Match the situation to the right line
You do not need to know the “correct” service name. If you reach the wrong line, they can redirect you — every number below is used to doing that. Pick the row that sounds closest to what is happening.
Choose the closest situation
Mental health crisis — you need to talk to someone, by phone or text
988 connects you with trained crisis responders, 24/7 across Canada. Call or text.
Call or text 988You need a shelter bed or overnight space tonight
Central Intake is Toronto's 24/7 phone line for emergency shelter referrals. You can also call 311.
Call Central IntakeMental health crisis where an in-person, non-police response may help
Call 211 and ask for the Toronto Community Crisis Service — free, confidential, city-wide for Toronto residents 16+.
Call 211
Every urgent number, in one place
988 — Suicide Crisis Helpline
Mental health crisis support by call or text, anywhere in Canada. Trained responders, English and French.
You can also text 988.
Central Intake — Shelter
City of Toronto's phone-based referral line for emergency shelter and overnight accommodation.
No public walk-in address — access is by phone. You can also call 311.
211 — Community services + TCCS
Connects you to social services and community supports across Ontario. Ask for the Toronto Community Crisis Service for a free, confidential, in-person mental health crisis response (Toronto residents 16+).
311 — City of Toronto
Municipal services, street outreach requests, and shelter-related help.
Gerstein Crisis Centre
24/7 telephone crisis support for adults in Toronto dealing with a mental health and/or substance-use crisis. Interpretation in 180+ languages.
Assaulted Women's Helpline
24/7 crisis counselling, support, and shelter referrals for women experiencing abuse.
TTY lines available. #SAFE (#7233) on participating mobile providers.
Toronto Seniors Helpline
Support and crisis outreach for adults 55+ and caregivers. Interpretation in 100+ languages.
Phone Mon–Fri 9am–8pm; weekends and holidays 10am–6pm. Call first to confirm.
What to say when you call
You don’t need a perfect explanation. A few basics help the person on the line find the safest next step quickly:
“I need urgent help. I am in Toronto. I am at or near [location]. I need [shelter / crisis support / medical help / mobile crisis response]. I am with [myself / someone else]. Can you tell me the safest next step?”
If you can't talk safely
988 also works by text. If you are not safe to speak, texting can be a quieter way to reach a trained responder.What to expect
Each pathway works a little differently:
- 988 connects you directly with a trained crisis responder for a safety-focused conversation.
- 211 (Toronto Community Crisis Service) triages the call and can send a mobile crisis worker team when appropriate — a non-police response.
- Central Intake is phone-based and helps with referrals to emergency shelter and overnight accommodation. It cannot guarantee a bed.
Call first — details vary
Wait times, mobile response availability, and exact service boundaries change. Ask the person on the line what to expect for your situation.Calling for someone else
- Ask their consent before calling with or for them, unless there is immediate danger.
- Stay beside them if they want support — many lines are fine with a helper on the call.
- Share only what they want shared. Avoid forcing them to retell details.
- Use the least escalatory pathway that fits the situation; save 911 for immediate danger.
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 (311 / street outreach) — City of Toronto
- Toronto Community Crisis Service — City of Toronto
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline — 988 Canada
- Telephone Crisis Support — Gerstein Crisis Centre
- Contact Us — Assaulted Women's Helpline
- Toronto Seniors Helpline — WoodGreen Community Services
- Crisis Resources — CAMH