We’re Stepping Up: Helping Those Experiencing Homelessness in Niagara This Winter
In Niagara Falls, Ontario, there are several organizations and programs aimed at helping individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Services range from emergency shelters to meal programs, outreach teams, supportive housing initiatives, and help with finding long-term solutions. While services may evolve over time, here are some key options and places to start looking for assistance:
1. Emergency and Short-Term Shelter:
YWCA Niagara Region: Though their main emergency shelter locations are primarily in St. Catharines, the YWCA provides emergency shelter services, transitional housing, and support programs for women and children facing homelessness throughout the Niagara Region.
Salvation Army: The Salvation Army often provides emergency shelter, housing support, and meal services. While their main residential shelters may be based outside of Niagara Falls (such as St. Catharines), they do have offices in Niagara Falls where staff can offer referrals and outreach services.
2. Outreach and Drop-In Services:
Project SHARE (Niagara Falls): Located at 4129 Stanley Avenue, Project SHARE offers emergency food hampers, assistance with basic needs like clothing and utilities, and referrals to other community services. They don’t run a shelter but can direct you toward housing help and financial supports.
Street Outreach Teams: Outreach workers, sometimes coordinated through local organizations like Start Me Up Niagara or Positive Living Niagara, help connect individuals experiencing homelessness to resources, medical care, and shelter options.
3. Meal Programs and Basic Needs:
Local Churches and Community Meal Programs: “Out of the Cold” programs, often run by local churches during colder months, provide free hot meals and sometimes overnight stays. Check with community organizations, 211 Ontario, or the Niagara Region’s website to find current locations and schedules.
Food Banks: In addition to Project SHARE, various food banks and community kitchens operate in the Niagara Falls area. Calling 211 is a quick way to get updated info on what’s available close by.
4. Housing Supports and Longer-Term Assistance:
Niagara Regional Housing (NRH): They administer affordable and subsidized housing programs. While there may be waitlists, NRH can guide you through the application process and connect you with other local support services.
Housing Help Centres: While many are concentrated in St. Catharines or Welland, they serve the entire Niagara region, providing help with housing searches, connecting tenants and landlords, and navigating Ontario’s housing support programs.
5. 24/7 Information and Referral Services:
Call 211 Ontario: By dialing 2-1-1, you can speak with a trained navigator who knows the local community resources. They can give you up-to-date information on shelters, meal programs, emergency services, and other forms of immediate assistance available in Niagara Falls.
6. Health and Community Services:
Niagara Falls Community Health Centre: May offer referrals to mental health and addiction services, supports for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and connections to community organizations providing direct help.
Next Steps:
If you are in immediate need of shelter or support, start by calling 211 or reaching out to an organization like Project SHARE or the Niagara Region’s emergency shelter line. They can provide the most current information and help you figure out which resources fit your situation best. Over time, working with caseworkers, housing help centers, and local outreach teams can help stabilize your housing situation and connect you with more permanent solutions.
