Searching for Shelters From Abuse

Major Services:

• 24 hour crisis lines for abused women
• HWP Chat provides online support, Mon-Sun 24 hrs, from a training Violence Against Women Counsellor
• safe shelter accommodation, food, and basic personal items for a maximum of 8 weeks 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 support program
• 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 8-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)

An overview of emergency shelters in the region of Halton and surrounding areas

Halton's Emergency Shelters

For general emergency shelter intake in Halton, call Access Halton at 3-1-1

• If someone is homeless or sleeping outside
  • contact Halton Social and Community Services at [email protected] or 1-866-442-5866
• If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis
  • call the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) at 1-877-825-9011
• for more details see here

Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter

• 905-339-2918 or call 3-1-1 and ask for referral
• emergency shelter services for men, located in Oakville
• shelter may be able to arrange transportation
• for more details see full listing here

Wesley Housing Services - Halton

• email [email protected] or call 3-1-1 and ask for referral
• emergency shelter services for youth, single females and families
• Housing First services and case management for adults, youth and families
• advocacy, referrals and community integration to improve housing retention
• for more details see full listing here

Emergency Shelter for abused women, their dependent children and pets:

Halton Womens Place

• Shelters
  • South Halton 905-332-1593
  • North Halton 905-878-8970
• Crisis Phone
  • South Halton 905-332-7892
  • North Halton 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

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 905-546-2489, or 211

• for more information on shelters in the Hamilton area, see here

Niagara

To find shelter information call 1-800-263-3695, or 211

• for more information on shelters in Niagara Region, see here

Peel

To find shelter information call Street Helpline Peel 1-877-848-8481

• for more information on shelters in Peel, see here

Wellington County and City of Guelph

To find shelter information call the County of Wellington 1-844-824-1212

• for more Information on shelters in Wellington County, see here

Toronto

To find shelter information all the central intake line 1-877-338-3398

• for more information on shelters in the City of Toronto, see here

Women's shelter open to all women but focused on serving the needs of Muslim women in abusive domestic situations, confidential address

• halal meals
• personal wellness and professional counselling available

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

Out of the Cold

• 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

Halton Women's Place

• 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

Halton Housing Help

• call 905-825-6000 or 3-1-1
• service that helps individuals access and maintain safe and affordable housing

Links2Care (Acton/Georgetown)

• 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

Support House

• call 905-845-9212
• offers community-based housing, support and wellness programs to people living with mental health issues and/or problematic substance use

Emergency Food

Georgetown Bread Basket

• call 905-873-3368
• emergency help available if needed, by arrangement, outside of regular hours

Holy Cross HELPS

• call 905-873-1887
• supports people who are in need of emergency assistance

St Joseph Church, St Vincent Charities

• call 519-853-0784
• provides food vouchers to those in need

Salvation Army Acton Community Church Food Bank

• call 519-853-5610
• 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

Acton Foodshare

• call 519-853-0457
• provides easy access to food for those individuals or families who are in need of basic needs assistance

Georgetown Bread Basket

• call 905-873-3368
• provides food to those in need who meet the eligibility criteria

Food for Life Community Fridges

• call 905-635-1106
• a community fridge at both branches of the Halton Hills Public Library, stocked with 'Good Food bags'

Salvation Army Acton Community Church Food Bank

• call 519-853-5610
• 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

Short term emergency shelter for women, pre-screening intake assessment required prior to admission

Covid-19: in cases of clients displaying flu-like symptoms shelter continues operating with enhanced screening and safety measures, including encouraging masks and distancing
There are current limitations to the available beds, call shelter line for current information

Emergency shelter, includes in-person and telephone support

• 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

Transitional supports available, including in-home and remote casework

Culturally sensitive transitional shelter and essential supports for women leaving violence, and remote casework and mental health support for adults and youth

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
• capacity 9

Training and awareness for community organizations

Transitional housing in a supportive, culturally based home environment includes support to develop tools to achieve independence and self-sustainability

• capacity 22 women and children
• confidential, supportive counselling
• case management
• information and community referrals
• life skills development
• support groups

Transitional housing in a supportive, culturally based home environment includes support to develop tools to achieve independence and self-sustainability

• capacity 14 women and children
• confidential, supportive counselling
• case management
• information and community referrals
• life skills development
• support groups

Crisis support line, emergency shelter program, centralized intake for transitional housing, sexual violence counselling, peer support, Anti Black Racism Violence Support Group, community support and outreach

24-hour Crisis Line Support Line Program, 905-403-0864, 905-676-8515, 1-855-676-8515
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, 905-676-0257, 1-800-676-0257
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 (up to 18 years) who have experienced, are currently experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing any form of violence

• capacity 54
• stay up to 4 months
• service provided regardless of geographical location
• referrals to alternative shelters as required based on safety or capacity issues

Sexual Violence Counselling Program
Emotional support and counselling, support groups, and information and referral, available in-person or remotely (phone, email, online)

• pressuring/convincing
• sexual assault
• childhood sexual abuse
• sexual harassment
• online sexual violence

Community Support and Outreach Program
Including safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals, and problem-solving, and assistance in accessing housing and shelter support, and legal and immigration support

Culturally sensitive transitional shelter and essential supports for women leaving violence, and remote casework and mental health support for adults and youth

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

Transitional housing, counselling, case management and homelessness prevention programs

Bridge of Hope
Matches youth tenants with host families in the community as an alternative to shelters; includes subsidies, application assistance, eviction prevention, landlord training, and ongoing follow-up and support for youth and host families

Bare Necessities
Subsidies, gift cards and household starter packs for youth with low income to assist with essential daily living expenses such as rent, food, personal care and household necessities

Black Youth Support Line (BYSL)
Counselling and emergency aid for youth who are isolated, homeless, or at risk of homelessness

Healing Emotional Recovery and Opportunity (HERO)
Mental health support, counselling and group therapy for racialized and homeless youth in Peel, including referrals to appropriate services in the community

LIFE (Learning Initiative Fostering Employment)
Counselling and support groups to develop essential life skills and employment opportunities, including youth tenant education and support, home economics, employment support and mentoring, and work placements

Community outreach programs, including family reconciliation counselling, housing search and landlord negotiation assistance; volunteer opportunities

For emergency shelters and transitional housing, see separate listings

Family Reconciliation Program
Mediation and counselling for youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and their identified family

Home for Good
Intensive case management supporting youth to obtain and maintain permanent housing; collaboration of community organizations using Housing First for Youth model

Housing Program
Intensive case management; assists youth in building positive relationships with landlord and/or property management; advocacy and information on rights and responsibilities

Outreach
Assist youth in community in development of life skills, problem solving skills; promotion of social support networks and personal independence

Emergency shelter

• Crisis, individual and group counselling
• assistance with legal services
• housing support, food, clothing and personal care items
• action plan and life skills development
• self esteem, parenting groups,
• computer training, activities and homework club for children
• safety planning for residents and non-residents

Emergency shelter, including:

• basic needs
• counselling and case management
• goal planning
• well-being and emotional supports
• connections to resources and programming

MYS (Mississauga) includes

• crisis counselling
• case management
• referrals to ongoing clinical support and counselling
• access to resource room
• capacity 20

Providing transitional shelters, remote casework and holistic services to residents and remote clients * homes are confidential with on-site staff and are located close to schools and public transit

Emergency shelter, including

• basic needs
• counselling
• case management
• goal planning
• well-being and emotional supports
• connections to resources and programming

BYS (Brampton) includes

• crisis counselling
• case management
• referrals to ongoing clinical support and counselling
• access to resource room
• capacity 40

Emergency shelter and supports, including case management services, access to housing search assistance, financial help, life-skills and employment training, and referrals to services in the community

• capacity 40
• stay varies, available until housing obtained
• separate buildings for males and females

Risk assessment, safety planning, one-on-one counselling, group counselling, workshops, emergency shelter, transitional planning, housing and legal support, custody and access support, victim impact statement and court preparation, advocacy and public education.

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.

Stepping Stone helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness step forward on a path toward securing permanent housing in Guelph-Wellington through housing focused programs and individualized support for adults ad families.

Areas of focus and service include:

• preventative action to help those at risk of homelessness
• individualized plans for those struggling to attain a long-term residence

Prevention & Diversion:

• prevention assistance supports households in preserving their current housing situation
• diversion support assists adults and families in finding housing outside of shelter
• prevention and diversion services help stabilize current situations while assisting with a permanent housing solution

Housing Focused Outreach:
Housing Focused Outreach worker visits locations known to have individuals who are precariously housed, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing homelessness. Services include:

• assess needs of individuals and families through a standardized assessment tool
• assist with aquiring suitable housing
• identify intervention recommendations
• supports their transition to a case manager

23 Gordon St. Overnight Emergency Shelter:

• previously known as the Warming Centre
• provides warm meal, shower, and overnight shelter
• accommodates up to 27 people ; one bed dedicated to the safe bed program, on a first-come, first-served basis
• supported by Diversion team, Housing Stability Outreach and Housing Focused Outreach

Grace Gardens Permanent Supportive Housing:

• individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, mental health issues and / or addiction
• Mon-Sun, 24/7 support services

Housing Focused 24/7 Supportive Shelter:

• supports approximately 40 people who are experiencing homelessness
• Stepping Stone works in collaboration with community organizations to deliver mental health, addiction, and medical support to individuals staying at the shelter
• focus is to provide access to food, showers, nursing, harm reduction, and court support
• individuals have their own rooms, common space, etc.
• support team (shelter support and housing stability staff), on site 24/7 to support residents and help them achieve their housing goals

Housing Stablity Program:

• supports a caseload of individuals and families who have completed the common assessment tools
• a recovery-oriented approach to ending homelessness
• quick movement from homelessness into independent and permanent housing
• provide additional supports and services as needed

A 24-hour emergency shelter providing beds for youth between 16 and 21 years of age. It provides programming and support to youth in the following manner:

• 24-hour a day intake and admissions
• Meeting all basic needs by providing meals and snacks, clothing, laundry, hygiene products, etc.
• Advocacy and case coordination
• Recreational/therapeutic programming
• Access to mental health services and consulting psychiatry
• Access to a general practitioner and/or nurse practitioner
• Addiction/substance use supports (Alternatives for Youth)
• Withdrawal management assessment and monitoring (St. Joseph's Healthcare)
• After-care services through the Community Resource Centre

A centre for at-risk youth residing within the community who are between 16 and 21 years of age, providing access to a number of support services and programs to assist them in remaining housed, diverting them from homelessness and street involvement. A case coordinator assists the youth in navigating community and internal services based on their identified needs.

Services include:

• Help with getting back into school or finding employment
• Assistance obtaining or replacing ID
• Access to housing workers
• Help with applying for or maintaining social assistance
• Hot meal program, seven days a week (lunch and dinner)
• Connections to community supports
• Free laundry facilities and clothing/household donations
• Access to all on-site mental health, medical care, addiction/substance use services
• Recreational and life skills programming
• Early diversion and family mediation

A 40-bed emergency shelter for individuals and their children who are fleeing violence and abuse.

Programs and service:

• Safe, short-term accommodation in private family-style units
• Safety planning and emergency transportation to the shelter, if needed
• Referrals and advocacy for legal, medical, financial, employment, housing and community services
• Recreational and therapeutic programs for children
• Counselling
• Access to cultural interpreters

An emergency shelter, providing safety, support, and emergency accommodation to women who are dealing with homelessness, poverty, mental illness, and/or violence.

Programs and services:

• Emergency accommodation and safety planning
• Referrals and advocacy for medical, legal, and other community services
• Assistance in establishing permanent housing
• Recreational and educational daily activities for residents and women living in the community