Belonging is part of stability
Survival needs come first, but people also need connection, routine, and spaces where they are seen as more than their crisis. Programming can support wellness when it is voluntary, low-barrier, and respectful.
Call first to confirm
Program schedules, drop-in rules, registration, accessibility, and capacity change often. Confirm details before suggesting a specific group or sending someone across the city.Helpful program types
Arts & creativity
Art, writing, music, and expression spaces that can reduce isolation.
Recreation
Movement, walking groups, sports, yoga, or activities that fit the person's comfort level.
Support groups
Peer-led or community groups where shared experience is held with care.
Life skills
Cooking, budgeting, tenant-readiness, benefits, ID, digital skills, and practical workshops.
What to check before referring
- Whether registration, referral, or an appointment is required.
- Whether the program is running this week and has space.
- Accessibility details: stairs, washrooms, sensory environment, transit, and service animals.
- Whether the space is identity-specific, mixed, youth-only, women-only, or otherwise limited.
- Whether food, tokens, supplies, or interpretation are available.
Peer worker tips
- Ask what kind of space the person wants before recommending a group.
- Offer options instead of presenting programming as compliance.
- Plan a fallback if the group is full, cancelled, or not a fit.
- Document only the useful next step: what was offered, what the person chose, and any follow-up.
Dignity first
Do not turn participation into surveillance. A person can benefit from a program without needing their whole story recorded.Sources
All sources accessed July 2, 2026. Service details change often — call first to confirm hours, intake, and availability before travelling.
- Find community and social services — 211 Ontario
- Toronto drop-ins and 24-hour respite sites — City of Toronto