Searching for Homeless Shelters

Services that are offered through Operation Sharing:

Chaplaincy: crisis counseling, home and hospital visits, advocacy, bible study, and spiritual support * secular and non-secular services offered

Christmas Place Store: Invitational opportunity to shop at minimal cost for families

Coats for Kids / Adults: Donations of new and good condition used coats, boots, hats, and mitts for children and adults accepted year round * special winter outfitting events coordinated by Operation Sharing Woodstock

The Cynthia Anne Centre for Addictions: Individual counselling and group classes

Extended Family Project: Comprised of an individual or family working to get out of poverty and a team of 2 to 3 volunteers * teams focus on interpersonal relationships and moving toward the realization of worthwhile goals * participants are encouraged and supported by volunteers * interactive training and ongoing support.

Food for Friends: Families and individuals in need of emergency food assistance receive a specially designed food card in pre-determined denominations as an alternative or supplement to the food bank * individuals can use these cards to do their grocery shopping at any of the participating grocery stores in Woodstock and Ingersoll

Jackson's Fund: Program to help cover vet bills for people on fixed or low incomes.

The Inn Oxford's Homeless Shelter: Provides shelter for homeless males and females 16 years and older * Locations in Woodstock & Tillsonburg

The Meeting Place Drop-In Centre: Goal of The Meeting Place is to create a safe environment of trust * individuals can drop by for a cup of coffee, snacks, games, a light lunch and talk with staff and build a relationship with members to determine assistance requirements and referrals to community resources * food cards and other services also available through The Meeting Place * Program available in Ingersoll & Woodstock locations

The Holiday Sharing Guide offers a comprehensive listing of gift and clothing drives, hot meal and food programs, shelters, emergency help, and seasonal community events. The Guide is organized around options to "give help," either by donating time, funds or items, or to "get help," by accessing programs offered by community organizations, charities, and local churches.

The guide also includes information about local Santa Clause parades collecting non-perishable food donations.
All of the information listed in the guide is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by visiting InformationOxford.ca or calling 211 Ontario (dial 2-1-1).

The Holiday Sharing Guide is a collaboration between Oxford County, InformationOxford.ca, 211 Ontario, and United Way Oxford.

Food Bank
Food assistance program providing both perishable & non-perishable food (canned & boxed food, frozen food, meats, fruits & vegetables) * bread * Emergency Walk-in Food Bank * once every 4 weeks assistance * limited baby food, formula and diapers (when available) * food assistance can be accessed by appointment once every four weeks if required * Drop-in coffee, baked goods and bread.

Emergency Housing
Provides families with emergency housing which accomodates up to 10 people(s) maximum for a 6 week stay.
If "The Inn Oxford's Homeless Shelter" is filled to capacity, a single night arrangement at local accomodations (hotel/motel) can be arranged for individuals.

Volunteer Program
Volunteer service and school Community Service Hours programs * drop off resume or complete The Salvation Army Volunteer Registration Form available from Salvation Army office

Wellness Program - Dental, Eyeglasses, Prescriptions and Transportation Assistance
Program offers a grant depending on financial situations to the maximum of $200 to assist with the following: dental, prescriptions, eyeglasses, medical equipment, transportation to out of town medical appointments, identification replacement

Housing Advocacy
Assistance with documentation and advice on landlord tenant issues

Low-income Electric Assistance Program (LEAP)
Access Centre to apply for LEAP - a hydro or gas utility arrears payment assistance program * grant is credited directly toward hydro portion of bill * available up to the maximum of $500

Camps
Overall purpose is to serve the total personality and health needs of the camper; spiritual, educational, social, and recreational through a creative, healthful experience, in co-operative group living in outdoor settings * Adventure camps * Mum and Tots * Sleep Away camp for youth only * applications available through Woodstock branch, Tillsonburg branch, Norwich branch, Ingersoll branch

Important COVID-19 Information:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford offers programs and services for women, children and adolescents impacted by intimate partner violence. Programs and services include:• emergency shelter for women, children and adolescents impacted by intimate partner violence. Shelter space is limited and not all requests can be accommodated.• 24/7 crisis/information/support telephone and text lines• risk assessments and safety planningDomestic Abuse Services Oxford has many services to offer. These include:

• Crisis/Help/Support Line
• Residential Shelter Services
• Transitional Resource Program
• Family Court Support
• Community Support, System Navigation
• Supportive Groups and Counselling

Believe in Me
Program designed for children/adolescents who come from a home where their mother has been abused • weekly group offers participants the opportunity to talk about their feelings, learn how to express anger appropriately and improve self-esteem • a group for mothers is held concurrently which helps teach them how to support their child/teen • assistance with transportation and child care for siblings may be available • transportation can be coordinated. Free and confidential.

Community Support Program
One-on-one and group support for women in Oxford who have experienced abuse from an intimate partner. Offers an opportunity for women to share their experiences, learn about abuse and trauma, and develop coping skills for their recovery journey.

• Transportation support can be coordinated.
• Free and confidential.

Services that are offered through Operation Sharing:

Chaplaincy: crisis counseling, home and hospital visits, advocacy, bible study, and spiritual support * secular and non-secular services offered

Christmas Place Store: Invitational opportunity to shop at minimal cost for families

Coats for Kids / Adults: Donations of new and good condition used coats, boots, hats, and mitts for children and adults accepted year round * special winter outfitting events coordinated by Operation Sharing Woodstock

The Cynthia Anne Centre for Addictions: Individual counselling and group classes

Extended Family Project: Comprised of an individual or family working to get out of poverty and a team of 2 to 3 volunteers * teams focus on interpersonal relationships and moving toward the realization of worthwhile goals * participants are encouraged and supported by volunteers * interactive training and ongoing support.

Food for Friends: Families and individuals in need of emergency food assistance receive a specially designed food card in pre-determined denominations as an alternative or supplement to the food bank * individuals can use these cards to do their grocery shopping at any of the participating grocery stores in Woodstock and Ingersoll

Jackson's Fund: Program to help cover vet bills for people on fixed or low incomes.

The Inn Oxford's Homeless Shelter: Provides shelter for homeless males and females 16 years and older * Locations in Woodstock & Tillsonburg

The Meeting Place Drop-In Centre: Goal of The Meeting Place is to create a safe environment of trust * individuals can drop by for a cup of coffee, snacks, games, a light lunch and talk with staff and build a relationship with members to determine assistance requirements and referrals to community resources * food cards and other services also available through The Meeting Place * Program available in Ingersoll & Woodstock locations

Emergency Food Bank
Emergency food assistance for persons in need * formula and diapers when available

Clothing Assistance
Supplies clothes change of season or for life altering events.

Thrift Store
Sale of used clothing, books and household items.

Low-income Electric Assistance Program (LEAP)
Access Centre to apply for LEAP - a one time hydro utility payment assistance program * grant is credited directly toward hydro portion of bill * program begins December 1st each year* available once only

Financial assistance to people experiencing homelessness to obtain and retain housing and to people at risk of homelessness to remain housed. . Programs available include assistance with: rental arrears energy arrears last month's rent deposit moving costs (does not include storage), furniture for new addresses home repairs that would otherwise not be completed and may place individual's health and welfare at risk. emergency shelter stays at local motels. Housing Stability Bank program can only be accessed once in 12 months for rent arears regardless of the amount used. Amount varies depending upon size of family. Anyone with arears or needs of any kind, contact general receiption who will direct to proper channels as there are several programs that may be able to help. Social services will try to find a way to help if possible. Low-income Energy Support Program (LEAP) - click here. If behind on electricity or natural gas bill or face having service disconnected, may qualify for emergency financial help through LEAP. Please note for Festival Hydro customers this does not cover water or sewage fees and support is available from the City of Stratford Social Services, 519-271-3773 Ext 200.

24 hour helpline and crisis line, counselling service for individuals in acute emotional distress and/or with mental illness, face-to-face support and assessment 7 days a week in the local community serving 8 hospital ER departments. Crisis staff will provide onsite assessment in the individual's home in the company of local police service. Will assist individuals to find the appropriate addictions or mental health service.

Emergency Room assistance available at all 8 hospitals, call ahead to ensure that a staff person can go to the hospital location.

Emergency Homelessness - People and families in need of emergency housing should contact the Ontario Works or ODSP office during regular work hours. Outside of normal business hours, contact the Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team for assistance.

Program is mobile with police in Huron and Perth counties.

30-bed emergency shelter

An agency working to end interpersonal violence and abuse by supporting individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or gender-based violence through the provision of crisis intervention, emergency shelter, transitional support, children's programs, and counselling; and by fostering accountability for those who harm through intervention, counselling, public education, and systemic advocacy

Programs and services include:

• Crisis Line, Online Chat Service and Emergency Shelter - Offering a 24-hour crisis and support line and an online chat service. The agency operates a 33-bed emergency shelter (including two fully accessible rooms) for women and children escaping violence, abuse or homelessness and providing a safe haven, meals, support, information and referrals to community resources

• Transitional and Housing Support - Assisting women who have experienced violence or abuse in their relationship and are transitioning. Support workers help to develop a plan to leave an abusive relationship, to transition into a shelter, to transition from a shelter to the community, or to transition from an abusive living environment to an independent, violence-free life. The second-stage housing program offers transitional units (including two wheelchair-accessible units) with additional wrap-around support for women and children

• Counselling Services and Family Programs including:
  • Trauma-informed counselling for individuals who have experienced violence or abuse in their relationships to support their healing journey
  • Caring Families program to help parents/caregivers create respectful adult relationships and a positive co-parenting approach with their children
  • Child Witness program for children who have witnessed violence or abuse against their mothers
  • Challenge to Change program for individuals who have been abusive towards their partners or are at risk of using abusive bahaviours and includes partner contact, youth support services, PAR (for men and women) and SCRIBE

• Family Court Support - Providing information, resources, support and accompaniment for clients to family court, lawyer's appointments and also assist in navigating the family court system

• Community Engagement and Public Education - Raising awareness through presentations/seminars/webinars delivered to community agencies, schools, businesses, clubs, religious institutions and other groups on domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual harassment and healthy relationships

• Volunteer Program - Volunteers play a major role with fundraising and special events and assist staff in providing services and programs to clients. Positions include Boutique Assistant, Child and Youth Program Assistant, Donations Facilitator, Special Events Volunteer and Receptionist

• Closet Couture Boutique - A social enterprise providing new and gently used women's clothing. By opening Closet Couture, the organization has the opportunity to transform generous clothing donations into much-needed funds to support the women and children who need services by selling new and previously loved women's fashion

Supportive shelter

Emergency housing services for adults

Shelter services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Brantford and Brant County

• uses the Housing First Model
• provides shelter services as well as developing programs to assist people in overcoming the root causes of their homelessness

Resource centre focused on housing

Services include:

• diversion and prevention - stabilizes those at imminent risk of homelessness to maintain their housing or find alternative accommodation through access to case management and financial supports
  
• financial management services - acts as homelessness prevention for voluntary and mandatory clients needing support with their finances to maintain housing stability. The service ensures the payment of rent and utilities and access to case management supports
  
• ID clinic - provides financial supports to obtain a birth certificate, health card and other forms of ID. Staff will help complete the applications and may help with the cost of renewal or application fees
  
• rapid rehousing - Immediate access to short-term case management and financial support to avoid or exit emergency accommodations into permanent housing with necessary wrap around supports
  
• Housing Stability Fund - program can help obtain and maintain stable housing by providing utility arrears and deposits, housing related arrears or last month's rent
  
• outreach - community-based support
  
• access to emergency shelter

Service provides meals, community meal program, emergency accommodation, transitional housing, intake, assessment and referral services

• counselling on-site, (group/individual) on a short/long term basis until alternative arrangements can be made for housing or treatment needs - formal/informal, collaboration with community partner organizations and agencies
  
• operates a halfway house (CRF) for men entering parole
  
• articipates in the City of Brantford's Monthly Food Programs - visit http://www.brantford.ca/residents/support_services/Pages/MonthlyFoodCalendar.aspx to view this month's food locations

A 10-bed shelter Program

Shelter Program - provides temporary housing for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Offers a safe and supportive co-ed environment for people between 18 and 29 years of age

Services provided:

• single room with a warm bed, nutritious food and supports
• shelter for up to 90 days
• referrals to transitional and supportive housing programs, employment, addictions and mental health services as well as community support and services

Youth who are looking for a shelter bed are able to access additional bed space in overflow shelter spaces, when regular shelter is full.

Inclusive overnight shelter

Provides short term homeless shelter and housing help services to women, cis and trans women, non-binary individuals and families with children who are experiencing homelessness.

Every situation is different. Staff will talk with individuals to better understand their situation. Then staff will work with individuals to come up with a plan that is right for them. It could be helping to arrange a temporary stay with family or working with the landlord to prevent eviction. Staff can also connect people to agencies for more help to resolve issues with their housing.

If individuals do need a temporary shelter stay, staff can refer them to an agency for service.

Every situation is different. Staff will talk with individuals to better understand their situation. Then staff will work with individuals to come up with a plan that is right for them. It could be helping to arrange a temporary stay with family or working with the landlord to prevent eviction. Staff can also connect people to agencies for more help to resolve issues with their housing.

If individuals do need a temporary shelter stay, staff can refer them to an agency for service.

Every situation is different. Staff will talk with individuals to better understand their situation. Then staff will work with individuals to come up with a plan that is right for them. It could be helping to arrange a temporary stay with family or working with the landlord to prevent eviction. Staff can also connect people to agencies for more help to resolve issues with their housing.

If individuals do need a temporary shelter stay, staff can refer them to an agency for service.