Toronto Shelter System Pressure

Today's shelter system pressure

What these numbers mean

• These figures come from a daily snapshot, usually based on a 4 a.m. count.
• Occupied means a bed or room was in use at the time of the snapshot.
• Unoccupied at the snapshot does not mean a bed is available to you right now.
• Room-based and bed-based capacity are counted differently and are not interchangeable.
• Shelter matching depends on sector, eligibility, safety, accessibility, family status, and Central Intake.

Why it can be hard to get matched

The shelter system is under sustained pressure. On many nights, more people call than there are spaces. If you are not matched right away, that is a sign of system capacity, not a judgment of you.

• Central Intake handles a high volume of calls every day.
• Available spaces change throughout the night.
• Some callers are not matched on a given night.
• Keep trying, and ask a worker to help you call again.

What to say when you call

You can use this as a starting point. Fill in what fits your situation.

If no space is available

• Ask about respite, warming, or cooling spaces.
• Ask about other overnight options.
• Ask about street outreach in your area.
• Call 211 for other community supports.
• If you are unsafe, call 911.
• Ask a worker to help you call Central Intake again later.