Toronto, ON, M1L 1A9
Assistance applying for rent geared to income (RGI) housing and rental supplements (when available)
- help resolving landlord/tenant disputes
- counselling, workshops and support groups of interest to Indigenous tenants
- information and referral to Indigenous and general services
- housing searches
- Housing Counsellor- supports Indigenous people with housing needs and issues
- Housing First Worker - support those experiencing homelessness
- Housing Outreach Worker- support with Rent bank and Indigenous people experiencing homelessness
Toronto, ON, M4C 3C6
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
Toronto, ON, M4J 1M9
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
Toronto, ON, M4L 1G4
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
Toronto, ON, M1L 2L1
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
Toronto, ON, M1L 2L1
Health benefits -- prescription drugs, dental care, vision care
- 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
Disability-related benefits -- assistive devices including mobility devices, vision and hearing aids, prosthetics
- batteries for mobility devices and hearing aids
- guide dogs
- Special Diet Allowance may be available
Employment incentives and benefits -- Employment and Training Start-Up Benefit
- child care costs
- Work-related benefit
- Transitional health benefit
- Employment Transition Benefit
Employment Supports -- job preparation, job search, starting a business
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Sun 24 hrs -- automated information and payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users
Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867, [email protected] -- to report suspected cases of social assistance fraud
Toronto, ON, M3C 3A1
- faxing/printing/photocopying/scanning
- public-access computers
- community bulletin board and job board display
- one-on-one needs assessment and plan
- information and referrals services
- orientation to life in Canada
- information on:
- Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
- health care system and health benefits (Trillium Drug program, Healthy Smiles)
- education system
- housing services (Ontario Electricity Support Act)
- financial services and the banking system
- transportation system in Canada
- family services programs (Youth and EarlyON)
- employment related services
- citizenship preparation classes for the Citizenship Test
- orientation to Ontario workshop series
- assistance with immigration related forms
- volunteer opportunities
- assistance with housing issues, including housing search, follow up and support, assistance with applications for subsidized housing
- Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications
- LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program): LEAP 416-924-2543 ext 1
- Toronto Rent Bank Access Centre and Emergency Energy Fund Call Centre: 416-397-7368
- The Integrated Services for Seniors (ISFS) program
- The Personal Support Services (PSS) for Low Acuity Home Care program
- counselling and crisis intervention, needs assessment and referral
- transitional support
- support groups for victims and survivors
Toronto, ON, M1L 4S8
Youth Wellness Centre - one-stop, multiservice, youth-friendly space where young people can have fun, meet new people and access key services they need when they need them
- skills and wellbeing workshops
- sports and recreational programs
- employment support
- academic support/educational programs
- housing navigation and workshops
- Rites of Passage Process (youth of Afrikan descent)
- newcomer youth services
- financial literacy training/counselling
- mental health supports
Toronto, ON, M4J 1L2
- 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
Toronto, ON, M4A 2P2
Clothing Bank
- gently used and new clothing - by appointment only
- book appointments through website
- accepts clothing donations Mon-Thu 9 am-4 pm Fri 9 am-12:45 pm, check website for details
Employment skills training
- business office skills
- retail and customer service skills
- workshops including; digital support, job search, ecommerce, entrepreneurship
Suit Program for Men
- provides professional work attire to men seeking employment
- virtual styling and in-person appointments for suiting
Settlement Support Program
Needs assessment and Information and referral to community and social services
- support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care, help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
- community support through volunteer befriending, conversation circles to practice English
- help with connecting to language classes
- workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture
Volunteer opportunities
- gain work experience, new language skills, meet new friends, [email protected]
Toronto, ON, M3C 1T2
Office open to the public 5 days a week; for more information call 416-422-2225
___________________________________________________________________
Settlement Services for Immigrants and Refugees
- needs assessment, information and referral, advocacy, orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, assistance in finding housing
- sponsorship of refugees
- health workshops, mental health -- support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
- heritage language classes
- skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
- seniors program for mutual support and education
- youth program offering services in settlement, counselling, skills development and social events
- Homework Club with individual assistance and group work
- citizenship test preparation classes
English as a Second Language / LINC - participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry
- day or evening classes
Community Connections Mentorship Program
- group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
- trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development
Financial Literacy Project - one month certificate course
- individual counselling and orientation sessions
Family Support and Mental Health Services - parenting sessions
- mental health -- support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
- Women's Circle
- childminding available for clients attending sessions
Toronto, ON, M4H 1C3
All offices are open and all settlement workers are available 4 days in person and 1 day online; call at 647-438-8145
Settlement Services for Immigrants and Refugees
- needs assessment, information and referral, advocacy, orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, assistance in finding housing
- sponsorship of refugees
- health workshops, mental health - support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
- heritage language classes
- skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
- seniors program for mutual support and education
- youth program offering services in settlement, counselling, skills development and social events
Employment Related Services - for new immigrants and Convention refugees, legally entitled to work in Canada
- 3 or 4 day job search techniques workshops, covering labour market information, access to trades and professions, resume preparation, networking
- extensive individual assistance
Community Connections Mentorship Program
- group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
- trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development
Community Development
- Afghan Sewing Circle
Toronto, ON, M4H 1C3
- faxing/printing/photocopying/scanning
- public-access computers
- community bulletin board and job board display
- one-on-one needs assessment and plan
- information and referrals services
- orientation to life in Canada
- information on:
- Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
- health care system and health benefits (Trillium Drug program, Healthy Smiles)
- education system
- housing services (Ontario Electricity Support Act)
- financial services and the banking system
- transportation system in Canada
- family services programs (Youth and EarlyON)
- employment related services
- citizenship preparation classes for the Citizenship Test
- orientation to Ontario workshop series
- assistance with immigration related forms
- volunteer opportunities
- Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program
- Care for Newcomer Children (CNC)
- supportive counselling
- information and referral
- assistance with housing issues, including housing search, follow up and support, assistance with applications for subsidized housing
- Toronto Rent Bank Access Centre
- Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications
- LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program)
- Emergency Energy Fund Call Centre: 416-397-7368
Toronto, ON, M1K 5J1
Office open to the public Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm; for information, call 416-266-1777
___________________________________________________________________
Settlement Services for Immigrants and Refugees
- needs assessment, information and referral, advocacy, orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, assistance in finding housing
- sponsorship of refugees
- health workshops, mental health - support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
- heritage language classes
- skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
- seniors program for mutual support and education
- youth program offering services in settlement, counselling, skills development and social events
- Homework Club with individual assistance and group work
- citizenship test preparation classes
English as a Second Language / LINC -- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry
- full-time day classes and part-time evening classes
Community Connections Mentorship Program
- group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
- trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development
Financial Literacy Project - one month certificate course
- individual counselling and orientation sessions
Family Support and Mental Health Services - Parenting Sessions
- mental health - support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
- Women's Circle
Food Security Program
- food package distribution to seniors, families on Mondays and Wednesdays 11 am-3 pm
Community Development
- childminding available for clients attending sessions
Toronto, ON, M3C 3N7
Attendant Outreach Services - Supports for the activities of daily living * attendants help with personal care * pre-booked services are available in the client's home, at the place of employment, and/or the place where clients are pursuing a degree/diploma/certificate
Shaw Project Supportive Housing - 32 fully accessible one-bedroom and bachelor apartments with 24-hour personal care * 15 units are dedicated to Reintegration Care Units access to transition and education programs for independent living
Services and Programs:
- Mimico Project Supportive Housing
- Sudbury Housing Hub
- 877 Yonge St - Supportive Housing
- Deauville Site - Housing Hub
- Dundas Project Supportive Housing
- Elm Street Supportive Housing
- Madison Site
- Walton Place Supportive Housing
Toronto, ON, M1R 2Y3
Range of services and programs provided through communication channels such as phone, email, Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp and other channels, either in group sessions or individually; physical location is accessible by appointment
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Settlement Services
- information and referral services, housing and legal assistance
- translation and interpretation services
- counselling for students, individuals and families
- youth counselling and parenting sessions
- orientation programs
- Community Connections Mentorship Program for community support
- volunteer befriending for help adapting to the community and learning life skills
- group sessions such as wellness, English conversation classes, digital literacy
- referral services for credential assessment through World Education Services (WES)
Refugee Services
- support with attending inquiries
- assistance finding employment opportunities
- guidance with accessing social, welfare and legal services
- housing referral and assistance connecting with potential landlords
- provision of social and cultural activities
- Ontario Community Program Participation for placement of Ontario Works recipients as volunteers
Career Café - assists newcomers understand and integrate into the Canadian job market
- provides one-on-one and group sessions, both online and in-person
- offers self assessment tools,
- provides guidance in resume and cover letter writing
- assists in researching the job market and gives networking support
Access Centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
- introduction to OESP; eligibility information
- assistance with applications; assistance in renewing previous applications
Toronto, ON, M5A 1V2
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)
Toronto, ON, M5A 2C6
Regent Park Community Food Centre
Includes drop-in and community meal programs; in partnership with Community Food Centres Canada
- 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
Drop-in and community meal programs:
- 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
Housing Program
Supports include assistance in finding and maintaining affordable housing and tenant and landlord relationship assistance
- information and referral
- 40 Oaks Housing affordable housing residence
Housing Connections (see separate listing) Community Partner offering assistance with housing search and application process, appointment required
Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)
Toronto, ON, M5A 1T3
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)
Toronto, ON, M5A 2G4
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)
Toronto, ON, M5A 2G3
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)
Toronto, ON, M5A 2Z4
Counselling and Case management
Individual counselling and information, advocacy support and systems navigation, and referrals to other services about sexuality, birth control, abortion, adoption, and parenting
- support with form filling and applications
- wraparound support and information on pregnancy options, personal goal setting, relationships and personal challenges
Food Program and Practical Help
Warm meals available, including light breakfast and lunch for participants, their supports and children during drop-in hours; also supper available Monday and Tuesday
- 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
Health Services
Individual health counselling for participants and their children
- 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
Housing Support
Range of services to assist in finding and maintaining affordable housing
- 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
Jessie's School Program
Access to secondary school credits from grades 9-12 and preparation for integration into mainstream and alternative schools and post-secondary education
- ​information on scholarship opportunities
Parenting Supports and Groups
Counselling, information, guidance, referrals and development screening
- 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
Toronto, ON, M5V 2H3
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)
Brampton, ON, L6T 4B9
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Emergency and transitional shelters, street outreach, support services and help to find permanent housing
Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1N3
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.
