The Ministry of Community and Social Services provides funding to municipalities for a range of services to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Municipalities manage the programs and services through partnerships with non-profit agencies.
These programs include:
The Consolidated Homelessness Prevention Program helps people who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This program includes supportive services for people who are “hard-to-house” to allow them to maintain their independent community accommodations. Specific programs are developed locally by municipalities and their community services partners to address local needs.
Approximately 280 domiciliary hostels provide accommodation and support services to about 4,700 people with mental health issues, addiction issues, developmental disabilities, or those who are frail and elderly.
Under the Emergency Energy Fund, the ministry provides funding to municipalities to help low-income Ontarians, including social assistance recipients and those on fixed incomes who are facing energy-related emergencies. The fund helps pay for utility arrears, security deposits and reconnection costs for electricity, hydro, natural gas, oil and other forms of energy.
The maximum amount of emergency assistance per household is equivalent to the amount needed to maintain or reconnect the service. The emergency assistance is paid directly to energy providers.
Municipalities can deliver this program directly or through a contracted third-party service provider. Eligibility is based on need and the household’s long-term ability to manage energy costs. Each municipality has different eligibility criteria. Households may only receive emergency assistance from the fund once, except under exceptional circumstances.
Local emergency hostels provide short-term board, lodging, personal needs items and other supports to people who are homeless. Municipalities determine the number of emergency shelter beds that are required and the ministry shares the per diem cost with the municipality.
These programs are designed to:
- connect people who are homeless with community services;
- move people off the streets and into temporary or permanent accommodation; and
- prevent homelessness by helping people who are at risk of losing permanent housing.
If you would like to find out more about programs and services for people who are homeless, please contact your local municipality. You will be provided with relevant information and directed to the appropriate services.
For a list of municipalities in Ontario, please visit the website of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
If you see someone in need of shelter, or if you are in danger of becoming homeless, please call the homelessness helpline in your area.