Emergency shelters offer homeless individuals and families a temporary place to stay until they find a new home. Shelters provide clients with a bed, meals and basic necessities. They also offer counseling, referrals to health or other supports, and help finding permanent housing.
The City of Toronto funds and regulates emergency shelters in 59 locations – about 4,100 beds in all. All shelters must meet Toronto’s Shelter Standards. In March 2015, City Council directed City staff to create 15 new shelters to replace beds lost in shelter closures and to reduce crowding in existing shelters. The greatest need is shelters for single men.
Learn more about Toronto’s emergency shelters