Guide for Toronto Newcomers

Toronto offers many housing, financial, employment and settlement programs, but navigating the system can be confusing. The best starting point depends on whether you need emergency shelter, long-term housing, income assistance, employment support or newcomer guidance.

Alpha Community Outreach created this guide to help Toronto residents connect with official services.

Call 311 for City Programs and Information

311 Toronto is the City’s main information line for municipal services and programs.

You can contact 311:

• Within Toronto: Dial 311
• Outside Toronto: 416-392-2489
• TTY: Use 711
• Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Languages: Service is available in more than 180 languages

Call 311 for information about housing, recreation, waste collection, property standards, City programs and service requests. Call 911, not 311, when there is an immediate emergency.

Find Housing Help and Emergency Shelter

The City’s Housing Help and Support Services connects renters with Housing Help Centres, application assistance, eviction-prevention resources and housing-related legal support.

For emergency shelter, contact Central Intake:

• Telephone: 416-338-4766
• Toll-free: 1-877-338-3398
• Availability: 24 hours a day

People looking for subsidized housing can review the City’s Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing information. For application support, call 416-338-8888.

Waiting periods can be lengthy. Keep your application active, report household changes and respond promptly when the City asks for updated information.

Apply for Ontario Works Financial Assistance

Toronto residents who do not have enough money for food, housing and other essential expenses may be eligible for Ontario Works.

Review the City’s Ontario Works information before applying.

To apply by telephone, call:

• Social Assistance Contact Centre: 1-888-999-1142
• TTY: 1-800-387-5559

Be ready to provide identification, housing costs, income, assets, banking information and details about everyone in your household. Eligibility is determined after the information is reviewed; submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

Visit a Newcomer Services Kiosk

Toronto’s Newcomer Services Kiosks provide free and confidential support at selected City locations.

Settlement workers can provide:

• Information about housing and healthcare
• Employment and education referrals
• Connections to community programs
• Language-specific assistance
• Help understanding City services

The City states that residents may access the kiosk program regardless of immigration status and are not required to provide proof of status to receive the service. Locations and hours can change, so contact the kiosk or service provider before visiting.

Access Employment and Rent Support

The City provides specialized information for newcomer job seekers, including employment services, job-search support and links to current opportunities.

Residents who are behind on rent or need help with a rental deposit should review the Toronto Rent Bank and financial support for renters.

Programs have eligibility requirements and may request proof of income, tenancy and household circumstances. Contact a Housing Help Centre before assuming that you do not qualify.

Create a Personal Toronto Resource List

Save the following numbers in your telephone:

• Emergency: 911
• City information: 311
• 311 outside Toronto: 416-392-2489
• Emergency shelter: 416-338-4766
• Housing application support: 416-338-8888
• Ontario Works applications: 1-888-999-1142
• Community and social-service referrals: 211

Alpha Community Outreach encourages residents to ask questions, keep records and request interpretation when language is a barrier.

You do not need to understand every government program before asking for help. Begin with the service that most closely matches your immediate need and ask the representative to refer you elsewhere when necessary.