Searching for Help To Find Housing

Seniors services

• friendly visiting, telephone assurance
• congregate dining
• information, referral and counselling on seniors' issues such as housing and government programs
• weekly wellness program, social and recreation programs

Emergency shelter for men, including short term problem solving and referrals, case management, housing and employment assistance, addiction counselling and harm reduction, assistance accessing income supports, primary health and mental health supports, life skills activities, and recreation

• capacity 92
• access to Housing Connections (see separate listing) Community Partner, assistance with housing search and application process
• pet friendly environment

COVID19 -- Some services have reopened or are operating virtually; for more information, call or visit website


Advocates for and provides support and services to children, youth and adults with an intellectual disability

Children and Youth

• information on early childhood programs, school placement, registration, education plans
• help in accessing funding and programs
• development of a plan to ensure consistency between home, school and community programs
• employment programs for youth

Adults

• skills development including literacy, money management, social skills, and travel training
• job placement
• Adult Protective Service Worker Program (APSW) -- supportive services for adults 18 years and older living or planning to live independently in the community. Services include case management, counselling, advocacy

Families

• Family and parent support groups
• in-home consultation and collaboration with other professionals to plan for services

Residential Services

• supported group living
• supportive home share
• supportive independent living
• LIGHTS, www.lights.to -- helps families explore community residential options and funding eligibility

Respite Services

• adult fee-for-service programs
• residential respite for children and adults
• summer camps

ConnectABILITY, www.connectability.ca -- online information, tools and workshops for people with a developmental disability, their families and support networks

Health care services offered at home, at school, and in the community, as well as access to supported living programs and long-term care * care coordinators work with people in the community or leaving the hospital to determine what help is needed and arrange for care

Services may include:

• nursing
• nurse practitioner
• personal support
• physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• speech and language therapy
• social work
• nutrition and food counselling (dietitians)
• palliative care
• medical supplies and equipment
• access to long-term care homes
• access to supported living (adult day programs, supportive housing, retirement homes and assisted living)
• health support in the school
• specialized services for people living with specific health conditions
• referral to other community supports

Information and Referral - thehealthline.ca provides online access to health care information and services in Ontario, or call the referral phone service at 310-2222 - in English or 310-2272 - in French

Placement Services - Placement services determines eligibility for admission and prioritizes and manages the admission process to long term care facilities. Provides support and information to both applicants and their families prior to and during the admission process. Determines eligibility for Convalescent Care and Short Stay in a long term care facility.

Self Management Program - Offers various workshops in the community that supports both patients and their caregivers in their journey of managing chronic health conditions like chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cancer and lung disease * Participants and their caregivers develop new tools and skills to help them manage the emotional, social and physical aspect of living with a chronic condition, or supporting someone with a chronic health condition.

Services and Programs:

• Nursing Clinic - Scarborough East
• Nursing Clinic - Scarborough North
• Scarborough Health Network, Birchmount Site
• Scarborough Health Network, Centenary Site
• Scarborough Health Network, General Site
• School Health Support Services

Provide supports and services to adults with a developmental disability

• day programs in Renfrew and Arnprior - promotes community and workforce integration - Day programs
• residential services - supported group living, supported independent living
• coordination support
• respite supports

COVID19 -- settlement workers available by phone or online, to connect with a settlement worker in North York, Toronto, or Scarborough; leave a message at 416-588-3585, or to connect with a settlement worker in Mississauga leave a message at 905-279-3679


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, full-time and part-time 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

Community Development

• Afghan Women's Catering Group, Afghan Sewing Circle, media and overseas projects

Childminding available for clients attending sessions

Food Security Program

• food package distribution to seniors, families on Wednesdays 11 am-3 pm

Community Access Services

• Commissioner of Oaths
• harm reduction supplies/support
• homeless services and drop-in
• computers, internet access, fax, photocopier
• income tax clinic
• Metro Voice Mail -- persons without telephones receive private phone number to retrieve messages from any touch-tone phone

Harm Reduction Services -- individual and community support or information about opiate use and addiction, addiction counselling, counselling and case management, harm reduction supplies (mobile and fixed site)

Housing Hub

• support for individuals and households at-risk or experiencing homelessness to find, apply for and maintain housing

Financial Empowerment and Problem-Solving (FEPS) program -- financial literacy workshops, income tax clinic, budgeting, mobile community financial worker

Medical Clinic

• biweekly for people who are experiencing homelessness
• not primary care, call 416-321-6912 ext 232 for appointment

Massage Parlour and Micro-Brothel Outreach -- for clients involved in sex work in massage parlours and micro-brothels in Scarborough

• distribution of safer sex tools, community referrals and informal case management
• access to sexual health testing appointments

Street Outreach Services

• mobile outreach in Scarborough and North York to support individuals experiencing homelessness and sleeping outdoors
• provides wellness checks, basic needs supplies, community referrals, informal counselling, support with accessing shelter and assistance finding and obtaining housing

Drop-In North

• breakfast, snacks and hot lunch
• access to computer
• locker storage (up to 3 months)
• information and referral
• individual support and informal counselling
• Harm Reduction Supplies and Service (mobile and fixed site) -- including clean needles, crack pipes, condoms

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

COVID19 Services provided remotely, call, email or fax and staff will follow up

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Housing help
Information and referral, advice on tenant rights and responsibilities, eviction prevention, drop-in Tuesday mornings

• promotes affordable housing options
• Housing Connections (see separate entry) Community Partner, assistance with housing search and application process

Toronto Rent Bank
Access centre for interest-free repayable loans to low-income households in rental arrears, or needing to move into more suitable housing; also interest-free loans for first and last month's rent deposit to move into more affordable housing

• must have legal status in Canada and meet income requirements of 50 percent or less from social assistance
• landlord and tenant mediation
• follow-up search assistance and community referrals

Utilities Program
Access centre for utilities assistance

• help with applications for Ontario Electricity Support Program providing assistance to lower-income customers with their electricity bills
• help with applications for LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) providing assistance to low income individuals and families who are in arrears for their electricity utility bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support
• for help with Enbridge gas bills call 1-855-487-5327
• access to Toronto Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) providing one-time grant to help pay electricity and gas bills

Community Building and Connections
Advocacy or access to financial aid to support integration and settlement in new community, including support to maintain or access permanent housing

• for women, seniors and individuals who are unhoused due to domestic violence, and not eligible for existing federal settlement programs
• also for residents of Scarborough or eastern North York, who have low income and at risk for homelessness

Settlement Program
Orientation, interpretation, referral to education, employment or health services, help with form filling, citizenship test preparation classes

Landlord Recruitment Program
Matches tenants with landlords, includes free rental listings, and information on landlord and tenant rights

Streets to Homes Follow up Program
Follow-up case management services for individuals recently housed by the City of Toronto, by referral from City of Toronto outreach service

Newcomer housing support and settlement services, including information and referrals to other services such as Access York for rent or utility assistance intake, furniture bank, mediation services, legal clinic

• assists low income youth, families, newcomers and seniors in determining housing needs and applications to York Region Subsidized Housing and Special Priority
• assistance with applications for Ontario Electricity Support Program
• information sessions on subsidized housing and utility assistance, as well as Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program
• advocacy for landlords and tenants, including connections to community resources and long- term support
• landlord registry, including recruitment of landlords, free rental listings, and landlord and tenant matching
• information on landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities

For Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) intake, contact United Way Simcoe Muskoka, 1-855-487-5327

COVID-19 -- closed to walk ins, providing telephonic support to clients

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Information and referral services

• assistance to complete a pardon/record suspension application

Community information and referral

• community outreach
• early year program
• assistance filling out forms
• financial literacy
• tax clinic

Housing Connections (see separate entry) Community Partner -- assistance with housing search and application process

COVID-19 (April 24, 2020): Municipal offices are closed to the public until further notice, clients for Community and Social Service (CSS) are asked to email or telephone their caseworker

Satellite office for Social Housing and Ontario Works

• financial assistance and employment supports including training and skills development, academic upgrading and work placements

Rent-geared to income housing registry-- applications for subsidized housing

Rent supplement program-- additional rent-geared to income units through private landlords

Investent in Affordable Housing for Ontario (IAH)-- programs: Housing Allowance, Ontario Renovates, Homeownership

Financial Assistance -- Monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income * monthly drug benefit card

Employment and Participation benefits -- covers costs related to starting a job or work placement

• Families with Children -- child care start-up costs
• Health-Related Benefits -- may include emergency dental services, eyeglasses, special diet allowance, health care supplies, medical transportation funds, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials

Employment Assistance -- clients 18-65 years who are not caring for pre-school age children or who do not have a serious disability or illness must participate in employment assistance activities

Community Participation -- volunteer placements

• Job Search Programs -- based on individual's skills, experience and circumstances
• Employment Placement -- job matching service
• Basic Education -- basic adult upgrading
• high school upgrading
• literacy and basic skills
• Job Skills Training -- development of skills for specific jobs
• on-the-job training
• Supports to Self-Employment -- referrals to self-employment programs

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268 -- automated information and payment details, payment history, file status

• information and announcements about Ontario Works
• service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance

COVID19 -- all services and programs provided through phone, email, zoom, google meet, what's app and other channels whether in group sessions or individually; location is open by appointment

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Settlement Services

• information and referral, housing and legal assistance
• translation and interpretation
• escort to appointments
• counselling for students, individuals and families, liaising with Children's Aid Society
• youth counselling and parenting sessions
• orientation
• Community Connections Mentorship Program -- community support through volunteer befriending, help adapting to community life skills, conversation circles to practice English
• credential assessment - referral to World Education Services (WES)

Refugee Services

• referral and assistance with shelter, attendance at inquiry, employment, social, welfare and legal services
• social and cultural activities
• Ontario Community Participation -- volunteer placement program for Ontario Works recipients

Welcoming Syrians

• services for Syrian newcomers or sponsor groups
• support to facilitate the settlement process
• workshops on cultural safety and sensitivity
• GAR (government assisted refugees) Support Teams composed of settlement counsellors and volunteers

Career Café -- ACCT's Employment Services helps newcomers understand and integrate into the Canadian job market

• delivered one on one and in a group setting, both online and in-person
• self assessment, writing resumes and cover letters, job search techniques, researching the job market and networking

Youth Services

• settlement program encouraging civic participation and integration through a focus on recreation, sport, and mentorship

Access Centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program

• assistance with applications

Problem Gambling Program

• culturally appropriate prevention, education and treatment with outreach and public education to community groups
• individual or group counselling for gamblers or those affected by gambling

Domestic Violence Education Program

• counselling and referral for victims of family violence

Assistance applying for social housing

• help resolving landlord/tenant disputes
• counselling, workshops and support groups of interest to Aboriginal tenants
• information and referral to general services
• housing search
• Housing First Worker - support those experiencing homelessness

Multiservice agency

• community outreach, employment, education, homeless initiative, housing, recreation and social programs
• information and referral
• services for children, newcomers, seniors and youth

Community Outreach

• drop-in for families and children
• income tax clinic, by appointment only
• program activities
• referrals

Housing

• supportive and non-supportive housing for adults 59 years and older, and one family building, see branch listings for details
• Housing Connections Community Partner (see separate entry) -- assistance with housing search and application process

Partners for Access and Identification (PAID) -- assists homeless persons in obtaining Ontario health cards, Canadian birth certificates, birth registration, verification of status, social insurance numbers

• referrals to community services
• operates at various sites, schedule varies -- call 416-691-7407 for details

Seniors services

• Adult Day Program -- for persons with physical or cognitive impairment
• Akwasti Program -- home care and related services for frail elderly persons who would otherwise qualify for long term care facilities
• Chinese Programs -- recreational activities in Cantonese and Mandarin * home support -- case management, client intervention and assistance * friendly visiting, security checks * transportation and escort, priority for clients with medical appointments, participates in Toronto Ride -- free

Seniors meals -- lunch every other Tuesday, dinner every other Thursday at Cecelia Murphy Building, 11 Coatsworth Cres, nominal fee -- call for details

• lunch every third Wednesday, dinner every other Friday at East Toronto Seniors Centre, 2802 Danforth Ave, nominal fee --call for details

Community meal for all -- dinner every Thursday at Gower Park Place, 10 Gower Road, free -- call for details

Youth and Newcomer services, Neighbourhood Link Employment services, Ontario Employment Services -- see separate entries

Newcomer support ministry

• helps with arranging temporary accommodation
• assistance with documents and applications
• orientation and job search
• volunteer opportunities
• located at an English and Arabic speaking Congregation at Chapel Place Presbyterian Church, Arabic Presbyterian Church in Canada

COVID19 -- settlement workers available by phone or online, to connect with a settlement worker in North York, Toronto, or Scarborough leave a message at 416-588-3585, or to connect with a settlement worker in Mississauga leave a message at 905-279-3679

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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

Childminding available for clients attending sessions

Community Development

• Afghan Women's Catering Group, Afghan Sewing Circle, media and overseas projects

COVID19 -- services continue by phone, email, and video, online workshops and webinars available; offices are closed except for refugee shelters; see website page linked here for phone numbers to contact staff at specific services
COVID-19: SERVICE NOTICE


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals -- sector specific language training and career orientation in finance and accounting

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv [York Region] -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Attendees may qualify for bus fare, or childminding during class

Settlement services

• orientation, assistance with documentation, interpretation and translation
• information and referral -- employment, housing, health, legal
• crisis intervention and supportive counselling

LTW (Language Training at the Workplace) at the employer workplace within York Region -- employer customized training for eligible employees

Gently used and new clothing -- by appointment only

Accepts donations of clothing Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm, check website for details


Dress Your Best

• men's employment suiting program
• provides professional work attire to men seeking employment
• virtual styling and in-person appointments for suiting

Employment skills training

• certificate programs in retail, customer service, business office administration

Settlement Support Program

• informative workshops

Volunteer opportunities

• gain work experience, new language skills, meet new friends, volunteer@newcircles.ca

Provide supports and services to adults with a developmental disability

• day programs in Renfrew and Arnprior - promotes community and workforce integration - Day programs
• residential services - supported group living, supported independent living
• coordination support
• respite supports

Supports for older adults, and adults with disabilities * helps people remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible * referral to other community services * independent living education programs * personal support services * accessible affordable housing

Mimico Project Supportive Housing - 13 apartments with 24-hour personal care * integrated in the Mimico Cooperative Apartment * include access to transition and education programs for independent living

Mobile Independent Living Education (MILE) Program - Focuses on home and community skills development to maximize safety and independent living in the community through the provision of education and support for client-established objectives * support typically is up to 6 months

Shaw Project Supportive Housing - 32 fully accessible one-bedroom and bachelor apartments with 24-hour personal care * 21 units are dedicated to Community Connect Program access to transition and education programs for independent living

Sudbury Housing Hub - Program provided to individuals with disabilities to live safely in an accessible home environment * access to supportive housing level of service in a community service model * a community based transitional program and 24 hours access to services and support on a pre-scheduled and ad-hoc basis in a community setting

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

Dundas Project Supportive Housing - 31 fully accessible one-bedroom apartments with 24-hour personal care

• lifts/transfers and positioning
• bowel and bladder
• dressing and undressing
• skin care
• respiration (ventilator bi-pap, cpap)
• personal grooming and general hygiene
• laundry
• assistance with eating
• light meal and drink preparation (g-tube feeding)

Elm Street Supportive Housing - 13 fully accessible one-bedroom apartments * client-directed support services outlined in an individual support service agreement and individual service plan * prescheduled services as needed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week

Walton Place Supportive Housing - 12 fully accessible one-bedroom apartments * client-directed support services outlined in an individual support service agreement and individual service plan * prescheduled services as needed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week

Services and Programs:

• Madison View Site

COVID19 -- Food Bank Mon-Fri 11 am-4 pm, home delivery for seniors, text or call 416-388-8323 to book an appointment, limited variety and quantities


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
• Make the First Move -- yoga and zumba fitness classes for women

Community development

• Afghan Women's Catering Group, Afghan Sewing Circle, media and overseas projects

Childminding available for clients attending sessions

Community Resource Services

• faxing/printing/photocopying/scanning
• public-access computers
• community bulletin board and job board display

Settlement Services

• 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

Housing Services

• 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

Seniors Program

• The Integrated Services for Seniors (ISFS) program
• The Personal Support Services (PSS) for Low Acuity Home Care program

Violence Against Women

• counselling and crisis intervention, needs assessment and referral
• transitional support
• support groups for victims and survivors

Youth Drop-in Centre

COVID19 Open for in-person services; helpline 1-800-550-4900 available 24/7; for Toronto office call 416-469-1111, see Hours

Crisis pregnancy services to distressed pregnant girls and women in carrying their babies to term

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