Housing Support

Housing assistance is critical for addressing homelessness and housing instability in Toronto, with a significant demand evidenced by over 14,000 people on the waitlist for supportive housing. The following resources are listed, starting with the most comprehensive and widely accessible:

  1. City of Toronto Housing Help: Provides comprehensive information on affordable housing, shelters, and housing programs. Website: toronto.ca/housinghelp, Phone: 311. This is the primary entry point for housing assistance, offering guidance on various programs and services.

  2. Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC): The largest social housing provider in Canada, offering rental units for low-income individuals and families. Website: tchc.org, Phone: 416-987-6000. Essential for those seeking long-term affordable housing solutions.

  3. Shelter and Drop-In Programs: Lists shelters and drop-in centers for immediate needs, particularly for those experiencing homelessness. Website: toronto.ca/shelter, Phone: 311 for information. Critical for emergency housing situations.

  4. Rent Bank: Offers interest-free loans to help with rent payments, preventing evictions. Website: toronto.ca/rentbank, Phone: 416-392-0500. A vital financial resource for those at risk of housing loss.

  5. Housing Stability Fund: Provides financial assistance to prevent evictions and maintain housing stability. Website: toronto.ca/housingstability, Phone: 416-392-0500. Targets those facing immediate housing crises.

  6. Homelessness Prevention Programs: Various programs aimed at preventing and addressing homelessness, including outreach and support services. Website: toronto.ca/homelessnessprevention. Focuses on long-term prevention strategies.

  7. Affordable Housing Developments: Information on new and existing affordable housing projects, aiding in finding suitable accommodations. Website: toronto.ca/affordablehousing. Useful for planning future housing options.

  8. Housing Advocacy Groups: Such as the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO), providing legal and advocacy support for housing issues. Website: actontario.org, Phone: 416-598-2688. A secondary resource for those needing legal assistance.

  9. St. Felix Centre: Offers transitional housing and support services, particularly for men. Website: stfelixcentre.org, Phone: 416-593-0111. A niche resource for specific demographics.

  10. Fred Victor Centre: Provides shelter and support services for men and women experiencing homelessness. Website: fredvictor.org, Phone: 416-392-1010. A last-resort option for immediate shelter needs.

Help with Mental Illness

Mental health support is crucial, given that 50% of homeless individuals in Toronto report mental health issues. The following resources are ordered by comprehensiveness and accessibility:

  1. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Toronto: Offers various mental health services, including counseling, support groups, and housing programs. Website: cmhatoronto.ca, Phone: 416-482-8222. A primary resource for comprehensive mental health support.

  2. Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH): A leading institution for mental health and addiction treatment, offering outpatient and inpatient services. Website: camh.ca, Phone: 416-535-8501. Essential for severe mental health and addiction issues.

  3. Mental Health Helpline: Provides 24-hour support for mental health crises, operated by CMHA. Phone: 1-866-531-2600. Critical for immediate assistance, especially in emergencies.

  4. Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: Offers crisis intervention and emotional support, with various phone lines for different regions. Website: distresscentres.org, various phone numbers. A key resource for crisis situations.

  5. Toronto Friendship Centre: Provides support for those with mental illness, including social and recreational programs. Website: torontofriendshipcentre.org, Phone: 416-595-0002. Useful for community-based support.

  6. Mental Health and Addictions Supportive Housing Network: Facilitates access to supportive housing for those with mental health or addiction issues, part of The Access Point. Website: theaccesspoint.ca. Bridges housing and mental health, with over 14,000 on the waitlist, indicating high demand.

  7. Community Mental Health Services: Local clinics, such as the Scarborough Hospital Mental Health Program, offer outpatient services. Phone: 416-438-9020. A secondary resource for localized support.

  8. Wellspring Toronto: Provides mental health support and resources, particularly for cancer patients but also broader mental health needs. Website: wellspringtoronto.org, Phone: 416-598-0111. A niche resource for specific needs.

Help for Immigrants New to the Country

Immigrants new to Canada, particularly in Toronto, require settlement and integration support. The following resources are ordered by comprehensiveness:

  1. Toronto Immigrant Welcome Centre: Offers settlement services, including orientation, employment support, and language assistance. Website: torontoimmigrantwelcomecentre.com, Phone: 416-392-7778. A primary resource for newcomers.

  2. Settlement and Integration Services in Toronto (SIST): Provides comprehensive settlement services, including housing and employment support. Website: settlementservices.toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-7778. Essential for initial settlement needs.

  3. Language Classes: Offered by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL). Website: TDSB tdsb.on.ca/AdultEd, Phone: 416-393-0500. Critical for language barriers.

  4. Job Search Assistance: Provided by Toronto Region Immigrant and Community Services (TRICS), aiding in employment integration. Website: trics.org, Phone: 416-441-2777. Important for economic integration.

  5. Newcomer Resources at Toronto Public Library: Offers resources, workshops, and programs for newcomers, including language and job search support. Website: torontopubliclibrary.ca/newcomers. A community-based resource for additional support.

  6. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC): Provides information on immigration, citizenship, and related services at a national level. Website: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html, Phone: 1-888-242-2100. Useful for legal and citizenship processes.

  7. Multicultural Associations: Such as the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter, offering community-specific support. Specific contacts vary, often found through community networks. A secondary resource for cultural integration.

  8. Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (JIAS): Provides settlement services for refugees and immigrants, particularly Jewish communities. Website: jias.org, Phone: 416-638-4700. A niche resource for specific communities.

This category includes support for seniors, youth, people with disabilities, and financial needs, ordered by subgroup and then by usefulness:

  • Help for Seniors

    1. Toronto Seniors' Services: Comprehensive resource for seniors' programs, including housing and health services. Website: toronto.ca/seniors, Phone: 311. Primary resource for seniors.

    2. Meals on Wheels: Various organizations, e.g., Scarborough Seniors' Centre, provide meal delivery services. Phone: 416-284-9999. Essential for homebound seniors.

    3. Seniors' Housing: Information on housing options for seniors, including subsidized units. Website: toronto.ca/seniorshousing. Important for housing stability.

    4. Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement: Federal programs providing financial support for seniors. Website: canada.ca/en/employment-social-development.html, Phone: 1-800-277-9914. A last-resort financial resource.

  • Help for Youth

    1. City of Toronto Youth Services: Programs and services for youth, including employment and recreation. Website: toronto.ca/youth. Primary resource for youth support.

    2. Youth without Shelter: Provides support for homeless youth, including shelter and counseling. Website: yws.on.ca, Phone: 416-368-1999. Critical for homeless youth.

    3. Child and Family Services: Support for youth in need of protection or family services, through provincial offices. Website: ontario.ca/page/child-and-family-service-offices, local phone numbers. A secondary resource for family-related issues.

  • Help for People with Disabilities

    1. Accessibility Services in Toronto: Information on accessible services and supports for people with disabilities. Website: toronto.ca/disability. Primary resource for accessibility.

    2. March of Dimes Canada: Provides support for people with physical disabilities, including employment and housing. Website: marchofdimes.ca, Phone: 1-800-361-8668. Essential for physical disability support.

    3. Assistive Devices Program: Provides funding for assistive devices, such as wheelchairs. Website: ontario.ca/page/assistive-devices-program, Phone: 1-800-263-2343. A last-resort resource for device funding.

  • Help with Financial Needs

    1. Ontario Works: Provides financial assistance and employment support for those in need. Website: ontario.ca/page/ontario-works, local offices. Primary resource for financial aid.

    2. Canada Child Benefit: Financial support for families with children, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency. Website: canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html, Phone: 1-800-387-1193. Essential for families.

    3. Social Assistance for Persons with a Mental Health or Developmental Issue: Part of the Ontario Disability Support Program, providing financial aid. Website: ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program, Phone: 1-866-532-9292. Important for specific needs.

    4. Community Food Banks: Provides emergency food assistance, with locations found through Food Banks Canada. Website: foodbankscanada.ca/find-a-food-bank. A last-resort resource for food insecurity.

    5. Utility Bill Assistance: Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps with utility bills. Website: ontarioenergyboard.ca/consumer-information/low-income-energy-assistance-program, Phone: 1-877-632-2770. A secondary resource for utility support.