Homelessness Service System Plan
York Region is required under the provincial Housing Services Act, 2011 to provide homelessness services to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The Region is committed to supporting residents to find and keep housing, and offers a wide range of services and supports for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, including:
- Financial assistance for rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and other housing costs to prevent homelessness
- Outreach services and supports
- Cold weather and heat relief supports
- Assistance with primary care, mental health and substance use supports
- Working with community partners to provide emergency and transitional housing
The Homelessness Service System Plan will respond to the immediate and long-term needs of residents experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, including exploring the creation of more emergency, transitional and longer-term housing options. Emphasis will be placed on priority areas including homelessness prevention, early intervention, housing stability, and designing a coordinated system response needed to address the issue holistically.
The System Plan will be developed using a data-informed approach, and engagement with local municipalities, community agencies and people with lived experience will be key in developing the system plan. The Homelessness Service System Plan is a key component of the Region’s next 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan.
More Information
To learn more about the proposed Homelessness Service System Plan, please watch the Special Council Meeting, and check out the November 23, 2023 memo to York Regional Council.
Our Story
Many people across Canada struggle to afford a place to call home. There’s no one path to homelessness. Often, it’s the result of many factors. In this video, you will hear from a few individuals who share their stories of the circumstances that led them to experience homelessness and the supports they received through York Region and local service providers, to find stable housing and gain a fresh start.
If you or someone you know is at risk of becoming homeless or are currently experiencing homelessness, please contact the York Region Emergency Housing Central Intake Line at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 76140. This phone line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. For more information on available supports, please call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit york.ca/EmergencyHousing
