What We Do

Homes First is one of the largest emergency shelter providers in Toronto.

We are committed to breaking the cycle of chronic homelessness for people with the fewest options.

Here's how we do it.

our pillars

Emergency Shelter

We provide shelter for over 2,300 people each night across 9 shelter properties and do our best to connect them to stable housing. Through our integrated outreach networks, we act as a service navigator and community connector to support each client reach their housing goals.

Supportive Housing

We provide residents permanent, stable and supportive housing across our properties, including children, youth, women, single parents, adults, seniors and large families.

Our portfolio includes over 400 individual housing units.

Essential Support Services

We help people stay housed or access permanent housing through initiatives such as eviction prevention, housekeeping, behavioural support, trauma-informed counselling, addictions and harm reduction services, and specialized supports for seniors to age in place. We also work with residents on life skills, hygiene, financial literacy, tenant rights and obligations, and other matters that contribute to their personal well-being.

Who We Help

Homes First is one of Toronto’s largest providers of emergency shelter, supportive housing and wrap-around support services. 

We specialize in supporting individuals with complex, concurrent needs including, but not limited to:

  • Mental Illness
  • Physical Illness/Ailments
  • Substance Use Challenges 
  • Addictions
  • Histories of Trauma
  • Histories of Chronic Homelessness (being without a home for six months or more).

We encourage our clients to identify their own housing goals, whereby we do all that we can to help reach them.

We also work with like-minded organizations to enable better access to the supports people need to maintain their housing.

We accept referrals from and draw on the knowledge and experience of other community service organizations to support our residents.

All individuals housed by Homes First must meet basic eligibility criteria:

Client Eligibility

Those who have demonstrated an inability to obtain/maintain housing elsewhere.

Must be 18 years or older.

Individuals able to live independently or with special supportive programs provided by or in partnership with Homes First.

Must have or be pursuing or be willing to pursue a source of income when moving into housing (i.e., social benefits).

Non-predatory.

Those with diagnosed/undiagnosed mental illness/substance use challenges.

Individuals that may be isolated, marginalized or displaced.

Our Pillars at Work

Our Programs, services & portfolio

Homes First is one of the largest emergency shelter providers in Toronto.

We are committed to breaking the cycle of chronic homelessness for people with the fewest options.

Here's how we do it.