Searching for Shelters From Abuse

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 * a 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

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

COVID19 -- Shelter operating with enhanced screening and safety measures, including masks and distancing
There are current limitations to the available beds, call shelter line for current information


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

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

Overview of emergency shelters in Halton and surrounding areas

HALTON

General Shelter: for intake call 311

Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter
* 905-339-2918 or call 3-1-1 and ask for referral
* located in Oakville, this is the general emergency shelter for men in Halton
* shelter may be able to arrange transportation
* for more details see full listing here

Wesley Housing Services - Halton
* email housing.halton@wesley.ca or call 3-1-1 and ask for referral
* emergency shelter services for women 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

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
* for more details see full listing here
* also protects pets from violence through the SafePet Program

HAMILTON:

To find shelter information call 905-546-2489, or 211
* for more information on shelters in the Hamilton area, see here

NIAGARA REGION:

To find shelter information call 211 or 1-800-263-3695
* for more information on shelters in Niagara Region, see here

REGION OF 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 THE 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

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

• 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

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)

COVID19 Emergency shelter open and accepting new referrals; enhanced screening and safety measures

Emergency shelter, including crisis individual and group counselling, practical information and assistance with legal services, housing support, food, clothing and personal care items, action plan development, life skills development, self esteem, parenting groups, computer training, and activities and homework club for children

• safety planning for residents and non-residents

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

COVID19 24/7 Crisis Line Support Program, Central Intake Line, Emergency Shelter Program, and Community Support and Outreach Program continue without disruption, as well as all support and counselling programs and services; enhanced screening in place using Ontario Ministry of Health Assessment Tool, PPE, and antigen test

• community and client meetings available by phone or online
• sexual violence counselling available by phone or online
• online Anti-Black Racism Sexual Violence Support Group
• 24/7 Crisis Line Support Program 905-403-0864, 905-676-8515, or 1-855-676-8515
• Central Intake Line 905-676-0257 or 1-800-676-0257 for Transitional Housing supports available 9 am-4:30 pm
• for donations, contact Julie Shultz, Development Manager, julie@embrave.ca
• visit website for updates and service information

----------

24-hour Crisis Line Support Line Program
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
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 there 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

COVID19 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 12

Training and awareness for community organizations

Emergency shelter for women and their children leaving abusive situations.

• shelter for those experiencing physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, financial abuse and / or stalking or human trafficking
• safety planning
• assistance with housing, legal, financial and custody issues
• individual and group counselling
• advocacy / accompaniment to police, court, hospital, lawyer, housing, etc
• referral to community supports / resources
• access to all other Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis programs
• education / training to community groups, schools, agencies on all aspects of woman abuse
• client library and resource materials

Note: Women and their children are provided with private bedrooms; single women share bedrooms; all other common spaces such as living rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, recreation and play areas are shared.

COVID-19 Update: Some services and support continue to be provided remotely - by e-mail, one-on-one phone support and video counselling. Visit Social Isolation Supports Online. This situation is being reviewed on an ongoing basis. The Crisis Line and shelter remain open.

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.

Support and counselling for women who have experienced human trafficking and sexual exploitation recently or in the past. Services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental. No ID required.

• immediate telephone support and information through 24-hour Crisis Line
• individual / group counselling and support
• accompaniment to hospital / police / court
• advocacy / court preparation / community referrals
• assistance with victim impact statements
• sexual harassment support / accompaniment
• risk assessments and safety planning
• information on and support through legal / medical / immigration processes and options
• information on sexual assault / sexual harassment / childhood sexual abuse / incest / stalking
• housing or emergency shelter support
• substance use community supports
• support for family / friends of sexually violated survivors
• facilitated culturally appropriate connections
• public education, training, targeted outreach
• client library and resource materials

Provides a trauma-informed, harm reduction, intersectional approach and response to crisis, working from an anti-racism, anti-oppression framework.

Additional e-mail address: adminsac@gwwomenincrisis.org

Consultation and assistance to consider options:

• access to help for vulnerable older adults and their families, especially those who have experienced or are at risk of abuse
• referral to community resources and informal seniors groups when appropriate
• temporary safe bed available through selected retirement homes with regard to elder abuse
• consultation for health professionals through the response network is available

Crisis Support Workers provide support and assistance to survivors of human trafficking. Services include:

• crisis intervention
• crisis housing
• basic needs
• emotional support
• advocacy & accompaniment
• safety planning and/or risk assessment
• supportive counselling
• practical assistance for transportation & service accessibility
• system navigation and housing supports
• life skills and mentorship

Emergency shelter, includes meals, clothing, counselling and referrals, crisis intervention, advocacy, housing help, life skills

• capacity 73
• maximum length of stay varies according to individual case plan
• safe environment
• spiritual care
• recreational events

COVID19 Shelter open, call for information

Residence and emergency shelter (capacity 18) including counselling for residents and non-residents, crisis intervention and sexual assault counselling

• Full-Moon ceremony, Sharing Circle and Healing Circle
• life skills program and cultural activities from Indigenous perspective

Emergency Shelter - Provides safe, secure shelter and support for women with or without children who are experiencing abuse or homelessness. Includes advocacy, support and assistance with transportation and childcare. Emergency transportation available to get to the shelter

Second Stage Housing - Supportive temporary housing to help women who have experienced abuse transition to independent living

Support Within Housing - Support for women who have experienced trauma due to abuse and are also managing moderate to severe mental health issues while struggling to find or maintain housing or who are precariously housed

Safe, spacious temporary residence, residential services include:

• in-house emergency case management
• trauma counselling
• support groups
• legal assistance
• food and clothing
• Fathering After Separation or Divorce - parenting program
• assistance with housing applications
• agency referrals for additional resources

COVID19 Emergency shelter open and accepting new referrals, call for details

Emergency shelter, includes meals, clothing, counselling and referrals, crisis intervention, advocacy, housing help, life skills programs

• capacity 56
• maximum length of stay varies according to need

COVID19 -- virtual support over the phone, call main office or email; will reply in an hour; in-person support also available; masks provided
----------------------------------------

Migration

• legal information and support on immigration and refugee issues, work permits, student permits, permanent resident applications, and other issues
• new clients may drop in Mondays 9:30 am-4 pm

Refugee Hearing and Appeal Preparation (Ready Tour) - helping claimants through every step of the process

Settlement Shelter

• transitional housing for refugee claimant women and children, capacity 30 for stays up to 12 months
• help with the refugee process, including legal, mental health, social services and other referrals
• support and accompaniment to appointments

Food Distribution and Income Security Program - food hampers for households in the Greater Toronto area

Primary Health Care Clinic - by appointment; no Ontario Health Insurance required

Support Groups and Activities for Women

English Language Learning (ELL)

Youth Program -- for newcomer youth regardless of immigration status offering mutual support, volunteering and skills development, social and sports activities, Wednesdays 4 pm-6 pm

Services for Victims/Survivors of Human Trafficking -- holistic support and a full range of services through the process including orientation, legal information, immigration options, housing, employment support, and counselling

Migrant Protection Clinic Program

• travelling clinic where FCJ staff help local agency staff to conduct a clinic
• help for migrants needing support
• coaching for local staff to understand immigration processes

Migrants Workers Program -- 647-971-2153, call or through WhatsApp

• mobile service to support migrant workers by informing them about labour and immigration laws, human rights, and community supports

Public Education -- workshops for service providers and others on legal information needs of refugee claimants and non-status people and on immigration and refugee procedures, publications, public speakers

COVID19 Call for intake, and information on in-person, phone, email and online services

Long-term transitional housing, including trauma counselling, basic needs and essential support to re-establish independence; also settlement services, and information and referral on legal aid, immigration, social assistance

• capacity 7

Case management and programming in partnership with Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto, see separate listing

Emergency shelter, capacity 32

• counselling and referrals
• advocacy and follow up
• court and immigration escort
• children's program and counselling
• legal and housing assistance

Transitional Housing and Outreach Support Program (TH&O)
Community-based support in obtaining affordable housing, including counselling, assistance accessing food supports, outreach, workshops and speakers bureau

COVID19 Call crisis line 416-724-1316 for intake, assessment and COVID19 procedures

Emergency short term shelter, capacity 35

• crisis intervention and counselling
• information and referral
• advocacy, awareness and education
• supportive groups for women and children
• children's programs
• average stay 6-8 weeks
• public education

COVID19 Emergency shelter and crisis line open; other programs offered online or by telephone, call for details

Shelter (capacity 30) includes food, some clothing, crisis counselling, support groups, court support, information and referral, children's program; 24 hour crisis line