When facing eviction or homelessness in Ontario, knowing where to turn for immediate shelter and transitional housing can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide outlines essential resources, practical steps, and legal considerations to help tenants in crisis regain stability while navigating their rights under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.¹

Understanding Your Immediate Housing Options

After an eviction, securing short-term accommodation is a top priority. In Ontario, tenants have access to a network of emergency shelters and longer-term transitional housing. These options are designed to provide safety and support while you work towards stable housing.

Emergency Community Shelters in Ontario

Emergency shelters offer short-term lodging for individuals or families who are temporarily without a home. These facilities may also provide meals, basic necessities, and referrals to other community services. The types of emergency shelters include:

• General shelters for anyone in need
• Women’s shelters (including for survivors of violence)
• Youth shelters
• Family shelters
• Specialized shelters for Indigenous communities, newcomers, or 2SLGBTQ+ individuals

To find a shelter quickly, you can use Ontario's 211 Ontario helpline or Find a Shelter web page, which allows you to search by location and need.²

Transitional Housing: A Step Toward Stability

Transitional housing programs in Ontario provide longer-term, supportive housing—typically between 3 months and 3 years. These programs offer not just a place to stay but also access to social services and case management, assisting with job searches, health care, and permanent housing solutions.

• Eligibility may depend on age, family status, or whether you are fleeing abuse.
• Several Indigenous-led programs are available across Ontario.
• Many transitional housing providers are run by non-profits or funded through municipal government programs.

While waiting for permanent housing, transitional options can ease the burden of frequent moves or returning to the shelter system.

Legal Rights and Next Steps After Eviction

Even after leaving your former rental, tenants retain some legal rights—especially regarding security deposits, belongings, and notice periods. For a detailed summary, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario for information on Ontario’s tenant and landlord regulations.

If you believe your eviction was not legal or did not follow proper process, you may still be able to seek recourse by contacting the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario. Always keep documentation like eviction notices or correspondence with your landlord.³

Important Forms and How to Use Them

If you need to challenge an eviction or address post-eviction issues (like retrieving your belongings or disputing charges), you may need to file a form with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB):

• Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant (Form L2): Typically used by landlords but may be relevant if you need to respond to an order or file evidence. See official L2 form.
• Tenant Application About Maintenance (Form T6): If you experienced serious repair or health issues while renting, you can submit a T6 form. Example: You were evicted from an unsafe apartment and wish to report health and safety concerns that may affect others. Visit: Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more details.
• Request to Review an Order (Form S2): If you miss your LTB hearing due to a valid emergency, you can request the Board review the eviction order using the S2 form.

Tip: Always file promptly—LTB deadlines are strict and missing them can impact your rights.

Finding a New Place to Live

Once you are ready for a fresh start, online rental listing platforms are an essential tool. Browse apartments for rent in Canada to view hundreds of Ontario listings, filter by price, and map your search for available homes in your area.

Practical Steps to Access Shelter and Housing Services

For most cities in Ontario, shelters and transitional housing programs require an intake process, sometimes including a waitlist. Here’s a brief overview:

• Call or walk-in to your local shelter (use 211 Ontario to locate and check bed availability).
• If you need longer-term support, ask for a referral to transitional housing.
• Collect required documents (ID, proof of income or need, if available).
• Work with shelter staff, an outreach worker, or a housing support agency.

Eligibility, intake process, and waiting times vary, so it’s always good to ask what options are best for your situation.

FAQs: Community Shelters and Transitional Housing in Ontario

1. Can I access a shelter immediately after being evicted?
   Yes, most emergency shelters in Ontario accept walk-ins or referrals, though availability may vary by location and time.
2. Are pets allowed in Ontario shelters?
   Some, but not all, shelters are pet-friendly. Call ahead or ask a helpline worker to guide you to a suitable facility.
3. What is transitional housing and how long can I stay?
   Transitional housing is temporary, supportive housing that provides accommodations and resources for up to several years. Length of stay depends on the program.
4. How do I find transitional housing programs in my city?
   Contact your local 211 helpline, municipal housing office, or a shelter support worker for referrals to programs that fit your needs.
5. What are my rights if I need to recover belongings from my former rental?
   You may be entitled to retrieve your possessions within a set period. If you face difficulty, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for assistance and see Tenant Rights in Ontario for details.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Ontario Find a Shelter Tool – Search by city or postal code
• 211 Ontario – 24/7 phone & online support for shelter and social services
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario – Tenant applications and dispute resolution
• Municipal housing supports – Contact your city or regional housing office for local programs
• Legal Aid Ontario – Free advice for low-income tenants (Visit Legal Aid Ontario)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17. Read the law here.
2. Ontario's Find Shelter tool: Find a Shelter
3. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario: Official LTB Website

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