Where to go if you are homeless in Toronto?

If you are homeless in Toronto, the primary resource for immediate, 24/7 help is calling 311 or the Central Intake line at 416-338-4766 (or 1-877-338-3398) to find emergency shelter, respite, and housing support. Staff can provide referrals to shelters, 24-hour drop-in programs, or warming centres during extreme weather.

Where to go if homeless in Toronto?

The City's Warming Centres, including surge sites are currently open. If you need emergency shelter, call 311 or Central Intake at 416-338-4766 for assistance. For street outreach services, call 311.

Where do homeless people hang out in Toronto?

Moss Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park and Allan Gardens are similar public spaces that have become a means of survival for hundreds of people experiencing homelessness in Toronto. The city's homelessness crisis is not new.

Where to stay if I am homeless?

Homeless accommodation provides immediate shelter like hostels or B&Bs, temporary housing while awaiting long-term solutions, and supportive housing, accessible primarily through local council housing services, often initiated by contacting services like StreetLink or Shelter, with options ranging from emergency beds to more stable placements as councils assess needs, according to Homeless Link and Shelter.
 

Where's the best place to live if you're homeless?

• San Diego, CA Strengths: Milder winter climate; extensive outreach programs; numerous soup kitchens, free clinics, and drop-in centers; large shelter system and navigation centers.
• Phoenix and Tucson, AZ
• Las Vegas, NV
• Seattle, WA and Portland, OR
• New Orleans, LA
• Anchorage, AK

What if you were Homeless in Toronto

What is the 56 day homeless rule?

The "56-day homeless rule" refers to the mandatory 56-day period (eight weeks) local authorities in England have under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 to prevent homelessness (prevention duty) or help someone find accommodation (relief duty) if they're eligible, focusing on a Personal Housing Plan. This duty applies if you're at risk of homelessness within 56 days or are already homeless, requiring councils to take reasonable steps, but they can end the duty after 56 days if not resolved, potentially requiring you to reapply if you still need help.

What to do if I have no address?

Use a local charity or support service

1. Some charities and support services let people use their address to get post.
2. We at FFT let clients use our office as their address. You will need to contact us to be use this service.
3. A nearby homeless shelter, support group, or day centre may be able to help.

What to do if you're homeless and have nowhere to go?

If you're homeless with nowhere to go, your immediate priority is to contact your local council's housing or social services department for emergency accommodation, use resources like StreetLink (for UK rough sleepers) to get connected to outreach teams, and seek help from charities like Shelter or Crisis for advice, hostels, and night shelters; don't wait to apply for council help as they have a duty to assist those at risk of homelessness.

Can I go to the police station if I'm homeless?

If your parents ask you to leave home, or you feel you're in danger, speak to our Children's Social Care team. If you've been forced to leave home suddenly and have nowhere to go, call us at 020 8496 3000. Out of hours, you can call 020 8496 3000 or go to your local police station.

How to survive while being homeless?

Take Care of Your Basic Needs. Surviving homelessness means taking extra care to ensure your basic needs—water, food, rest, and basic hygiene—are met. This is the foundation you'll build on later. Ask around about local food banks, community fridges, or church meal programs in your area.

Where do homeless people go in winter in Toronto?

Unlike Warming Centres, which are activated when a specific temperature threshold is reached, the 24-hour winter respite sites are open for the duration of the winter season. To access space in the 24-hour winter respite sites, individuals are encouraged to call Central Intake at 416-338-4766 or 1-877-338-3398.

How bad is the homeless problem in Toronto?

EST. READ TIME 3 MIN. According to a recent City of Toronto report, in October 2024 there were an estimated 15,400 people experiencing homelessness in the city—more than double the approximately 7,300 homeless in April 2021.

Is there a tent city in Toronto?

A parcel of land at Cherry Street and Lakeshore Boulevard in Toronto, purchased by a major home renovation retailer for a new store, had become known as Tent City – a large homeless encampment housing over 125 people. Contaminated soil, fire hazards, and rising crime made the site unsafe.

What to do if there is no place to stay?

Contact the local authority

1. Emergency accommodation – a place in a shelter or hostel.
2. Longer-term accommodation – independent living or social housing. If possible, you should approach the council you or the person you are helping has a local connection to, usually in the area you've most recently lived.

What is the most helpful thing to give to a homeless person?

Food. The most critical thing homeless people need is food. It's also the easiest to get and doesn't require any particular skill or training. All you have to do is make sure there's food available and then give it away for free.

Where are homeless allowed to sleep?

Night shelters and winter shelters are places to sleep for people who would be on the streets. They are run by charities, churches and mosques in some areas.

Where can I sleep in my car if I'm homeless near me?

The Safe Parking Program provides vehicle dwellers with a safe and legal place to park and sleep at night in the neighborhoods of South Central, Compton and South Los Angeles.

What is the easiest address proof to get?

Proof of Address

• Property Tax Receipt.
• Posted Mail with name of applicant.
• Utility Bill.
• Lease Agreement or mortgage statement.
• Insurance Card.
• Voter Registration Card.
• College Enrollment Papers.
• Bank or credit card statement, insurance policy or bill.

What can I use instead of my address?

Alternatives for your physical address

• Rent a P.O. Box. Head down to your local post office and rent a post office box. ...
• Use your work address. If you have a day job with an office, talk to your employer about using the office address. ...
• Ask a friend with a business. ...
• Head to a UPS Store. ...
• Try your co-working space.

How long does a homeless application take?

There isn't a set time to get a decision, but there shouldn't be an unreasonably long delay. Before making an application check if you're entitled to homeless help. If you're not sure, it's still worth applying because the council has to review all applications.

Can police move homeless people?

Types of enforcement

Less formal methods might include interventions which do not incur legal penalties or sanctions. This includes actions to deter rough sleeping such as designing public spaces to be more hostile or local policies of moving rough sleepers on by the police or other enforcement agencies.