Searching for Shelters From Abuse

A transitional home that offers shelter for refugees coming into Canada.

Offer confidential, non-judgmental advice and support for women, non-binary individuals, and their children experiencing gender-based violence and abuse.

Services include:

• compassionate one-on-one and group counselling
• emergency accommodation and transportation
• safety planning
• child and youth programming
• violence prevention programs and education
• second-stage housing
• transitional housing and support
• legal advice and support

Family Court Support Worker Program -- -- information on the family court process * assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid) * referral to specialized services and supports in the community * safety planning * court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Women do not have to stay at the shelter to access any of the free, confidential services. The goal is to provide safety, support and empowerment to vulnerable women, Two-spirit, gender queer, trans and non-binary individuals in the community.

Provides temporary housing and shelter for women who are homeless, for any reason, in a safe, homelike environment.

Facility has 20 beds, shared washroom/bath/shower facilities and provides breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The centre is staffed by advocates who work with residents to assist them in goal planning and accessing community resources in their search for affordable housing.

On-Site Transitional Housing- Application, Personal Interview and Wait List

Provides temporary emergency shelter to refugee claimants. Each case is assessed immediately as clients arrive and there is a "No wrong Door" policy. Residents are encouraged to cook and clean up after themselves during their stay (15-30 day stays in emergency shelter)

Offers assistance with:

• Immigration procedures
• Transportation and accompaniment to appointments
• Forms
• Language translations
• Orient newcomers to Canadian life and help with finding local settlements
• Provide furnishings for apartments and help with shopping
• Make arrangements for transfers to other cities
• Provides friendship and encouragement
• Connect clients with other helping agencies such as health care providers, jobs, schools and day care centres.

Also provides safe and comfortable supported transitional housing to families and individuals. Priority is given to the most vulnerable persons such as single mothers and fathers with babies, women and children. Offers coaching in maintaining and retaining a home, connect with employment and assist clients to find affordable housing. Maximum 1 year stay in transitional housing is expected.

A voluntary non-medical facility. Provides crisis counselling and a safe, therapeutic environment for men and women to stay throughout a mental health crisis as an alternative to hospitalization. Average length of stay is three to five days. Seven beds are available.

Workers are available to:

• discuss crisis situation
• identify both current strengths and any challenges to overcome
• assist with short-term goal setting while developing new planning and coping skills
• support in regaining confidence and independence
• provide information and referrals as required

COVID-19: Chapel services suspended until further notice.

The Emergency Shelter provides dormitory accommodation for adult men.

Clothing vouchers and referrals provided only for in-house residents. Life skills program are available to residents.

Faith based chapel services are available to the men of the shelter and men and women in the community.

A centre of hospitality and outreach for refugees. The centre is supported by the Roman Catholic Diocese of St Catharines. A vast volunteer program serves the Niagara Region.

Provides temporary housing and shelter for families who are homeless. Offers 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, with six units in St Catharines and two units in Niagara Falls.

The usual duration of stay is 30 days. Advocates will try to assist the family find permanent housing and access to community resources.

Modified shelter provides emergency housing services to chronic homeless men or men with families. The Men's Shelter Workers support residents in finding housing.

Provides shelter and services for women and children experiencing abuse. Services include:

• 24-hour support line (call or text - 905-356-5800)
• Counselling and emotional support for women and children/youth who are being or who have been abused
• Development of safety plans
• Transitional and housing support
• Public education programs
• Referrals

Family Court Support Worker Program -- information on the family court process * assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid) * referral to specialized services and supports in the community * safety planning * court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Services are available on an in-shelter or office visit basis.

Provides emergency shelter for women and their children who are homeless for any reason in a safe, homelike environment.

The facility holds a total of 20 shelter beds, 6 Onsite Transitional Housing Beds; shared washroom/bath/shower facilities and provides breakfast, lunch and dinner to the residents.

The facility is staffed by women's advocates who work with residents to assist them in goal planning and accessing community resources in their search for affordable housing.

Provides customized support to assist male youth without secure housing and requiring long-term support. Offers more independence but includes staff supports to encourage and empower youth to build competencies and life skills. The goal of the program is to prepare residents for independence and strengthen their capacity for success as self-sufficient members of the community.

Provides short term housing for youth who are homeless or are without secure stable housing. Provides for the basic needs of youth while supporting them with meeting their goals through the provision of 24 hour staffing, resources and the implementation of development program.

Provides immediate safe housing, food and clothing to refugees arriving into Canada. Social, emotional and practical support is offered to each guest of the Matthew House to deal with experienced trauma and the challenges ahead. The Matthew House's main goal is to prevent homelessness for refugees at the very first point of entry into Canada. The shelter also provides full housing needs to women, men and children in Niagara affected by family breakdowns such as divorce or domestic violence or sexual violence. The staff at Matthew House act as case managers for this at-risk population.