Searching for Help To Find Housing

COVID19 -- contact location for COVID-related service updates


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals

• 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

English as a Second Language (ESL): provided at various levels

Settlement Services

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

Women's Employment and Life Skills (WELS): employment and life skills program for immigrant women

Call Warm Line and Peer Crisis Support Service, 1-888-777-0979, for immediate support (Warm Line cannot be reached from blocked/unknown number)

Social support programs for individuals and families
Includes peer support outreach, application assistance, family drop-in programs, workshops and community-based programs, and peer navigators in emergency departments (North York General, Southlake Hospital)

• virtual groups, visit krasmancentre.com/events for online calendar
• harm reduction kits, naloxone, injection and inhalation supplies available by appointment
• check-in available, email kccheckins@krasmancentre.com for information
• South Simcoe Peer Outreach Program
• Wellness Collaborative Initiative

Welcome Basket
Short term program supporting individuals transitioning back into community after clinical treatment, including information and referrals, peer support, and practical supports

• clothing and toiletries
• groceries
• small kitchen appliances

Partner in Housing to Health
Assistance in securing housing for people who are chronically homeless, includes wraparound supports to maintain housing

• email a.kraus@krasmancentre.com for information
• partnership includes Blue Door Shelters and LOFT Crosslinks

Warm Line and Peer Crisis Support Line 1-888-777-0979, peer support via phone or chat, see separate listing

Drop-In Centres, supports available, see separate listings

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person and virtual programs

Supportive Transitional Apartments for Youth (STAY Program)
Affordable housing for youth transitioning to independent living

• capacity 11
• 3 apartments in Richmond Hill

Transitions
Locates affordable market rent, community based units across York Region for youth participants

Housing Assistance
Support worker assists youth in transitioning between locations, conducting housing searches, completing government applications, community referrals, and information on shelters and similar programs

COVID19 Open for curbside pickup of baby clothes and diapers, by appointment only (call for details)

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

Emergency shelters and crisis line, call 1-800-263-3247

Emergency shelter, crisis intervention, outreach, counselling and support services

Emergency Shelters
2 shelters, 24 hour crisis line and crisis intervention

Community supports
Non-shelter resident services include counselling and group supports for women and children, parenting programs, legal support program, and transitional housing support, public education and prevention programs, and volunteer opportunities

COVID19 -- Call or check website for service updates

Residential Services

• community group homes and apartment living for adults 18 years and older
• some homes wheelchair accessible

Day Program and Support Services

• vocational training
• life skills, educational workshops
• respite services
• recreation and arts programs
• March break program for youth 16-21 years

Clinical Services

• art therapy, behaviour therapy
• counselling and psychiatric consultation
• transitional and permanent treatment programs for disorders such as Prader Willi Syndrome

Mens Sana, Families for Mental Health

• residential services
• drop-in/day program
• family support
• information and referral; assistance with housing and financial issues
• social, recreational and educational programs

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

Settlement services

• reception and arrival orientation
• assistance with housing and banking, and other needs
• referral to government and community services
• form filling help with government applications such as SIN, health card, child benefits, childcare subsidy, subsidized housing, and Ontario Works
• help to restore lost or stolen documents
• translation and interpretation
• information and referral to employment services
• seasonal income tax clinic

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 Safety measures in place, visit website for details

Harm reduction emergency shelter, includes food, transportation, referrals, case management, counselling, and housing support service

• capacity 41

Harm reduction for marginalized, homeless, and street-involved youth; some services provided by community partner agencies

COVID-19 -- contact organization for COVID service updates


Children's Programs

• individual counselling
• Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) Program
• Kambi Ya Watoto Summer Camp

Leaders in Partnership (LIP)

• for children 7-12 years at risk of suspension or expulsion from school
• 10-week lunch time school-based skills training program addressing the social and emotional needs of children in developing a more positive attitude towards school and their community

Youth Programs -- for youth 16-24 years

• individual counselling
• Express Yourself / Anger Management Program
• Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) Program - supports high-risk youth who live in an identified priority community and/or or belong to a distinct priority population (such as Racialized, Indigenous, Somali, Roma, LGBTTQ2S) to make healthy life choices
• Ujima Youth Mentorship Program

Kujichaguilia Club (K-Club) -- for young people 16-29 years to transition from involvement with the justice system to integrate into family and community life

Family Program

• individual and family counselling
• Effective Parenting Program -- 10 week program primarily for those referred by Children's Aid or the courts
• Kuponya - Collaborating with Black Families -- works with Black families from a trauma-informed perspective in collaboration with the Children's Aid Society and Jean Tweed Centre
• individual support, family mediation, mobile crisis counselling, and crisis intervention

Violence Against Women Services

• support to women and their families who are experiencing or have experienced violence, including human trafficking
• individual, group and crisis counselling designed to meet the needs of Black women and children
• legal and parenting support; housing search assistance; safety planning

COVID19 -- contact location for COVID service updates


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

Support for education, housing, employment, mental and physical health, and art

• Learning Beyond Adversity education program
• Wraparound Program
• summer employment opportunities
• pre-charge diversion program
• housing assistance
• youth outreach and engagement activities
• music studio
• community engagement and research

Jewish volunteer and advocacy organization

• anti-racism activities
• human rights advocacy
• Anti-Hate Hotline
• encourages communication between members of ethnic, social, economic and age groups
• education programs
• legal action
• public information workshops
• resource centre
• affordable housing program
• seniors program
• sports league for softball and basketball
• community volunteer services
• publications
• Housing Connections (see separate entry) Community Partner -- assistance with housing search and application process

Housing Services

• housing counselling
• information and referral
• matches tenants with landlords, eviction prevention, landlord outreach and recruitment, housing listings
• voluntary trusteeship service
• street outreach to persons who are homeless, Streets to Homes follow up support for clients who have been placed in housing

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

Rent Bank access centre -- interest-free repayable loans to low-income households who are in rental arrears or need to move into more suitable housing

• must have legal status in Canada and meet income requirements
• clients of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program may be eligible
• landlord and tenant mediation
• money management advice
• follow-up search assistance and community referrals
• also interest-free loans for first and last month's rent deposit to move into more affordable housing

Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications

• also for LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), sponsored by Toronto Hydro Electric System and United Way Toronto -- 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

Community services and supports

• information and referral
• assistance with filling out government forms
• assistance with Ontario Works/ODSP
• assistance with pensions
• government, trusteeship service
• document replacement and certification
• commissioner of Oath/affidavits
• interpretation and translation
• voice mail service
• personal income tax services

Albion Volunteer Trusteeship Service -- individualized money management supports

Information and referral to community and government services

• assistance with health cards, social insurance numbers, citizenship, permanent resident cards, child benefits, Ontario Works, Canada pensions
• form filling
• interpretation and translation services
• assistance with housing
• accompaniment to appointment

Needs assessment and service planning

• supportive counselling
• assist with job readiness skills
• writing résumés and cover letters, workshops

Provides supports and services to adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers

Supportive Living Services and Supports -- housing options can include group homes, supported independent living, individual residential models and specialized accommodations

Community Participation Supports -- connects participants with community participation supports which may include recreational activities, volunteering, life skills training, employment training; group or individual support available

Caregiver Respite -- supports and services to provide respite for primary caregivers

Adult Protective Service Worker -- adult support worker meets regularly with client to connect them to community supports and government-funded services, help identify their strengths and needs, and help them develop problem-solving and life skills to meet personal goals

Behavioural Services/Specialized Supports -- assessment and treatment options to help address client's specific behaviours and other needs, and caregiver training in crisis prevention and treatment intervention strategies

COVID19 -- Language and skills training courses continue online but in-person services are expected to resume in September 2022


Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)

• daytime and evening program available
• digital literacy training
• Women Specific Employment Training (WSET), enhances vocabulary related to specific employment sector, and facilitates transition to employment
• childminding available for eligible candidates
• services upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

Settlement services

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

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

Housing Help services

• support finding and maintaining housing
• eviction prevention and housing stabilization services
• counselling, case management, advocacy support and referral for post housing stabilization
• information, referral, assistance with applications for subsidized, supportive housing, or emergency shelters
• crisis intervention
• drop-in program, free telephone and computers use during drop-in hours
• Streets to Homes Follow-up Program -- services and specialized help for formerly homeless individuals with complex needs, ID clinic
• seasonal income tax clinic

Information, orientation and education on the topics such as money management, tenants' rights and responsibilities and other community services that assist families facing crisis

Toronto Rent Bank access centre -- interest-free repayable loans to low-income households who are in rental arrears or need to move into more suitable housing

• applicants must be low income with adequate income to sustain their housing
• must have legal status in Canada, and pay market rent (not subsidized)
• additional eligibility criteria apply, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients not eligible

Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications

• also for LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), sponsored by Toronto Hydro Electric System and United Way Toronto -- 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

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN) and Housing Help Association of Ontario (HHAO)

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, telephone, or virtual services; call 905-841-7007 ext 322 or toll free 1-800-263-2288 ext 322; visit website for information

----------

Housing and support services

Addiction Supportive Housing Program
Affordable housing includes assessments, comprehensive and ongoing treatment, case management and addiction counselling, referrals to treatment, and independent life skills training and support

• in partnership with LOFT Crosslinks Housing and Support Services, see separate listing

Housing First Program
Case management and individualized treatment plan, help to navigate housing market and secure housing, social and community integration support, counselling, referral to primary care, employment, education, or substance use treatment

• in partnership with CMHA Toronto, CMHA York and South Simcoe, and Across Boundaries, see separate listings

COVID19 -- Office location open to the public


Streamlined Access 289-340-0348 or toll free 1-844-660-6602, or fill out online application

• information and referral for mental health, addiction, dual diagnosis and housing support services in York Region and South Simcoe
• for persons ages 16 and older, dealing with serious mental health concerns, and/or addictions or dual diagnosis
• case management services and peer support are also available
• see separate listing for Community Crisis Response Service

Developmental Services for Children and Youth 905-898-3721 or 1-888-695-0070 then press 2574

• services for children and youth 6 years to 18 years who have significant delays due to a developmental disability and/or a dual diagnosis
• see separate listing for respite services

Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Central East Region, services for adults, see separate listing

COVID19 -- Many services continue to be available to clients by phone (and if necessary, as determined by the Unison provider/staff, in person) call 416-787-1661 for more information

• Legal Services: phone only, 416-653-5400 ext. 1244
• Housing Services: phone only, 416-653-5400 ext. 1306 and leave a message
• Harm Reduction: phone only, 647-268-5321
• Mental Health Counselling, 416-645-7575 ext 2050
• help to get food, 416-787-1661 ext 1661

----------------------------------------

Community Health Centre

• health services, health promotion, community services and community development
• Ontario Health Insurance NOT required for general services

Health Services

• family practice including crisis pregnancy, family planning, management of chronic conditions, prenatal and postnatal care, preventative health care, seniors' health, sexual health
• individual and sexuality counselling, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
• counselling and case management
• dietitian
• podiatry clinic

Health Promotion

• anonymous HIV testing
• child and parenting programs
• Diabetes Education Program
• Diabetes Prevention Program
• harm reduction programs
• Toronto Public Health dental clinic
• youth programs
• seniors' programs

Pathways to Education 416-787-6800

• academic and financial support for high school students
• located at Lawrence Square 700 Lawrence Ave W, Ste 440B, Toronto M6A 3B4

Housing Help Clinic 416-787-1676 ext 3272

• on-site intake, case management, advice, advocacy, mediation and referral services for local residents, low-income tenants and housing seekers
• integrated services with Downsview Community Legal Services, Toronto Community Housing Corporation - Operating Unit F and St Stephen's Conflict Mediation (North York)

COVID19 Restrictions in effect, call for information on specific programs and services

----------

Range of community support services including information, decision support and referrals to community mental health programs and services

• case management services
• transitional support program for youth 16-24 years
• health and wellness groups for women including culturally specific groups for newcomers
• family support and education
• public education on a variety of topics including ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Training

Early Psychosis Intervention Program (MOD)
For youth 16-35 years who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis

Employment Services
Comprehensive employment assistance, employment preparation, job coaching, and employment placement and support for people, including consumer operated catering and cleaning business

Housing Services
Access to housing outreach worker, case management and affordable supportive housing

Mental Health Court Support and Diversion Program, Metro West (North York) Court, 416-745-5775
Diversion of individuals from the court system to mental health and community support services, including court support worker assistance, and consultation available for individuals who do not qualify for diversion

Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT)
Community treatment for individuals requiring intensive community support services

All offices are open and all settlement workers are available 4 days in person and 1 day online; call at 416-588-3585

___________________________________________________________________

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