211 Ontario — housing search
Find emergency shelters, rent help, housing help centres and homelessness services by location. Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213.
Housing help
Housing help in Ontario is mostly local. There is no single province-wide shelter phone line, so 211 Ontario and your municipality are the fastest way to a bed, a housing help centre, or a rent-support program near you.
Use the finder All Housing resources
Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
Tribunal that resolves landlord-tenant disputes under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act. It gives information on rights and processes — it cannot give legal advice. Toronto: 416-645-8080.
Social / subsidised housing — local service manager
Rent-geared-to-income housing is applied for through your local municipal service manager or district board and its centralised waiting list. There is no single Ontario-wide application. Expect ID, status, income and consent forms, and annual re-verification.
Ottawa — The Registry (social housing)
Ottawa’s centralised waiting list for subsidised housing. Local only — other cities have their own registry, found through 211. Weekdays 8:30am–4:30pm.
Toronto Rent Bank
Toronto-only grants to tenants at risk of eviction for rental arrears, and for rent deposits when moving to more affordable or safer housing. Payment goes directly to the landlord. Other cities have their own, differently named programs — ask 211.
Ontario Works Emergency Assistance
Short-term financial help in a crisis such as fire, flood or loss of home, for people who qualify.
EmergencyHousing.ca — Ontario Resource Directory
Ontario-wide directory of shelters, housing, food, health and community services maintained by EmergencyHousing.ca. Search it alongside 211 for a second local check.
ShelterSafe — shelter map
Map to help find a shelter in Ontario. Availability changes, so confirm by phone or through 211 before travelling.
Not the right need? Browse all resources, or call 211 Ontario at 211 (toll-free 1-877-330-3213) for a local referral.