Halton Hills/Milton: 905-877-1211 * Hamilton: 905-561-5800
Registered charity that supports people in the community to better cope with crisis, loneliness, and emotional stress * provides telephone support on the Distress Line 365 days a year
- all services are confidential, anonymous, free and available to all age groups
- staffed by volunteers who receive extensive training including communication, sensitivity, crisis management and active listening
Distress Line
- listening, befriending and crisis intervention by telephone
TeleCheck
- provides phone support and friendly check-ins for individuals facing isolation or emotional and mental health challenges
- for anyone 18 years of age and over, with focus on students experiencing mental health struggles
- for TeleCheck inquiries, email [email protected] and for application, visit https://www.dchalton.ca/telecheckapplication
Speaking Engagements
- available to speak with a club, class, or group about the services provided by the agency or to teach courses on active listening skills, de-escalation techniques, and mental health in general
Distress Line volunteer opportunities available * must meet certain criteria and attend all mandatory training sessions * call to inquire or email [email protected]
This listing provides information on where to get help in Halton Hills for those in need of Emergency Housing, Long Term Housing Supports, Emergency Food, Food Banks and Crisis Support.
In an emergency, call 9-1-1 for police, ambulance, fire.
For Crisis Support, please see listing of resources here
Emergency Housing
- call 905-877-7585
- provides overnight shelter and a meal during the colder months to those in need
Salvation Army Georgetown Community Church
- call 905-877-1374
- Community and Family Services provide various emergency assistances to those in need
Lighthouse Emergency Shelter, Salvation Army Oakville
- call 905-339-2918
- provides safe, secure, short-term accommodations to individuals who are experiencing some type of housing crisis
- call 905-878-8970
- provides emergency shelter, crisis services, and support to physically, sexually, financially, and emotionally abused women and their dependent children
Long Term Housing Supports
- call 905-825-6000 or 3-1-1
- service that helps individuals access and maintain safe and affordable housing
- call 905-873-6502
- Transitional Housing is available for families who are homeless
- rent geared to income
- community support coordinator provides family support
Summit Housing and Outreach Programs
- call 905-847-3206
- provides housing, treatment, and case management services for those in need of mental health supports in Halton Region
Emergency Food
- call 905-873-3368
- emergency help available if needed, by arrangement, outside of regular hours
- call 905-873-1887
- supports people who are in need of emergency assistance
Salvation Army Acton Community Church Food Bank
- call 519-853-1140
- food bank available on an as-needed basis following a personal interview and completion of application for assistance
Salvation Army Georgetown Community Church Food Bank
- call 905-877-1374
- available to assist anyone facing difficult circumstances
Food Banks
- call 519-853-0457
- provides easy access to food for those individuals or families who are in need of basic needs assistance
- call 905-873-3368
- provides food to those in need who meet the eligibility criteria
Food for Life Community Fridges
- call 905-635-1106
- community fridges available at the Halton Hills Public Library Georgetown Branch and the Roxy Centre, stocked with fresh produce
Salvation Army Acton Community Church Food Bank
- call 519-853-1140
- food bank serving Acton and the surrounding community
Salvation Army Georgetown Community Church Food Bank
- call 905-877-1374
- food bank serving Georgetown and the surrounding community
Oakville, ON, L6K 3V3
Community legal clinic that helps low-income individuals living in Halton with their legal problems, for free.
- Office is located in Oakville, but staff are available to meet clients in Milton, Burlington, and Halton Hills (Georgetown and Acton) as well.
Depending on the kind of problem, HCLS could help by providing:
- Summary Advice
- Brief Services
- Representation
- Referrals for legal problems they cannot assist with and to other community organizations like food banks, social and health services, crisis intervention agencies, and navigation help.
Support can be provided for:
- Income Support and Public Benefits (OW, ODSP, CPP-D, and other programs)
- Housing Law
- Employment Rights
- Human Rights
- Indigenous Rights and Services
- Youth Rights
Other Services
North Halton Mobile Legal Clinic
- Provides North Halton with weekly access to free legal services through a Mobile Outreach Clinic.
- Every Friday, alternating between Georgetown and Acton, a lawyer or paralegal from HCLS is in the area from 10 am-3:30 pm
- Visit website for full schedule and locations.
Community Outreach Clinic
- Community outreach clinics are available at various locations including local libraries, food banks, and outreach organizations on a rotating basis
- Visit website for upcoming clinic locations and times
ID Clinic
- HCLS offers an ID Clinic to members of the Trans, Non-Binary, and Queer communities in overcoming the legal barriers to accurately identify themselves on official documents
- The ID Clinic provides assistance with this process and helps with commissioning documents
- If you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact by phone or fill out the contact form found here
Legal Health Check-Up
- An online check-up to help people who are living in poverty identify legal problems and get help
- If you do not have enough money to live on, a good home or job, or family, or social and health support, your legal health may be at risk
- Take the check-up today: www.legalhealthcheckup.ca
Secondary Legal Consultation
- Service providers can contact HCLS directly to talk about their client's problems and find solutions
- For more information, visit website
Note:
- HCLS does not provide a full range of services, nor does it provide legal aid certificates
- Callers needing certificates or help in family law, criminal law, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board compensation, etc. should contact a Legal Aid of Ontario office
Oakville, ON, L6L 5G8
Services include:
- 24-hour crisis line
- free individual counselling for ages 16 and up
- support services for friends and family members
- advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
- all services confidential
- Trans/ gender diverse positive environment
Public Education
- customized public education workshops are available for elementary and high school students, community members and agencies in Halton
- for more information or to book a free presentation contact [email protected], or visit - savisofhalton.org/public-presentations
Anti-Human Trafficking Services
- Case Workers provide support and assistance to survivors
- for more information, see listing - OAK0170
Halton Collaborative Against Human Trafficking
- created to raise awareness about human trafficking in Halton and surrounding area
- for more information, see listing - OAK0047
Short term emergency shelter for women, pre-screening intake assessment required prior to admission
Emergency, temporary shelter for women leaving domestic violence, or are survivors of sex and human trafficking
Other services offered on a case-by-case basis
Brampton, ON
- emergency transport to shelter
- food, clothing, basic personal necessities
- counselling
- child and youth support
- assistance in finding community resources, supports
- information and referral, including to legal and court support
- assistance in finding and securing special priority housing
- education and employment supports
- health and mental health wellness programs
Mississauga, ON
Crisis support line, emergency shelter program, centralized intake for transitional housing, community support and outreach
24-hour Crisis Line Support Line Program
- immediate support to survivors in the community who are experiencing any form of violence, including crisis support and intervention, risk assessment and safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals, problem solving and shelter intake
Central Intake Line for Transitional Housing Supports in Peel Region
- First point of contact for transitional housing support program and community outreach services
one-to-one support
- risk assessment and safety planning
- emotional support
- legal support (criminal, family, immigration)
- housing supports
- information and referrals
- problem-solving, advocacy
- shelter access
Emergency Shelter Program
- 24/7 intake for individuals and their dependents who have experienced, are currently experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing any form of violence
- capacity 72
- stay up to 4 months
- service provided regardless of geographical location
- referrals to alternative shelters as required based on safety or capacity issues
Anti-Human Trafficking Program
- in partnership with Victim Services of Peel, dedicate bed spaces for survivors of Human Trafficking
Mississauga, ON
Resident and remote services:
- counselling and treatment programs
- financial assistance and help securing housing
- supports for health and mental health
- education assistance and life skills training
- employment supports including resume workshops, interview preparation, help finding employment
- assistance with immigration issues
- access to legal advice and assistance applying for Legal AID
- referrals including legal, financial, immigration, employment, food
- safety planning and follow-up
- shelter capacity 12
Training and awareness for community organizations
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2
The regional sexual assault and domestic violence treatment centre for Halton
- provides confidential, comprehensive, trauma-specific care and treatment
- services can be provided with or without police involvement
- offers choice of care
Team is made up of Registered Nurses (RN), Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and physicians who provide care on an emergency basis
- RNs work with paediatricians when caring for children
- a registered social worker is also available
Offers services for:
- acute care for an assault that has occurred within the last 12 days
- non-acute care for an assault that has occurred more than 12 days ago
- follow-up care
Mississauga, ON, L4Z 1N9
- 24-hour security system
- children's play room
- mental health assessment
- on-site laundry
Other services include:
- duty counsel (legal aid lawyer in an Ontario courthouse) - criminal, refugee and immigration, family or youth courts, mental health
- summary legal advice for family law (criminal matters referred to local services)
- certificate program for complex cases
- poverty law, civil services - delivered through community legal aid clinics
- referrals to other social assistance agencies
- Criminal Duty Counsel - 36 Wyndham St S (Ontario Court of Justice Criminal Division)
- Family Duty Counsel - 74 Woolwich St (Ontario Court of Justice, Family and Superior Court of Justice, County of Wellington Courthouse)
Emergency shelter for women and their children leaving abusive situations.
- shelter for those experiencing physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, financial abuse and / or stalking or human trafficking
- safety planning
- assistance with housing, legal, financial and custody issues
- individual and group counselling
- advocacy / accompaniment to police, court, hospital, lawyer, housing, etc
- referral to community supports / resources
- access to all other Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis programs
- client library and resource materials
Note: Women and their children are provided with private bedrooms; single women sometimes have to share a bedrooms; all other common spaces such as living rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, recreation and play areas are shared.
Guelph, ON, N1E 2X2
Crisis intervention and culturally sensitive counselling, supports and referrals
- a 24 hour telephone crisis line
- individual counselling and support groups
- legal support, advocacy, information, and referrals
- court support, accompaniment and advocacy program
- information on alternatives to legal justice system
- public education and training to end gender based violence in our community
- all services confidential
- Trans/ gender diverse positive environment
Offers support and counselling to women who have experienced sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse or sexual harassment recently or in the past.
Guelph, ON, N1E 2X2
Programs include Marianne's Place (shelter), Transitional and Housing Support Program, Family Court Support Program, Rural Women's Support Program, Sexual Assault Centre, 24-hour Crisis Line, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Program.
Guelph, ON, N1H 4C6
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario - On-site early intervention and crisis intervention
- needs assessment
- safety planning
- referrals to community services
- enhanced support for vulnerable victims
- assistance with applications to VQRP+
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
- Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal and treatment at a recovery facility
- No direct reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
- Financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
Project Lifesaver: provides wrist transmitters to individuals who may wander due to cognitive impairment. Suitable for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, autism, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (VSW partners with Wellington County OPP and Guelph Police Service).
Spira Fire Victim Relief Fund: financial aid for those experiencing material loss due to a residential fire and are uninsured.
Hamilton, ON, L8L 2X2
Provides comprehensive and supportive care for anyone who has experienced sexual assault and/or domestic violence. A specially trained sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) will provide services, including:
- collection and recording of physical evidence
- antibiotics and antiviral medications to prevent infections and HIV
- emergency contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy
- information and referral to community resources
- supportive counselling
- follow-up medical care and counselling

