Hostels and Homelessness Prevention
We manage the administration of homelessness prevention programs and work with local service agencies and the Niagara Homelessness Advisory Committee to develop strategies to address the needs of the community utilizing funding from the federal and provincial governments. We also contract with agencies for shelter placement and hostel provision.
For more information about Homelessness Prevention Programs, call 905-984-6900, ext. 3812.
The following organizations offer services and programs to help with your housing needs.
Located in Grimsby
Grimsby Affordable Housing Partnership
- provides supportive transitional housing, subsidized rent and program supports to assist low to moderate income families and individuals, the homeless, and those at risk of homelessness
- non-profit organization providing food, clothing, furniture, housewares, temporary emergency accommodation, Christmas hampers, toys and Christmas dinner, limited utility, transportation, dental and vision assistance to low income residents
Located in Lincoln
Community Care of West Niagara
- emergency and community assistance of food, clothing, Christmas Program and household goods
- information and referrals to other available resources
- vouchers for used clothing shop onsite
Located in West Lincoln
- provides emergency food, vouchers for special needs, Christmas clothing, gifts and food boxes
Located in St. Catharines
- transitional housing for people facing issues of poverty, abuse, homelessness, and family breakdown
- permanent housing for people of low to moderate income including those with specific needs such as people with disabilities, victims of violence and the homeless
- assistance with housing, referrals, life skills and advocacy for residents leaving transitional housing
Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara Branch
- crisis beds: short-term accommodation (3-5 days) for non-medical crisis resolution
- individuals are helped to access and maintain housing, learn basic life skills and are linked with community resources
- Phase II Homelessness Initiative: to provide a combination of affordable housing and the ongoing, flexible supports to maintain the housing for individuals with serious mental health issues who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
- Group Living: provided for individuals who are preparing to live independently. Home support counsellors are available for those with moderate support needs (up to 4 hours in group homes) and high support needs (up to 7 hours in modified lodging homes)
- transitional housing support is also available
Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold
- food bank
- clothing bank
- shelter for abused women and children providing safe refuge and non-residential programs that enable women and their children to break the cycle of violence
- emergency safe shelter, meals and clothing as well as child and youth programs to help children dealing with the trauma they have experienced
- provides immediate assistance through a 24/7 support line, 24-hour support counseling, one-on-one and group counseling
- overnight accommodation and meals are provided to transient men over age 18
- meals, clothing, life skills program available to clients
Southridge Community Church Emergency Shelter
- temporary housing and shelter for men and/or women over the age of 18 who are homeless in dormitory style shelter with washroom/bath/shower/laundry facilities and provides breakfast, lunch and dinner to the residents
- assistance with finding permanent housing
- temporary housing and shelter for women over age 16 who are homeless
- provides breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack to residents
- programs available for children staying at the centre (St Catharines).
- staff assists with goal planning and accessing community resources during search for affordable housing
- housing preservation offers individualized support to individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness to maintain housing
- Drop In Centre with interest based activities, offers coffee and snacks during the week and a meal on the weekends
- provides shelter and support to homeless and high risk youth in Niagara
- Hostel Shelter is open 24 hours a day seven days a week and provides a clean bed, showers, Clothing Closet and Food Cupboard and warm healthy meals
- additional support includes: Steps to Independent Living Program, recreation activities, support and mentorship, internet and phone access, assistance in connecting to community support services for employment, education and housing assistance
Located in Niagara Falls
- emergency shelter for homeless and at risk-youth, designed to assist up to 10 youth reach their full potential through shelter and program services
- Emergency housing program assists individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to obtain and maintain affordable permanent housing
- emergency food program
- emergency utility program assists with people who are in threat of being disconnected for heat, water or gas utilities
Women's Place of South Niagara Inc.
- emergency shelter at Nova House in Niagara Falls and in Welland at Serenity Place
- free and confidential temporary accommodations and meals for women and their children
- interactive life skills sessions offering practical assistance, emotional support and skill development towards independent living
- other client services include help with addressing employment, financial, housing and legal concerns, child and youth services, individual and group counselling and immigrant and refugee support.
Located in Fort Erie
- transitional home offering shelter for refugees coming into Canada
- assistance to refugees and recent immigrants to Canada
- 30 day stay
- help residents with legal documents, bank accounts, doctors appointments, driving tests, language classes, grocery shopping and apartment hunting
Located in Welland
Open Doors Concepts Inc. (Canal View Homes)
- a non-profit housing complex offering affordable housing and support for individuals and families
- accessible units available
- provides a full continuum of services and supports to individuals and families who are struggling with poverty related issues including a 24-hour emergency hostel and weekday free lunches
- assist in finding affordable housing
Women's Place of South Niagara Inc.
- emergency shelter at Nova House in Niagara Falls and in Welland at Serenity Place
- free and confidential temporary accommodations and meals for women and their children
- interactive life skills sessions offering practical assistance, emotional support and skill development towards independent living
- other client services include help with addressing employment, financial, housing and legal concerns, child and youth services, individual and group counselling and immigrant and refugee support.
Located in Port Colborne
- wide range of services on an individual case basis including: advocacy, housing, domestic, addictions, emergency food, basic needs, utilities, medical, crisis situations, transportation, education and employment referrals
