Shelter tonight starts with one phone call
Do this first
Call Central Intake
City-operated, telephone-based, available 24/7 for referrals to emergency shelter and overnight accommodation.
Call 416-338-4766Or call toll-free / 311
Toll-free 1-877-338-3398, or call 311 — both reach the same shelter access pathway.
Call 1-877-338-3398
Can I just show up at a shelter?
Central Intake or 311 is the primary pathway. Some services may have site-specific processes, but do not travel to a shelter expecting walk-in access unless that provider has confirmed it.How Toronto shelter access works
The whole process happens over one phone call. Hover or tap each stop to see what it involves.
- Call
Central Intake or 311
You start by phone — 416-338-4766 (toll-free 1-877-338-3398) or 311.
- Assess
They ask about you
Location, age, household, accessibility, safety, and whether you can travel.
- Match
They look for a referral
Emergency shelter or other overnight space, including 24-hour respite sites.
- Go
Instructions or alternatives
If space exists, where and how to go. If not, ask about the fallback options below.
You call Central Intake (or 311)
It is phone-based — there is no public walk-in address.They ask about your situation
Expect questions about your location, age, household or family situation, accessibility needs, safety concerns, and whether you can travel. Exact questions vary.They look for a referral
Referrals cover emergency shelter and other overnight accommodation, including 24-hour respite sites.You get instructions or alternatives
If space exists, they tell you where to go and how. If not, ask about the fallback options below.
Toronto shelters are staffed 24/7 and can offer meals, laundry, case management, referrals, harm reduction, and health supports. 24-hour respite sites have limited capacity, provide resting spaces, meals, and referrals, and are described by the City as pet friendly.
What to say when you call
“I need emergency shelter or overnight space tonight. I’m in Toronto near [intersection]. I am [a single adult / a youth / a family]. I have [an accessibility need / a safety concern / a pet / a medical need] — if relevant. What options can I access today?”
Mention pets, mobility needs, safety concerns, and whether you can travel — these change which spaces fit you, and staff can only match what they know about.
What to expect
- Referral information and possible shelter or overnight options — availability is not guaranteed.
- Questions about your needs, so answers help even when they feel repetitive.
- Possible waits on the line — the system is under heavy pressure, especially at night.
- You can call back. If your situation or location changes, call again.
No website shows live shelter beds
The City publishes daily occupancy and capacity data, but it is a snapshot — not live availability. To ask for shelter tonight, call Central Intake or 311. See why beds are hard to get →What to bring, if you can
- ID and health card — if available. Not having them should not stop you from calling.
- Medications and prescriptions.
- Phone and charger.
- Essential documents and small belongings.
- Pet supplies, if a pet is coming with you.
If no space is available
Before hanging up, ask Central Intake:
- “Is there a respite site, overnight service, or drop-in I should try?”
- “Is a warming or cooling centre open right now?” (seasonal)
- “Can street outreach come to where I am?”
- “When should I call back?”
- “Is there anything I should ask for based on my location, safety, or accessibility needs?”
During the day, a drop-in can offer rest, food, showers, and help planning the next call.
Key contacts
Central Intake
City of Toronto's 24/7 phone-based referral service for emergency shelter and overnight accommodation.
Phone-based — no public walk-in address.
Streets to Homes Assessment & Referral Centre
24/7 City site with laundry, showers, washrooms, snacks and water, harm-reduction supplies, and telephone access. For shelter, they direct people to Central Intake.
- Address
- 129 Peter St, Toronto
Youth shelter access (16–24)
Youth-specific shelters like Covenant House have their own lines — see the youth guide for details.
Youth shelter beds can also be reached through Central Intake or 311.
Peer worker tips
- Ask consent before calling with someone, and agree on what you'll share before dialing.
- Note the date, time, and outcome of each Central Intake call — it helps with follow-ups and referrals.
- If a client is told “no space”, use the shelter-pressure page to explain why, and plan the call-back time together.
- Flag pets, accessibility, and safety needs early in the call — retrofitting them later loses options.
Sources
All sources accessed July 2, 2026. Service details change often — call first to confirm hours, intake, and availability before travelling.
- Central Intake — City of Toronto
- Homeless Help — City of Toronto
- Streets to Homes Street Outreach Support Program — City of Toronto
- Daily Shelter & Overnight Service Usage — City of Toronto