Searching for Help To Find Housing

• direct service including counselling
• advocacy
• escort to appointments
• help to navigate different systems, such as housing, legal, health care
• help with application for ODSP, connecting to housing workers, finding a doctor
• referrals for case management through The Access Point (see separate entry)

• using different therapeutic methods, such as Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), Solution Focussed, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative

• on-call mobile crisis service for adults 65 years and older, with addictions or mental health challenges
• partners include LOFT Community Services, Haven Toronto, and South Riverdale Community Health Centre; see Toronto Seniors Helpline listing for details

• community based program that helps adults experiencing mental health issues find paid employment

Financial grants for low-income Toronto residents who are behind on rent, in arrears, or need help with a rental deposit for a more affordable unit

Online application available through the Neighborhood Information Post, 416-397-7368 (see separate entry)

Also available through Local Access Centres:

• Albion Neighbourhood Services (see separate entry)
• Agincourt Community Services Association (see separate entry)
• COSTI Immigrant Services (see separate entry)
• East York East Toronto Family Resources (see separate entry)
• The Housing Help Centre (see separate entry)
• TNO-The Neighbourhood Organization (see separate entry)
• Unison Health and Community Services (see separate entry)
• West Toronto Community Legal Services (see separate entry)
• Wigwamen Incorporated (see separate entry)

Outreach and assistance in finding, obtaining and maintaining housing; networking and professional training opportunities

AIDS Bereavement and Resiliency Project of Ontario - abrpo.org
Training and consultation to AIDS service organizations

Case management, immediate needs relief items and prevention programs to support individuals and families

• computer classes
• children and youth programs including homework help and tutoring, summer camps, March break day camps
• child care, see separate listing
  

Food Bank
3-4 days supply of unprepared, non-perishable food, appointment required, see separate listing

Adult and Youth Meals
Also assistance obtaining resources such as hygiene supplies, baby items, warm clothing, see separate listings

Adult Services
Includes meals, life skills classes, Bible studies

Bridges Adult Program, [email protected]
Poverty alleviation activities including courses, workshops, mentoring, tutoring, case management and social events

• health promotion
• volunteer and employment programs
• summer social program

Counselling Services
Professional therapy for youth, adults, couples and families unable to afford counselling, by appointment

• psycho-educational groups on topics such as anger management, anxiety, depression, emotional wellness
• Christian orientation provided as requested
• in-person and virtual sessions available
• call 416-355-3568 or email [email protected]

Drop-in Programs
Includes employment services and housing assistance

Employment Services
Individual employment and job readiness support for adults and youth, call 416-929-9614 ext 2278 or email [email protected] for information

Community Development
Collaborates with, supports, and equips residents, community agencies, grassroots groups, and faith communities to strengthen neighbourhoods

Member of Daily Bread Food Bank, and member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

• food action programs such as food skills community kitchen and community garden
• housing support and affordable housing advocacy
• community advocacy training and support
• community development and social enterprise partnerships

• breakfast, lunch and supper (see Hours for schedule)
• shower and laundry facilities
• food skills workshops
• life skills
• recreation and social opportunities
• telephone for local calls
• PAID Clinic assistance with ID on first come, first served basis
• Information and Referral to other community programs

• information and referral
• 40 Oaks Housing affordable housing residence

Community support

• community information and referral
• assistance in filling out government and housing forms, call for information
• income tax clinic
• phone and mail registry service
• computer, Internet and email access
• online resource directory
• case management
• advocacy
• peer-supported community events/festivals and hobby groups

Housing Trusteeship Services
Money management services to help clients stay housed by assisting in paying rent to avoid evictions

• financial literacy skills (budgeting, bill assistance, allowances)
• landlord and tenant mediation
• follow-up support and community links

Toronto Rent Bank
Grants to low-income households who are in rental arrears or need to move into more suitable housing - Neighbourhood Information Post program coordinating agency

Energy Assistance Program
Financial assistance to low income individuals and families who are in arrears for their utility bills, and have exhausted all other sources of financial support

Assistance with energy programs; funds eligible clients to reconnect, prevent disconnection or to assist in the payment of energy arrears for hydro, gas or oil service

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

Financial supports, social supports, and referrals to employment supports for people receiving Ontario Works in Toronto

All Toronto Employment and Social Services locations provide similar supports

Programs and benefits available through Ontario Works at Programs and Benefits Finder at toronto.ca/humanservices, or visit toronto.ca/ontarioworks for general information

Each location has an Access and Resource Centre where residents can access:

• computers with internet access
• laser printer, scanner, photocopier and telephones
• information about upcoming workshops or events
• onsite services provided by community partners
• information about government services

Financial Supports -- may include money for

• food
• shelter and emergency housing related costs
• clothing and other household costs
• prescription medications
• health costs and funeral expenses

Social Supports -- may include referrals to community and government services, including:

• childcare
• housing
• food banks
• legal services
• newcomer services
• supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities
• health and mental health services
• addiction supports

Employment Supports -- accessible through referral to Employment Ontario, these supports may include help to:

• write a resume
• build job-related skills
• participate in training
• gain work experience
• search for a job

People receiving Ontario Works (OW) who have developed an Action Plan with their caseworker may qualify for additional employment benefits available from OW

The services below provide information for people receiving Ontario Works:

MyBenefits -- online service available 24/7 to residents receiving Ontario Works that makes it faster and easier to securely access information on any device (smartphones, tablets and computers)

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) - 1-800-808-2268 for information about payment details, file status, automated service is available 24/7 or call Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5 pm to speak to an agent; service not available to TTY users

Client Services; Information Unit, for information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

• medical supplies, including diabetic and surgical supplies
• transportation to medical treatment if cost exceeds $15 per month
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance
• Extended Health Benefit may be available to clients who are no longer eligible for ODSP income support

• batteries for mobility devices and hearing aids
• guide dogs
• Special Diet Allowance may be available

• child care costs
• Work-related benefit
• Transitional health benefit
• Employment Transition Benefit

• case management and assistance with housing
• follow-up to avoid relapse or loss of housing
• connection to medical, dental, identification and legal services, access to food banks, transportation to appointment

• for stroke survivors and caregivers
• social and recreation activities, lunch
• small daily fee

• capacity 90
• crisis intervention and counselling
• referrals to other agencies for counselling, housing
• custody reunification
• pregnancy support
• Housing Connections (see separate listing) Community Partner, assistance with housing search and application process

Resource centre

• crisis intervention
• information and referral
• urban orientation
• community outreach
• food programs

Indigenous Healthy Babies Healthy Children

• home visits for families with children birth-6 years
• auntie approach
• prenatal and postpartum support
• early education support, links to community resources and referrals

Pimaatsiwin -- drop-in for mothers and children birth-6 years

• parenting classes
• prenatal programs
• community kitchen, healthy families training and workshops

Trauma Support -- 416-963-9963 ext 249

• case management
• peer support
• peer-led support circles
• trauma counselling

Community and Family Wellness Support

• support, counselling and referrals specializing in legal assistance
• ending violence and general assistance

Cultural programming

• women's and youth hand drumming, arts and crafts, beading
• Full Moon Ceremonies, Traditional feasts
• Ojibwe language class
• fitness programs
• cultural traditions, crafts, support groups, speakers

Housing Program

• information and referral
• assistance finding and accessing safe, stable housing

Investing in Women's Futures

• self-employment and pre-employment training program
• includes skill-building workshops, educational bridging programs, traditional counselling and activities
• dress for success program

Mobility for Good -- free phones and subsidized plans to Indigenous women at risk or surviving violence, in partnership with Telus

HIV/AIDS education, prevention and support, including information on HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infections) risk, sexual health and healthy relationships, and harm reduction

• community-based prevention programs for youth, women, and gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, trans and other men who have sex with men (MSM)
• community workshops, forums, outreach, training for professionals and organizations, and culturally specific materials
• volunteer opportunities

Harm reduction

• ​supplies and outreach

Peer support

Settlement Program
Counselling and support, needs assessment, outreach and prevention for Black, African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees, including LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) individuals

• orientation
• information and referrals to community services
• assistance in accessing services
• assistance in finding a doctor and living with treatment
• assistance with immigration system
• form and documentation completion
• housing and employment help
• interpretation and translation
• social opportunities and networking

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

Holiday meal - December 25, 11 am-1 pm

Drop-in centre includes meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks) and assistance locating emergency accommodation

• individual support including housing support, form filling assistance, crisis intervention
• access to phones, computers, washrooms
  
• access to visiting doctors clinic, foot care nurse, dental clinic, psychiatric clinic and vaccine clinic

Harm Reduction Supplies and Service
Includes clean needles, crack pipes, condoms, counselling

Mental Health and Justice
Diversion, pre-diversion, court support and release planning

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

• access to Housing Connections (see separate listing) Community Partner, assistance with housing search and application process

• capacity 72
• laundry and lockers available

• capacity 100
• includes counselling and referrals, meals and laundry, and on-site day nurse

• capacity 51
• includes Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) and client centred case management services

• capacity 22
• in partnership with St Michael's Hospital (see separate listing) and University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

Housing Help Centre includes:

• assistance in housing search
• applying for subsidized housing
• education on tenant rights
• eviction prevention services

Toronto Rent Bank Access Centre

• interest-free repayable loans to low-income households who are in rental arrears or need to move into more suitable housing

Ontario Electricity Support Program

• access centre for assistance with applications, which offers rebates to help lower your monthly hydro bills

LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), sponsored by Toronto Hydro Electric System and United Way Toronto

• helps with hydro and gas bills if in arrears

• support with form filling and applications
• wraparound support and information on pregnancy options, personal goal setting, relationships and personal challenges

• Food Connect Program monthly access to essential food items for 12 participants experiencing food access challenges, includes referrals to community food programs
• Swap Shop includes access to free donated items such as baby clothes and equipment, maternity clothes, toys, books and small household items
• emergency supplies such as diapers, formula, menstrual products
• free Presto tickets for public transit to/from Jessie's Centre

• onsite access to health promotion specialist
• weekly access to family doctor
• specialized prenatal and postpartum classes
• free pregnancy tests, prenatal vitamins, nutrition, feeding supplies, health products
• health care navigation including referrals to doulas, midwives, primary care providers

• assistance with social housing applications and special priority applications
• private market rent searches
• income supports assistance
• housing stabilization and eviction prevention
• conflict resolution and safety planning
• support with landlords for viewings and interviews
• accompaniment on request
• advocacy, education and information on tenants rights and responsibilities

• ​information on scholarship opportunities

• Parent-Child Centre (PCC) includes parenting skills support, mentoring, parent and child activities and events; childminding available onsite for participants
• groups include prenatal and postnatal support, Nobody's Perfect parenting groups, and Girls Circle personal development groups

CATCH (Co-ordinated Access to Care for the Homeless): for persons who are homeless and not connected to services, with or without mental health or addiction problems, referrals through Medical clinic; call for details

Housing workers/resettlement/crisis intervention counselling: working one-on-one with homeless men to help secure and maintain housing, including after care; available Mon-Fri by appointment only

Veterans Housing Navigation Team

• intensive case management for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• contact Veterans' Transition Worker

Eviction Prevention Program (EPIC)

• providing early intervention approach aimed at preventing homelessness; available by referral and appointment only

Housing Follow Up Supports

• helps community integration and provides linkage to appropriate services and resources to hep maintain housing and independent living; available by referral and appointment only

Pastoral Care Program: counselling and support to meet spiritual needs

Medical Clinic: registered nurse on site during drop-in meal (based on availability)

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

Supports seniors and their families in finding a suitable solution in a retirement home, whether it's for an urgent relocation, temporary accommodation, or a new living environment

Short term emergency shelter, including meals, information and referral, settlement orientation, assistance with immigration procedures, housing search, life skills development, and in-house health clinic for residents

• capacity 60

Satellite Shelter: short term emergency shelter at 250 Queen St E

• capacity 34 single men
• services and meals at main location

Family Shelter: shelter for families at 165 Grange Ave

• capacity of approximately 225 persons, 78 rooms

Outreach Program: for refugees in shelters and follow-up service to clients who have moved into the community

Housing Stabilization Program: ensures clients find the health care or financial supports they need to maintain housing

Transitional Housing Program: 52 supportive housing units for clients needing longer term support up to 2 years

• single or shared accommodation
• coordinated, specialized supports to help residents integrate
• by referral from shelter

Youth Skills for Life: for refugees 16-24 years separated from their families, includes life skills, counselling and social activities to build support network and integrate into community

Crisis intervention centre, residential, non-residential and community support services, including education, pastoral ministry, runaway prevention program, day program and community youth meal programs

For full details on Emergency Shelter, see separate listing

Community Support Services
Drop-in for ex-residents and non-residents

• hot meal or food package
• clothing and hygiene necessities
• showers and laundry
• assessment and referrals
• counselling
• health care
• housing help
• legal resources, ID clinic
• literacy and life skills
• assistance in finding and keeping a job
• computers and free Wi-Fi
• recreation

BensKids Health Centre
Health services, including primary medical care

• diagnostic services and referrals
• access to health and mental health professionals
• health education
• assistance in obtaining medical coverage

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN), and member of Daily Bread Food Bank

Centre for French speaking women

Services for Victims of Violence and/or Sexual Assault

• individual counselling
• emotional support and accompaniment

Community Programs (for all francophone women)

• sexual assault prevention in primary and secondary schools
• sexual assault prevention within the community
• volunteer opportunities

Services for Newcomer, Immigrant and Refugee Women

• settlement services for French-speaking immigrant and refugee women
• accompaniment to settlement related appointments
• Action Femmes -- social and education group for newly arrived refugee and immigrant women who are feeling isolated

Transitional and Housing Support Program for Women who are Victims of Violence

• assistance in finding housing

ÉLAN Program

• employment preparation for all Francophone women in search of employment
• computer courses

Tremplin Program

• self-employment and entrepreneurship workshops

Family Court Support Worker Program

• information on the family court process
• assistance in documenting the history of abuse for family court proceedings
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• accompaniment of the victim to court proceedings, if necessary

Crisis pregnancy services and supports for girls and women to carry their unplanned pregnancy to term

• counselling, information and referrals on community resources
• assistance in finding accommodation
• free pregnancy testing
• clothing for mother and baby
• confidential

Street outreach, housing assistance, referrals to shelter system and respite, and ID clinic for individuals who are homeless, living on the street or street involved

Housing Walk-in Services

• assistance in accessing permanent housing
• individual plan development and intense ongoing advocacy
• assists with obtaining social assistance
• accompaniment to appointments including social assistance, housing, health care, legal consultation
• landlords recruitment
• rent negotiations assistance
• arranges long term supports for tenants and landlords
• Housing Connections (see separate entry) Community Partner -- assistance with housing search and application process

Street Respite Services

• accessible through central intake 416-338-4766, 1-877-338-3398
• 24 hour drop-in with access to showers and snacks
• laundry facilities
• capacity 8

Walk-in Homeless Shelter Referral Service

• phone available to walk-in clients for self referral to shelter system

For assaulted women's shelter referral, contact Assaulted Women's Helpline 416-863-0511 (see separate entry)

A discretionary fund available to provide individuals in the District of Muskoka, who are experiencing or are at-risk of poverty, emergency financial assistance with modest one-time grants to address basic needs including:

• Basic Needs (clothing, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene supplies, and footwear)
• Transportation (gas gift card, taxi voucher, bus ticket, medical transportation, and vehicle expenses)
• Social Integration (access to a cellphone or phone cards)
• Health and Wellness (medication, emergency dental and eyeglasses)
• Housing Start-up Costs (furniture, bedding and mattress)
• Family Supports (childcare, formula and diapers, and school supplies for children/youth)
• Food Security (grocery gift card and baby food)

Requests for assistance will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.