The COVID-19 pandemic is calling on all of us to work collectively in a way many of us have never experienced before. Though challenged by the limitations of self-isolation and physical distancing, we are also finding meaningful ways to stay connected—from inside our homes and throughout our neighbourhoods and communities. No one is untouched by this unfolding situation. As we adjust to our new normal, let's continue to find ways to support one another.
Help in the Community
If you or someone you know needs help, but you don’t know where to turn, we have the resources to get you the help you need. Visit the Halton Community Services Directory for a comprehensive listing of COVID-19 assistance programs (see Related links below)
- Many continue to operate on full or altered schedules
- Fresh food, food hampers, and food-to-go offerings vary by food bank, so please check individual food backs for their services.
- No in-store shopping.
- Personal hygiene items are limited.
- Many community meals are no longer running.
Where to Find Shelter in Halton
Wesley Housing Services
Supports for youth, adults and families at risk of homelessness or episodic homelessness
Provides emergency shelter services for families in short-term accommodations
Call 3-1-1 (Halton Region)
Halton Women’s Place, Burlington Shelter
Supports abused women and their dependent children only
24-hour Crisis: 905.332.7892
Office: 905.332.1593
Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter
905.339.2918
Located in Oakville; may be able to arrange transportation from Burlington
Good Shepherd Centre, Hamilton
Separate shelters for men, women, youth, and those with mental health issues
- Men’s Shelter: 905.528.9109
- Martha House Women’s Shelter: 905.523.6277
- Family Shelter: 905.528.9442
- Notre Dame House Youth Shelter: 905.308.8090
Where to Find Shelter Outside Halton
Mission Services of Hamilton
Provides a safe space for homeless individuals, domestic abuse victims, and individuals struggling with addictions.
- Men’s Residence - 24-hour emergency crisis shlter for men: Office 905.528.7635
- Inasmuch House - emergency shelter for women and children experiencing domestic abuse: Office 905.529.8149; Crisis 905.529.8600
Native Women’s Centre, Hamilton
Supports women regardless of age, ancestry, culture, place of origin or sexual orientation, with or without children
Toll-free (accepts long-distance & local collect crisis calls): 1.888.308.6559
Barrett Centre for Crisis Support
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line & Shelter: 905.529.7878
Other Urgent/Crisis Support
Food for Life Neighbourhood Food Community Fridge program - pick up pre-bagged fresh food at five locations city-wide
Burlington Together: Burlington Facebook Group - COVID-19 Share/Swap/Help
- If you're in need of anything, or if you have extra, post here to connect with others.
- If it's an #offer or a #need, please begin your post with those hashtags.
- If someone in the community needs #help, please begin with that tag.
- Other tags to use: #news - for relevant news, #resources - for any programs, activities, etc
- #shop - for information on TP/ Lysol wipe availability, home delivery, etcPorch/door drop offs recommended.
- This is a public group so do not post identifying information. Group will post on your behalf.
Telehealth: 1.866.797.0000; Mon-Sun 24 hours
- Health advice or information from a registered nurse
Distress Centre Halton: 905.681.1488; Mon-Sun 24 hours
- Provides telephone and online (text and chat) support for everyone to help with crisis, loneliness, and emotional stress
Call Auntie: (437) 703-8703, 4pm - 9pm 7 days/week
- Call Auntie is a phone-line created to support Indigenous people living in the GTA with urgent and immediate support to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Information, resources, referrals, advocacy, sexual and reproductive health.
City of Burlington COVID-19 Community Resources: Information on resources and organizations that offer help: Volunteering During COVID-19, Where to Donate, Get Support, Apply for Grants & Funding, Mental Health & Wellness, and Community Resource Mapping
- For adults in Burlington, TelePALS provides free over the phone chat groups, ask the expert, game shows, and listening programs.
- Register in advance and check their website for the program schedule.
Halton Region COVID-19 Social and Community Supports: Information and links related to:
- Financial assistance: loss of income; tax relief and benefit programs; help with bills; students and travellers
- Community supports: food and essential goods; housing; family care
- Funding opportunities for local organizations
- volunteer opportunities
Canadian Mental Health Association - Halton: 289.291.5396
- Call in and a counsellor will call back within 24 hours Monday to Friday.
Alzheimer Society of Halton: Provides virtual education series on dementia, long-term care, and other relevant topics.
Kids Help Phone: 1.800.668.6868; text CONNECT to 686868; see website for online chat
- Telephone, text, and live chat counselling and information and referral for children, youth, and young adults ages 5-30
Togetherall: Mon-Sun 24 hours
- Online mental health and well-being service for ages 16 years and older
Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line: 1.800.268.9688; askus@youthline.ca; text 647.694.4275; Mon-Fri and Sun, 4-9.30pm
- Peer support by telephone, email, text, or chat for LGBTTQQ2SI youth 29 years and under
- See website for online chat
Ontario Caregiver Organization: 1.833.416.2273; call Mon-Sun 24 hours; online chat Mon-Fri 7am-9pm
- Telephone and chat support for caregivers of all ages
- See website for online chat
Salvation Army Hope Line: 905.522.1477; Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
- Phone support for life challenges including mental health, unemployment, and loneliness
AA Meetings Online: Online support group for family and friends of individuals with alcohol abuse issues
Ability Online Support Network: 1.866.650.6207; Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
- A monitored and secure online community that provides the opportunity to connect with peers, mentors and role models for friendship and support, skill development
- For children and youth, 7-30 years, with disabilities or illness, their families and professionals
Cocaine Anonymous: 1.866.622.4636; Mon-Sun 9am-11pm
- Offers online meetings to support anyone with a drug or alcohol problem and the desire to stop using
- If voice mail: calls returned within 3 hours
Mood Disorders Association of Ontario: 1.888.486.8236; Mon-Thu 9.30am-9pm, Fri 9.30am-5pm
- Offers information, education, counselling and family support, and peer support groups for those 16 years and older dealing with mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder and related anxiety disorders), their families, friends, health professionals
Women for Sobriety - Hamilton: 905.563.1057; Mon-Sun 24 hours
- Online and phone support for women ages 18 and older with alcohol and substance abuse problems
- All expressions of female identity are welcome.
Canada Revenue Agency:
In order to provide greater flexibility to Canadians who may be experiencing hardships during the COVID-19 outbreak, Canada Revenue Agency is deferring the filing due date for the 2019 tax returns of individuals, including certain trusts.
- For individuals (other than trusts), the return filing due date will be deferred until June 1, 2020
- CRA recommends those who expect to receive benefits under the GSTC or the Canada Child Benefit should not to delay the filing their return
Community Development Halton: 905.632.1975 or 1.855.395.8807
- Register online to offer your volunteer services.
Halton Community Services Directory related links
Regional and Municipal Status and Impact
Community Support including Crisis/Distress Lines
Mental Health & Well-Being Resources
Supports for Front Line Workers
Halton Community Services Directory