Homelessness Resources

Everyone has the right to safe, dignified, permanent and affordable housing. If you've seen individuals who may be experiencing homelessness in Burlington, you might be wondering how you can help.

How to help individuals who may be experiencing homelessness in our community

Halton Region provides a variety of emergency shelter options, support services and assistance in finding more permanent housing. Support is always available to individuals who are willing to accept it.

If you notice an individual experiencing homeless or sleeping outside:

Email outreach@halton.ca
Call 1-866-442-5866

Halton Region’s Street Outreach Team will be notified of the situation for follow-up and support. Halton Region offers a range of programs and services to assist individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. One of these programs is a Street Outreach Team through Halton Housing Help that offers immediate access to emergency shelter and housing supports. Individuals can access shelter and housing services, including accessible accommodations, as well as other supportive services such as assistance in securing more permanent, affordable housing options.

If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) at 1-877-825-9011 (available 24/7). If the situation is life-threatening, call 911.

Housing supports

Where can individuals or families find shelter?

Shelter for single women, couples and families with children under 17

Call 311 or 365-292-3554 for immediate support
Support is available 24/7 in Burlington

Shelter for men

Call 311 or 905-339-2918 for immediate support
Support is available 24/7 in Oakville

Youth

Bridging the Gap strives to provide readily and easily accessible support for youth between the ages of 16-24 residing in the Halton Region who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. Bridging the Gap is 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly, and committed to fostering a youth directed, strength-based approach to assisting youth in achieving their goals. Bridging the Gap fosters partnerships with service providers in the Halton Region to maintain a positive, reputable, and constructive approach in our service to youth.
Contact Bridging The Gap:
- Monday to Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Call: 905-635-0663 or toll free at 1-877-425-8661
- Web: https://cafh.ca/program/bridging-the-gap/

Individuals in shelter receive supports with housing navigation, meals, and storage. Individuals with pets are supported through the Oakville and Milton Humane Society (905-845-1551). There is no cost for this service, which is available to all individuals experiencing homelessness in Halton. Individuals and families can regularly visit.

What happens if an individual declines shelter?

Halton’s Outreach workers are always available to assist individuals. Shelter is always available, but individuals need to be willingly accept shelter support. If support is declined, Halton Region does not have the authority to compel an individual experiencing homeless to access shelter. Halton’s outreach workers will maintain contact with the individual, continue to offer access to shelter and support them with a housing plan where they are located.

Those in need of immediate support should call 311 or e-mail halton@housinghelpcentre.ca.

For more information on housing supports and services, visit halton.ca/housing