What We Do

Homes First is one of the largest non-profit housing providers in Toronto. We are committed to breaking the cycle of chronic homelessness by providing emergency shelter and supportive housing and services for people with the fewest housing options in our city.

We Provide:

Emergency shelter

We provide shelter for over 2,000 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 prevent anyone from slipping through gaps in the system

Supportive Housing

We provide residents permanent, stable and supportive housing across 15 properties, including children, youth, women, single parents, adults, seniors and large families.

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 has been providing supportive housing and shelter for over 35 years to all populations, with a focus on the chronically homeless, people with complex mental health and addictions issues, and seniors.

We encourage homeless people to identify their own housing needs and necessary support services.

We work with others to provide the supports people need to maintain their housing and rebuild their lives. 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:

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 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 issues.
Individuals that may be isolated or marginalized or displaced or who have inadequate life skills.