Essential Services

Food & Clothing Services

Food Banks
Use Feed Ontario or Toronto Central Healthline to locate your nearest food bank.
To contact Feed Ontario call: (416) 656-4100
Food banks provide free or low-cost food to those in need whether they are experiencing an ongoing need or an emergency. Proof of income or residency may be needed to access these services.

The Salvation Army
To contact the headquarters call: (416) 425-2111
They have multiple GTA locations. Use their website to find a location closest to you.
They provide food services, housing and shelters, as well as a variety of other services. This includes disaster relief, thrift stores, social services, and camps. This service is free to use and no referral is necessary but proof of need may be required.

Backdoor Mission
To contact call: 905-728-4664
66 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa
This is a service for both youth and adults. Staff can support people with homelessness, housing insecurity, mental health and addictions concerns, and food access. There is no fee for service and no referral required. This service can be accessed by calling the number above or attending in person. No appointment is necessary.

Feed It Forward
To contact email: info@feeditforward.ca
2100 Bloor St West, Unit 6203, Toronto ON M5S 5A5
This service provides an app that allows users to upload or discover places that are providing free food. It provides the location, quantity and type, and wait time to get the food and aims to reduce hunger and food waste. This service is free and no referral is needed.

The Scott Mission
To contact call: (416) 923-8872
502 Spadina Avenue Toronto, Ontario M5S 2H1
This service provides meals, groceries, clothing, childcare, and shelter, free of cost. They also have summer camps and places of worship. Eligibility changes depending on the program or support. Check their website or call to figure out which service is the best for you.

Shelters

City of Toronto - Shelters
To access a shelter call: 311
To contact Central Intake call: (416) 338-4766 | 1-877-338-3398.
The City of Toronto can help you find the right shelter for you by using their search service. They allow filtering for eligibility (men, women, children, and families). This service is free to use and no referral is needed.

Joanne’s House (Youth 16-29 years)
To contact call: (905) 239-9477
82 Kings Crescent, Ajax, ON
This service is for youth ages 16-29 years old who are seeking emergency shelter. There is no charge and no referral required. Those looking to access this service can speak with a Youth Advocate by calling the number above.

Muslim Welfare House (Women’s shelter)
To contact call: 905-665-0424
A: 425 Dundas St. E, Whitby, ON
This service is for women who are seeking emergency shelter. There is no charge and no referral required. Those looking to access this service can speak with staff by calling the number above.

Cornerstone (Men’s Shelter)
To contact call: (905) 433-0254
133 Simcoe Street S, Oshawa, ON L1H 4G8
This service is for men who are seeking emergency shelter. There is no charge and no referral required. Those looking to access this service can call the number above to speak with staff.

Herizon House (VAW Shelter)
To contact call: 1-866-437-4066
Address is provided upon intake.
This service is for women who are seeking emergency shelter and fleeing abuse. There is no charge and no referral required. Those looking to access this service can speak with staff by calling the number above.

Christian Faith Outreach Centre – Doors of Compassion
To contact call: (905) 619-1109
158 Harwood Ave S, Ajax
This service is for adults who are seeking emergency shelter. There is no charge and no referral required. Those looking to access this service can phone the number above or access it through Backdoor Mission if one does not have access to a telephone.

Housing & Financial Support

Government of Ontario - Disability, COVID-19 relief, Emergency Assistance, Child Benefit, Housing Support
To contact call: 416-314-5518 | Toll-free: 1-866-532-3161
The Government of Ontario provides a variety of financial services, including financial support for those struggling with disabilities, COVID-19 related issues, emergencies (such as abuse), housing issues, and for families with children. To learn more about eligibility for these services, please check their website, call, or visit a government agency closest to you. This service is free to use.

Community Development Council Durham
To contact call: (905) 686-2661
458 Fairall St. #4, Ajax
This service is for all ages. Staff can support with housing stability, community connections and support for newcomers and immigrants. There is no charge and no referral required. This service can be accessed by calling the phone number above.

John Howard Society
To contact call: (905) 579-8482
75 Richmond St. W, Oshawa – See website or phone office for your local office.
This service is for people of all ages. Staff can support with housing services. There is no fee for service and no referral required. This service can be accessed by calling the number above.

East York East Toronto Family Resources
To contact email: familyresources@eyetfrp.ca
To book an appointment call: (416) 698-9306
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
947 Queen St East, Toronto ON, M4M 1J9
This service provides housing and financial assistance as well as family support (food, shelter, and other essentials) and children centres. To access it, book an appointment or find a local drop-in centre. This service is free.

Durham Association for Family Resources and Support
To contact call: 905-436-2500 | or email: info@dafrs.com
20-850 King St. W, Oshawa, ON L1J 8N5
Provides individualized support for daily living for families and their children, including those with accessibility and mental health needs. They also provide financial help, community support, and workshops. Go through Developmental Services Ontario to access this service or get guidance and participate in workshops for free.

Essential Services (Taylor P. & Tyner)