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Homelessness services

Niagara Region provides or funds services that help prevent homelessness, support those experiencing it, and provide pathways to permanent housing.

Homelessness prevention programs

Get help before you lose your housing

Best for: People who are currently housed, but at risk of eviction or homelessness

Street outreach

Support for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness

Best for: People sleeping outdoors, in vehicles or in encampments

Supportive housing

Long-term housing with ongoing support services

Best for: People experiencing homelessness who need additional support to maintain housing

Homelessness prevention programs

Niagara Region funds homelessness prevention services that help individuals and families keep a safe and appropriate place to live, and avoid becoming homeless.

Getting help early is easier than recovering from homelessness. If you're worried about losing your home, reaching out now can help you stay housed.

  • Coordinate with financial and employment supports
  • Energy and utility assistance
  • Help finding new housing options
  • Landlord and tenant education supports
  • Problem solve, mediate and resolve conflict
  • Refer to community legal services when facing eviction
  • Support with money management (Targeted Voluntary Trusteeship)

City / town Agency
Fort Erie Salvation Army - Fort Erie Community and Family Services
Lincoln Community Care West Niagara
Niagara Falls Project Share
Port Colborne Port Cares
St. Catharines Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold
St. Catharines The RAFT
West Lincoln The Hope Centre

Niagara Assertive Street Outreach

Niagara Assertive Street Outreach is a collaborative, regionwide street outreach program that provides support for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

This is a housing-focused program designed to meet people where they are and help them work toward stable housing. The team takes a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to support.

  • Connects with government services, such as Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program and community organizations
  • Engages with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness to minimize the harmful effects
  • Helps individuals work towards long-term housing solutions
  • Provides a coordinated team approach to identify and work towards personal goals
  • Supports those who may be reluctant to use traditional services
  • Uses proven tools to assess needs and identify appropriate housing resources

This program is for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, including those who are:

  • Sleeping outdoors or in abandoned buildings
  • Living in encampments or tents
  • Sleeping in vehicles

Supportive housing programs

Niagara Region funds a range of supportive housing services designed to help individuals and families transition from homelessness to stable, permanent housing with the support they need to succeed.

Eligibility for all supportive housing programs is drawn from a list of all individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Niagara and is guided by a predetermined list of priorities.

Types of supportive housing programs

What it is

Transitional housing programs are longer-term, service-intensive and more private than emergency shelters. These programs provide a supportive bridge between homelessness and permanent housing.

Program features

  • Typical stays range from three to 18 months (depending on population served)
  • More privacy and stability than shelters
  • Intensive support services available

What residents work on

The program provides a supportive environment where residents can:

  • Address the issues that led to or kept them homeless
  • Develop skills necessary to get and keep housing
  • Rebuild support networks in the community

Programs

Transitional housing programs funded by Niagara Region are:

What it is

Housing First is a proven recovery-oriented approach to ending homelessness that focuses on quickly moving people into independent, permanent housing and then providing supportive services as needed.

Key principle

Housing is provided first, without preconditions like sobriety or treatment compliance. Support services are then offered to help maintain housing stability.

How it works

  • Residents move into their own independent, permanent housing
  • Work weekly with an intensive casemanager using a strengths-based approach
  • Focus on goal setting tailored to their needs
  • Learn how to navigate and access community supports
  • Connect to resources that help them get and keep stable housing

Who it's designed for

Individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness with moderate to complex needs, but who can live independently with time-limited support from an intensive casemanager.

Programs

Housing First programs funded by Niagara Region are:

What it is

Permanent supportive housing provides a safer, permanent housing option with individualized supports in a community building. This is the most intensive level of support available.

Program features

  • Permanent housing
  • Onsite support staff
  • Direct case managment
  • Community setting

Who it's designed for

Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with complex needs related to:

  • Mental or physical health challenges
  • Substance use
  • Developmental disabilities

Lead agency

What it is

Bridge housing is a progressive short-term housing program that helps "bridge" the gap between homelessness and permanent housing. Staff work to address barriers using a trauma-informed approach.

Program features

  • Acknowledges past trauma and its impacts
  • Works to overcome obstacles to housing stability
  • Builds links to local supports and resources
  • Creates stability that leads to permanent housing success

Who it's designed for

Individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness with complex needs, but who can live independently with the right supports in place.

Programs

Bridge Housing programs funded by Niagara Region include:

  • Wayne Campbell Bridge Housing, Niagara Falls (currently operating)
  • Bridge Housing, St. Catharines (opening in 2026 / 2027)