Drop-ins & day programs

Toronto defines drop-ins as low-barrier spaces for people who are homeless, underhoused, socially isolated, or at risk of homelessness. They offer food, health care access, showers, laundry, information and referrals, and social and recreational activities — no shelter bed required. The Toronto Drop-In Network is a coalition of 50+ organizations running at least 56 drop-ins across the city.

A drop-in is not only “a place to eat.” Many are a doorway to survival supports and to people who know the local service landscape: rest, washrooms, phone and Wi-Fi, clothing, harm-reduction supplies, a nurse or social worker, housing navigation, peer connection, and warm referrals. The City specifically warns that hours can change and says to call ahead before going.

• Hot meals and snacks.
• Showers and laundry (site-specific — always confirm).
• Phone and computer access.
• A place to rest, warm up, or cool down.
• Clothing, toiletries, and basic supplies at some sites.
• Harm-reduction equipment at some sites.
• Counselling, housing help, and referrals.
• Company — social and creative programs, with no pressure to join.

Most drop-ins are daytime spaces. For an overnight shelter bed or 24-hour respite, the City routes people through Central Intake, available 24/7 by phone. Respite sites run seven days a week with resting spaces, meals, and referrals; they have limited capacity and are pet friendly.

The map at the bottom of this page pins 45 mapped locations — drop-ins, day programs, respite, and shelters. Most cluster tightly in Downtown East, along the Dundas East, Sherbourne, George, Queen East, and Church/Jarvis corridors: All Saints, Dixon Hall, LOFT, Regent Park CHC, Good Shepherd, Council Fire, Native Women’s Resource Centre, Robertson House, Seaton House, and Sojourn House, among others. A smaller cluster sits in the Downtown West / Spadina area.

Not every service belongs on a map

Some women’s shelters, transitional housing programs, and phone-based services should not be pinned to a public location. The following are listed here for reference but intentionally kept off the map:

• Aura Freedom International — City-level only (M6E 5B2) — no public street address.
• Ernestine's Women's Shelter — Confidential location (PO Box 141, Station B).
• Fred Victor — Housing — City-level only (M5A 1S1) — confirm the public drop-in address.
• Society of Saint Vincent de Paul — Elisa House — City-level only (M8Y 1A3).
• St Clare's Housing — Administrative / city-level (M4W 3M2).
• TSSS — Central Intake Line — Telephone service — call 3-1-1 or 416-338-4766.
• TSSS — John St Services & Birkdale Residence — Administrative / city-level (M5V 3C6).

If you have a pet, a mobility need, or want a gender-specific space, mention it — the answer changes which site fits.

Looking for meals specifically? See the food guide.

• Drop-ins are a low-pressure first referral — no intake barrier, and staff there often know the local service landscape well.
• Invite without pressure: “There's a drop-in today if you want food, a shower, or just somewhere to be. No pressure.”
• Confirm showers/laundry by phone the same day — these change by day and site.
• Use drop-in staff as allies for warm referrals to housing, health, and ID supports.

All sources accessed July 2, 2026. Service details change often — call first to confirm hours, intake, and availability before travelling.

• Drop-in services — City of Toronto
• Streets to Homes Street Outreach Support Program — City of Toronto
• Central Intake & 24-hour respite sites — City of Toronto
• Toronto Drop-In Network — TDIN