Shelters and Community Living Centres

This Alberta government webpage lists shelters for people facing family violence, domestic violence, or homelessness. You will find details about different types of housing, such as emergency shelters for women, transition housing and shelters for seniors. There are also contact details and links to specific services in various locations across the province, so you can rapidly access appropriate support in crisis situations.

If you are a woman, you can contact the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters. This organization coordinates women's shelters across Alberta, providing temporary housing and support services to women and children (generally fleeing violence).

BC Housing's Emergency Shelters Program offers immediate temporary housing to people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The program offers three types of shelters:

• Year-round shelters: available always.
• Temporary shelters: activated according to seasonal or specific needs.
• Extreme weather winter shelters: open during severe weather conditions.

Services include a bed with linens, hot meals, showers, laundry, and other support services. The length of stay varies according to each person's needs.

Shelters welcome diverse people and strive to reduce barriers for the most vulnerable. Services are free and accessible to adults 19 years and older.

The Community Living Society (CLS) website is available in various languages. It provides information about a range of support services at home and in the community for persons with developmental disabilities or acquired brain injuries. 

• Staffed Homes: homes with 24/7 support provided by CLS staff.
• Supported and Independent Living: for people who live independently or in CLS housing units. Support varies between 10 to 30 hours per week according to your needs.
• Home Share: an option for you to live at a family's or another individual's home. The Home Share provider (your host) offers you daily support adapted to your needs.
• Community Inclusion: supporting your active community participation through volunteering, social activities or learning new skills.
• Individualized Support: provided on a one-on-one basis, at home or in the community, and adapted to your specific needs.

L.I.F.E. Program: designed for those who wish to be employed, develop their independence, expand their personal networks, and develop friendships and relationships.

Connective provides various housing support programs in British Columbia and the Yukon. 

• Community-Based Residential Facilities (CRFs): structured and stable housing for persons on conditional release from federal, provincial, and territorial institutions, including comprehensive support to enable their transition back into community.
• Supportive Housing: housing and person-centred support for individuals facing different challenges, including adapted programs for people under the care of Community Living BC (CLBC).

Homelessness Prevention: a program connecting persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with safe and affordable housing options. It includes wraparound supports, tenancy support, life skills training, and financial subsidies for basic needs.

The Manitoba 211 service provides a list of community living centres and shelters in the province.

Community Living Manitoba is committed to the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability. It fosters self-determination, empowerment, and full participation in community life, providing support adapted to your specific needs. Its board of directors includes self-advocates, family members, community members and representatives of local branches across the province.

New Brunswick's Public Housing and Rent Supplement Programs foster access to adequate, affordable, and safe housing. Rent fees are set at 30% of the household's income.

These initiatives are meant for individuals or families who can live independently with little or no support. For couples, one of the two may have mobility or independence issues, provided the other one can respond to such needs.

• Public Housing: Housing NB owns a range of rental homes across the province, some of them adapted with ramps, elevators, and strobe-light smoke detectors.
• Rent Supplement Program: this program covers the difference between the home's market value rent and the rent you pay, while maintaining a standard landlord-tenant relationship.
• Portable Rent Supplement Program: this program allows people with disabilities to find a home adapted to their needs.

For more details, visit the Public Housing and Rent Supplement Programs.

Outflow Men's Shelter provides emergency shelter to homeless men.

Harvest House Atlantic provides housing and meals to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

In St. John's, Thrive supports vulnerable youth and adults. Its website lists a range of housing-related resources, including:

Medical Housing: services such as the Canadian Cancer Society – Travel and Accommodations, and the Ronald McDonald House.

• Mental and Cognitive Diversities: programs such as the Community Care Program and the Community Supports Program (CSP).
• Other Services: organizations such as the Association for New Canadians (ANC NL) and the NL Housing and Homelessness Network (NLHHN).
• Shelters: centres such as the Iris Kirby House and the Naomi Centre (Stella’s Circle).
• General Support: services offered by the City of St. John's Housing Division, First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre, and Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador.

Youth: programs offered by Choices for Youth, Shalom Inc., and Waypoints.

The Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (THANL) lists shelters for women and children fleeing domestic violence. It provides basic information about free crisis lines and shelters.

Violence Prevention Avalon East (VPAE) works on violence prevention in the Avalon East region. Its website lists contact details for housing and shelter services in the St. John's region and surroundings.

Housing Northwest Territories lists the emergency shelters available across the territory. Information includes shelters' names, locations, and phone numbers. Communities covered include Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, Hay River, and Inuvik

In Halifax, Shelter Nova Scotia supports people in crisis or transition situations. There are two emergency shelters:

1. Barry House: 17 beds for people 16 years or older who identify as female or gender-diverse. It provides three daily meals, access to telephone, laundry services, personal care and comfort items, and assistance in securing independent housing. Barry House collaborates with several partners, including Halifax Regional Police, Mobile Outreach Street Help (MOSH) and the Department of Community Services.
2. Metro Turning Point: a harm-reduction shelter with 30 beds for people who identify as male or gender-diverse. It provides access to a locker, 2 to 3 daily meals, phone and laundry services, personal care and comfort items, and assistance in securing independent housing. Metro Turning Point works in collaboration with organizations such as MOSH, Addiction Prevention and Treatment Services (APTS), and Halifax Regional Police.

For further information:

• In person: 205 - 3770 Kempt Rd., Halifax, B3K 4X8, or
• Call 902-406-363, or

Visit the Shelter Nova Scotia website. 

In Halifax and Dartmouth, Community Living Centres (CLC) support meaningful social inclusion for all. They provide the following services:

1. Small Option Homes: family homes with four bedrooms or less., and a private bedroom for each person. These houses are designed to maximize community inclusion and individual growth opportunities, with personalized support by a professional team.
2. Supported Apartments: these apartments offer a unique balance between support and independence. Support plans are flexible and personalized, adapted to your specific needs, and they foster community inclusion and personal growth.
3. Home Care and Assisted Living: direct services provided at your home, whether you need temporary support after surgery, or various ongoing types of support. Services may include cooking your meals, housekeeping, grocery shopping, budgeting, laundry, medication management, prescription renewal, doctors’ appointments, personal care, shopping for clothes, letter writing, attending religious services, recreational outings, socializing, fitness, and any other need that could arise.

For further information:

• Call 902-492-0681, or

Fill out an online form at communitylivingcentres.com/contact-us.

Browse a list of shelters in the Nunavut territory including shelters' address and phone numbers.

The Uquutaq Society provides safe and dignified housing solutions and supports for homeless people in the Canadian Arctic. It runs shelters for men, transitional housing, affordable apartments, and a low-barrier shelter.

In the Waterloo Region, there are Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing options for homeless or at-risk individuals and their families.

• Emergency Shelters: safe temporary housing for people in crisis, with support services to help them find stable housing.
• Transitional Housing: time-limited housing with programs that help users gain the skills needed to lead an independent and stable life.

Find contact details for the different shelters and transitional housing programs available in the region, as well as other useful resources.

Community Living Toronto's website provides information and resources to people with intellectual disabilities and their families. It describes services, programs, events, and community initiatives that promote social inclusion, autonomy, and community integration.Fred Victor works to eradicate homelessness and improve low-income people's living conditions. Its housing and shelter initiatives include:

• Affordable Housing: permanent housing for individuals and families, with onsite staff to help you access health care, legal aid, and employment opportunities.
• Transitional Housing: temporary housing with intensive support to help people with a history of homelessness, addiction, or incarceration prepare to move into permanent housing.
• Shelters: for homeless people, open 24/7 and offer them basic services such as laundry, hygiene supplies, as well as information and referrals to other supports and services.

Housing Access and Support Services: connecting homeless people with a network of affordable housing sites and supports, to help them find and keep permanent housing.

In Toronto, The Scott Mission provides basic services to low-income, homeless, and vulnerable people. It offers practical, emotional, and spiritual support to thousands of people each year.

• Nutritious meals: breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday at their main location at 502 Spadina Avenue, Toronto M5S 2H1.
• Men's shelter: safe and comfortable emergency shelter with 71 beds, available every day.
• Food and clothing banks: free groceries and clothes provided to individuals and families who need them.
• Children and youth programs: after-school activities and summer camps to support Toronto youth.
• Childcare centre: a warm and interactive environment for babies and pre-school children, fostering their growth and learning through play.

Spiritual care: spiritual support offered every day, with prayer available upon request.

In Picton, Community Living Prince Edward (CLPE) provides different housing solutions for people with intellectual disabilities:

• Supported Independent Living: personalized assistance for individuals according to their specific needs.
• Associate Family Home and Respite Homes: housing provided by host families, as well as respite services for family members.
• Community Homes: shared residences with onsite support, fostering community inclusion and personal development.

Young Adult Transition Home: designed to help young adults transition from studies to independent living, providing them with the skills needed.

Action Ontarienne Contre la Violence Faite aux Femmes provides a list and an interactive map of services for Francophone women affected by gender-based violence. You will find support centres, women's shelters, and programs for survivors of gender-based violence.

Fem'aide is a 24/7 confidential help line providing referrals to appropriate services in the community. Dial 1-877-336-2433 or visit femaide.ca. 

You will also find a list of women's shelters across Canada

The Prince Edward Island government website provides information about temporary shelter options for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. It lists community organizations offering emergency, short-term shelter and support services. You will find shelters' contact details and the specific services they offer.

For further information:

• Call 1-833-220-4722 (free) at any time. 

The Guide for Newcomers to Prince Edward Island offers key information about affordable housing, with different options for low-income im/migrants. It covers:

1. Housing cooperatives
   • Non-profit housing where you are a member and take part in management.
   • Rent is often reduced according to your income, with government support to cover the difference.
   • Residential safety and community involvement.
2. Provincial housing services
   • Seniors' housing: for low- or moderate-income individuals over 60 years of age, available in various communities.
   • Family housing: subsidized housing for low-income families in nine municipalities.

Rent rate: set at 25% of total household income

In Montreal, La Maison du Père offers emergency shelter services to homeless men of age 25 and older. Services respond to essential needs such as housing, hygiene, and meals. Shelter workers provide referrals to tailored resources. During extreme weather conditions, La Maison du Père offers additional services, such as heated spaces during intense cold periods and day centres during heat waves.

For further information: 

• Call 514-845-0168, extension 360.

In the Quebec City region, the Regroupement pour l'aide aux itinérants et itinérantes de Québec is a coalition of service providers for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It has a directory of shelter and accommodation services provided by its members, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, community housing support, and other forms of housing assistance

In Saskatoon, The Mustard Seed supports people facing poverty and homelessness. Its permanent housing support program provides up to 60 housing units to persons exiting chronic homelessness. Individuals sign a lease, pay rent, and have 24/7 access to wellness and social support services, including health care, meals, addiction support, and inclusive Indigenous and multicultural programs. 

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission offers help and hope to men, women, and children facing poverty and addiction. Services include:

• Free hot meals: daily distribution of nutritious meals to people in need.
• Emergency shelter for men: temporary housing for homeless men, providing a safe environment and essential support.
• Women's addiction program: a residential addiction program helping women overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.
• Free clothing: distribution of clothes and essential items to people in need.
• Affordable housing: housing units rented at symbolic rates to help individuals and families exit homelessness.
• Subsidized daycare: childcare services at low fees to support low-income families.

For further information: 

• Visit the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission website, or
• Call 306-543-0011, or
• Send an email to rescue@shrmsk.com, or
• In person at 1650 Angus Street, Regina, SK, S4T 1Z2.

The Whitehorse Emergency Shelter is run by Connective in partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN). It provides temporary emergency housing to people who need a bed, a hot meal, a shower, laundry services or other support services available onsite or in the community. Although most stays are short-term, a limited number of permanent housing units are also available on a separate floor. 

For further information:

• Call 867-455-2820, or

Send an email to wes@connective.ca.

Connective provides a range of social programs and services to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities. 

• Housing: short- and long-term programs with wraparound supports to help individuals secure and keep stable housing.
• Justice services: support before and after release from prison for persons involved in the justice system, fostering their reintegration in the community.
• Community services: drop-in space, resources, and person-centred services to respond to the unique needs of local community members.

Education and employment: training and certification for people striving to reach educational and/or professional goals.