Homelessness Resources and Funding

In Niagara, as in many places across Canada, homelessness is a real challenge.

Most people experiencing homelessness in Niagara are residents. While some may move for personal reasons, such as availability of services or relationships with family and friends, there is no strong evidence that people come to Niagara just for homelessness services.

It can be hard not knowing what to do when you see people in our community who need support. Emergency, temporary, long-term and preventative services are available.

How you can help

Take a moment to assess the situation and determine what help is needed.

Call 911 if someone appears to be in distress or needs emergency medical attention
Call 211 if you see someone who may be experiencing homelessness or who could use support
Consider donating to local service providers or volunteering with homelessness programs in Niagara

If someone doesn't want to engage, respect their choice. Many people experiencing homelessness know about available services but may have reasons for not using them.

Video: Dial 211 for help

What is 211

211 is a free, confidential helpline that connects you to community services.

When you call 211, operators can check on shelter availability or make referrals to homelessness prevention agencies, meal programs and food banks.

For those experiencing unsheltered homelessness or living in an encampment, 211 will connect you to Niagara Assertive Street Outreach.

How Niagara Region helps

Niagara Region funds and coordinates various services, including:

Niagara Region works with community organizations to:

Expand affordable and supportive housing initiatives
Invest in programs that keep people housed
Improve coordination between shelters, outreach services and housing providers
Track and reduce chronic homelessness using data-driven tools like Built for Zero Canada

Learn more about how we're working to prevent and end homelessness.

Homelessness by the numbers

On Dec. 31, 2023, there were 1,229 individuals experiencing homelessness in Niagara. As of Dec. 31, 2024, that number had declined by eight per cent to 1,136. By Feb. 1, 2025, the number had decreased another 4 per cent to 1,092 people.

Of those known by name, 55 per cent are experiencing chronic homelessness.

There are 256 beds for singles and 49 beds for couples or families. Beds become available each morning with an average of 12 move-ins per day in December 2024. To access a bed, people can call 211 or connect with Niagara Assertive Street Outreach.

Funding announcements

Learn about federal and provincial funding announcements that will help to address homelessness related challenges in Niagara.

Unsheltered Homelessness Encampment Initiative

Niagara Region will receive $4.4 million in funding under the new Unsheltered Homelessness Encampment Initiative from the federal Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

The enhanced funding will help cover capital and start-up costs for the South Niagara shelter and permanent St. Catharines shelter, expand outreach programs to support people transitioning to housing, and advance the supportive housing strategy.

Funding will be issued in the 2024 / 2025 and the 2025 / 2026 fiscal years.
Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative Residual Last Mile Funding

Niagara Region will receive $2,650,000 in Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative Residual Last Mile Funding from the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

The funding will address affordable and supportive housing projects that are in advanced stages of construction where extra funds could lead to faster completion.

The funding was awarded to Niagara Region to expedite the completion of the Lyons Douglas Heights housing development project, a 62-unit affordable housing project in Fort Erie.
Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit

Niagara Region will receive an additional $493,700 in Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit funding from the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

This funding will support the transition of individuals experiencing homelessness from shelters and encampments into housing. It will support individuals living in encampments who are ready for housing, while also freeing up shelter spaces by helping those in shelters move into long-term housing.
Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub (HART Hub)

A collaboration of 10 community partners submitted a funding application to the Ministry of Health for a three-year, HART Hub demonstration project and have been awarded with an investment of $18.9 million.

A HART Hub is a new service for Niagara. It will connect chronically homeless populations to essential services in a community setting, and help to support adults (18 years and over) with mental health and / or substance use challenges who have not been successful in traditional programs.

Gateway Residential Community Support Services will be the lead organization with support from a range of collaborating partners, including Niagara Region.