If you are a tenant in Ontario and have recently been evicted or are facing immediate homelessness, it's important to know that there are resources and emergency shelter options available to help you. This guide explains the main types of emergency shelters, how to access them, and the steps you can take for temporary housing support. Understanding your rights and knowing where to turn can make a critical difference in times of need.

Understanding Emergency Shelters in Ontario

Emergency shelters offer short-term accommodation to individuals and families who have nowhere else to stay. In Ontario, shelters are funded and managed by local municipalities or non-profit organizations, and are available in most communities. They often provide a safe place to sleep, meals, and connections to other support services, such as housing help, addiction support, and counseling.

Who Can Access Emergency Shelters?

Shelters in Ontario are open to all individuals and households facing homelessness, including evicted tenants with nowhere else to stay. Some shelters have specific mandates (women, youth, Indigenous people, etc.), so finding the right one for your situation can help you get specialized support.

How to Find a Shelter Quickly

If you need a shelter today, here are ways to find help fast:

• Call 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 Ontario any time for free, confidential information about local shelters and services near you.
• Call your Municipal Social Services Department: Most cities and counties operate coordinated entry or central intake systems to help you find a shelter bed quickly. Check your municipality's website for emergency housing services.
• Visit the Ontario Shelter Locator Map: The Ontario government hosts a shelter locator where you can search for facilities by region and need.

Other Emergency Housing Options

Beyond overnight shelters, consider these alternatives if you are an evicted tenant:

• Transitional housing programs: Offer stays from several weeks to months, with added support to help you find a new home.
• Rent banks: Emergency loans or grants may be available from your municipality to help pay last-minute rent or deposits and avert homelessness — check your local services.
• Interim housing subsidies or emergency housing allowances: Some regions have programs to help you afford a motel, short-term rental, or new apartment while you search for permanent accommodation.
• Explore rental homes across Canada with Houseme - your rental solution in Canada — a helpful way to find immediate listings in your area.

When you're ready to search for a new place, review our Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home for guidance on starting fresh and avoiding common pitfalls.

Your Legal Rights and Provincial Resources

If you've been evicted, it's essential to know your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and where to seek help if you think your eviction was unfair or you were not given proper notice.

• The Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario is the official tribunal that handles landlord-tenant disputes, including unlawful evictions, eviction orders, and tenant applications. You can apply for review if you believe your eviction was not legal.

For a full overview of tenant protections and procedures, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Relevant Forms for Tenants

• Form T1: Tenant Application for a Rebate of Money
  Use this to claim money owed by a landlord (e.g., an illegal rent charge or deposit not returned). Fill out if you were evicted and fees were improperly withheld.
  Official form: Tenant Application for a Rebate of Money (T1)
• Form T2: Application about Tenant Rights
  Use this to tell the Landlord and Tenant Board if your eviction or landlord's actions violated your rights (for example, harassment or not following correct eviction process).
  Official form: Application about Tenant Rights (T2)
• Form S2: Request to Review an Order
  This form lets you ask the Landlord and Tenant Board to review their decision if you believe a serious error was made (for example, if you did not receive notice of the hearing).
  Official form: Request to Review an Order (S2)

When you apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board, ensure your form is complete and attach the required supporting documents (such as your Notice of Eviction or correspondence from your landlord). Find step-by-step filing guides on the official LTB website.

Steps to Take After an Eviction

Here are practical steps to help you stay safe and organized if you've been evicted and need emergency housing in Ontario:

• Contact 2-1-1 or your city’s emergency shelter intake right away.
• Gather important documents: ID, eviction notices, pay stubs, and any social assistance papers.
• Apply for emergency assistance (Ontario Works or local social services may help with shelter or finances).
• Start searching for new rental options as soon as possible; having a list may speed up your shelter stay.

FAQ: Emergency Shelter and Housing After Eviction in Ontario

1. What should I bring to an emergency shelter?
   Bring identification, medications, and essential personal items if possible. Shelters provide basic supplies but may not have storage for all belongings.
2. Can my children stay with me in a shelter?
   Yes, many shelters in Ontario accommodate families and children. Call ahead to confirm space and to discuss your family’s needs.
3. Are shelters in Ontario free?
   Most emergency shelters funded by municipalities or non-profits are free for people experiencing homelessness or eviction.
4. How long can I stay in an emergency shelter?
   Shelter stays are usually short-term (days to weeks), but staff will work with you to explore next steps or longer-term housing.
5. What should I do if my eviction was illegal or I never got proper notice?
   You can file a T2 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board to challenge an illegal eviction or to report a breach of your rights.

Key Takeaways for Evicted Tenants in Ontario

• Emergency shelters are available in most Ontario communities, and 2-1-1 is the fastest way to find help.
• You may qualify for local rent banks, subsidies, or transitional housing after eviction.
• Know your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006—resources exist to help you challenge illegal evictions or unfair treatment.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Ontario Shelter Locator Map
• 2-1-1 Ontario (call or text for local shelter and housing resources)
• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario
• Ontario Works (emergency financial assistance)
• Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Ontario Shelter info and locator: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-shelter
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Ontario Law: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
3. Landlord and Tenant Board forms: https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/forms-filing/
4. 2-1-1 Ontario: https://211ontario.ca/

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