Housing

A family sitting together

Finding a place to live is likely to be one of your top priorities. Your housing options depend on your needs and your budget. Housing services and supports can help you find a place to rent, access financial supports, and answer questions about rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

For more information about types of housing in Ontario, visit Settlement.org’s housing section

To learn about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, read the Residential Tenancies Act (2006)

HIPC has created a guide to finding housing for newcomers, which is available in English, French, and Ukrainian: hamiltonimmigration.ca/hipc-reports

Programs

Access to Housing Local Housing Services

City of Hamilton, Healthy and Safe Communities Department, Housing Services Division
905-546-2424 ext. 3708, 905-546-2809, ath@hamilton.ca
 
350 King St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Y3, Canada

Operates as an access point for subsidized housing in Hamilton. Subsidized housing is when rent is geared to the income of the recipient instead of market rates. Staff assist applicants with the application process and maintains the central waiting list for subsidized housing available from social housing providers.

Eligibility is calculated based on 30% of a household’s gross monthly income. If applicant is receiving assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, a social assistance rent scale is applied. Additional charges may apply depending on the building (e.g. utilities, parking).

The organization is does not operate as a landlord and does not directly offer housing. Does not offer emergency shelters or emergency housing.

CityHousing Hamilton Subsidized Housing Units

CityHousing Hamilton
905-523-5228, 905-523-8496 ext. 7303, CityHousing@hamilton.ca
 
181 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y4, Canada

Offers Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing within the city of Hamilton, in apartments, townhouses, and single/semi-detached houses. Depending on location, units are available for eligible singles, couples, families, and seniors. 

Endaayaang: Housing First 4 Youth

Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
905-548-9593
 
34 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7, Canada

Supports Indigenous youth who are exiting systems such as Child Protection Services, Justice, Healthcare, or youth whose personal safety may be at risk by providing them with immediate access to housing that is safe, affordable, and appropriate, with zero preconditions. Provides the necessary and age-appropriate supports that focus on health, well-being, life skills, engagement in education and employment, and social inclusion to support young people and facilitate a healthy transition to adulthood.

Good Shepherd Centres Affordable Housing Services

Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes
905-525-5188, info@gsch.ca
 
10 Pearl St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2Y8, Canada
35 Aikman Ave, Hamilton, ON L8M 3M8, Canada

Offers affordable housing and rental units at 20% below the average market rate, includes two buildings with one reserved exclusively for older adults. 

Good Shepherd Centres, Women's Services

Good Shepherd Centres
905-523-6277, 905-523-8766, info@gsch.ca
 
25 Ray St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2X5, Canada
20 Pearl St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2Y8, Canada

Provides a place of sanctuary, safety, and support for women (and their children) with a variety of programs.

Family Court Support Worker Program

Facilitates a victim’s understanding of and passage through the family court system. Support provided includes:

  • information on the family court process
  • assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid, 
  • debriefing with clients following family court appearances
  • referral to specialized services and supports in the community
  • safety planning 
  • court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

  • Transitional Housing and Support Program

  • Helps women and their children access services to establish violence and abuse-free lives in the community.

  • Second Stage Services

  • Offers furnished, affordable housing to both single women and women with children for up to one year. Supports are geared to creating greater physical, emotional, and financial stability in the aftermath of violence and abuse.

Good Shepherd Supportive Housing

Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes
905-525-5188, info@gsch.ca
 
35 Aikman Ave, Hamilton, ON L8M 3M8, Canada
100 Locke St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y9, Canada

Offers supportive housing units to individuals with mental or physical disabilities, victims of domestic violence and seniors, men, women, and families.

Support staff are located in the building to offer assistance with problem-solving, assist in managing health issues, provide information and referrals to community services, and coordinate social/recreational programming.

Gyo Geh Doh (New Beginnings)

Native Women's Centre
1-888-308-6559, 905-318-2666, nwc@nativewomenscentre.com
 

Gyo Geh Doh is a transitional supportive housing program for single women in precarious housing conditions. It has an emphasis on wrap-around supports.

Habitat for Humanity RePair Program

Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
905-560-6707 ext. 109, repair@habitathamilton.ca
 
285 Nash Rd N, Hamilton, ON L8H 7P4, Canada

Offers free exterior home-improvement services to local homeowners who are facing socio-economic challenges, preventing them from completing necessary home repair work.

Hamilton East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes Residences

Hamilton East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes
905-545-4654, info@kiwanishomes.ca
 
281 Queenston Rd, Hamilton, ON L8K 1G9, Canada

Provides affordable housing in Hamilton and the surrounding area. Apartments, houses, and townhouses are available.

Honouring the Circle Transitional Housing

Native Women's Centre
1-888-308-6559, 905-318-1822, 905-664-1101, htcpm@nativewomenscentre.com
 

Offers transitional housing and support programs for up to 12 months for Indigneous women and children who are at risk of homelessness and poverty. The supportive housing facility is geared towards women and children who have been victims of violence.

Housing Emergency Loan Program (HELP)

Hamilton Housing Help Centre
 
119 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1G5, Canada

A financial stability program that helps low-income individuals maintain affordable housing, by providing a small short-term interest-free loan for last month’s rent. Loans are paid directly to the vendor or provider. The maximum loan is $300 and must be repaid in 12 months.

Housing Stability Benefit

Hamilton Housing Help Centre
905-393-8182, 905-526-8100, fsp@housinghelpcentre.ca
 
119 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1G5, Canada

Program helps ODSP and OW recipients and people with a low income maintain their housing by providing financial assistance.

Financial assistance is available for:

  • last month's rent
  • rent arrears
  • utility arrears
  • appliances and mattresses
  • bed bug prevention
  • moving costs

Contact for information about eligibility for each type of financial assistance.

Housing Support Services

Hamilton Housing Help Centre
 
119 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1G5, Canada

Provides services to assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are on a low income in finding safe and affordable housing.

Services include:

  • listing of available rental accommodations
  • free phone access
  • subsidized housing applications
  • housing search assistance
  • information services
  • community referrals

Indigenous Drop-in Program

Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
 
407 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1B5, Canada

A culturally safe and appropriate space for Indigenous people to access housing supports and connect with peers in a community-based setting. Access meals, connect with elders and knowledge keepers, access traditional medicine, and meet with housing workers. 

Indwell Residences

Indwell
905-529-0454, info@indwell.ca
 
1430 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8K 1C3, Canada

Provides housing in southern Ontario including residential care with 24 hour on-site services and supported independent-living apartments. Hamilton has both apartments and homes available with varying levels of on-site care and support.

Living Rock Ministries Resource Centre

Living Rock Ministries
905-528-7625
 
30 Wilson St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1C5, Canada

Free drop-in centre for youth in Hamilton. Offers a variety of themed activities and social events, as well as:

  • snacks
  • access to showers
  • laundry facilities
  • computers and wifi
  • housing search assistance
  • community referrals

Mental Health and Justice Housing Support Services

Canadian Mental Health Association
1-833-456-4566 (Suicide Prevention Services), 1-866-531-2600 ext. 24 hours (ConnexOntario), 905-521-0090 (CMHA Office), 905-521-0211 (CMHA Office), 905-972-8338 ext. 24 hours (COAST Hamilton), info@cmhahamilton.ca
 
131 John St S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2C3, Canada

Provides housing support services to individuals with serious mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system.  A rent supplement is available for participants.  Goals of the program are to:

  • Secure and maintain permanent and affordable housing
  • Provide flexible, portable, and individualized supports
  • Assist in the prevention of future involvement with the criminal justice system
  • Provide connections and support with other community resources as required

Operates in partnership with the Mental Health Court Support Services Program through the Canadian Mental Health Association, Hamilton Branch.

Emergency or crisis services not provided.  For access to emergency or crisis services, contact COAST Hamilton, ConnexOntario, or Crisis Services Canada. 

Nihdawin Program

Ontario Native Women's Association
1-800-667-0816, intakes@onwa.ca
 

An organization that provides supports and programs for Indigenous women and their families​

  • Supports Indigenous women who are at-risk of homelessness or who are homeless
  • Assists with maintaining existing housing and finding affordable sustainable housing
  • Strives to improve the quality of life for homeless women and mothers and to help achieve a life of stability

  • Family support workers provide the following services:

  • Advocacy
  • Aftercare and follow up
  • Assessment and goal setting
  • Budgeting and life skills
  • Cultural teachings and healing
  • Help with finding, securing, and maintaining housing
  • Home visit support
  • Referrals and partnering with community agencies

Nisa Homes Hamilton Transitional Shelter

Nisa Homes
1-888-456-8043 ext. 410, hamilton@nisahomes.com
 

Transitional housing in a supportive, culturally based home environment for women, with or without children, who are fleeing abuse, experiencing homelessness, or seeking refuge in Canada. Includes support to develop tools to achieve independence and self-sustainability.

  • capacity 16 women and children
  • confidential, supportive counselling
  • case management
  • information and community referrals
  • life skills development
  • support groups

Non-Profit Housing for Indigenous Persons and Families

Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing
905-544-3406, osw@sacajawea.ca
 
219 East Avenue N suite 107, Hamilton, ON L8L 5J4, Canada

Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing provides access to affordable housing for Indigenous, Inuit, and Metis persons and families in the Hamilton-Wentworth area.

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services

1-866-391-1061, info@oahssc.ca
 
42 Mary St, Hamilton, ON L8R 3M9, Canada

Operates affordable housing complexes and support services for Indigenous people in the City of Hamilton.

Properties include: 

  • Kenatah Housing Complex: for homeless Indigenous families
  • Koo Gaa Da Win Manitou: for homeless Indigenous seniors
  • Odrohekta Housing Complex: for homeless Indigenous men

Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board

Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
1-800-855-0511, 1-888-332-3234, SO-ltb@ontario.ca
 
119 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y7, Canada

The role of the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is to:

  • resolve disputes between landlords and tenants through mediation or adjudication
  • resolve eviction applications from co-ops
  • provide information to landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)

The LTB’s customer service officers process applications, schedule hearings, and provide information to the public about the Residential Tenancies Act. Customer service officers do not provide legal advice.

Phoenix Place Domestic Violence Support

YWCA Hamilton
905-527-2238
 

Provides support for women and their children who are experiencing domestic violence. Offered at a confidential location for up to one year. Services include:

  • supportive housing
  • counseling
  • client advocacy
  • safety planning
  • help navigating other community resources

Regina's Place Services

Good Shepherd Centres
905-549-2090, 905-549-4276, info@gsch.ca
 
320 Tragina Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8H 5E3, Canada

A transitional housing program for young parents and their children for up to 2 years. Provides furnished apartments and support to young parents, with on-site programming and support staff. 

Programs and supports include (but are not limited to):

  • Parenting
  • Child development
  • Goal planning
  • Cooking
  • Healthy relationships
  • Budgeting
  • Health and nutrition
  • Ontario Works support
  • Problem solving
  • Public health support
  • LEAP (Learning, Earning and Parenting)
  • Substance use and mental health services

Rent Ready Program

Hamilton Housing Help Centre
905-526-8100 (Hamilton Housing Help Centre), 905-548-9593 (Hamilton Regional Indian Centre), info@housinghelpcentre.ca
 
119 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1G5, Canada
34 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7, Canada

The Rent Ready program provides financial support for utility and rent costs to people in Hamilton who have a low income or who receive support through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Rent Ready is NOT a mandatory benefit.

Rental Housing Enforcement Unit

Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
1-888-772-9277
 
119 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y7, Canada

Regulates the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in residential properties.

  • Responds to complaints about offences under the Residential Tenancies Act.
  • Investigates complaints up to prosecution.
  • Receives complaints and investigates maintenance issues where there are no municipal standards.

Complaints may be made to this Unit, or to the Landlord and Tenant Board, or to both (Complaints requiring a repayment order must be made to the Landlord and Tenant Board.)

Residential Care Facilities Subsidy Program

City of Hamilton, Healthy and Safe Communities Department, Housing Services Division
905-546-2424 ext. 2225
 
71 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5, Canada

The Residential Care Subsidy Program aims to prevent homelessness by providing for safe and affordable supported housing in a communal setting for people who require assistance with the daily activities of life.

Offers choices of housing with support options for people who would otherwise be homeless, inappropriately housed in institutions and/or shelters, or inadequately supported in other settings.

Funding is connected to individual residents on a per day basis

Senior's Apartments, Orchard Court

Glanbrook Non-Profit Housing Corporation
905-692-4555, info@glanbrooknph.ca
 
2800 Library Ln, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0, Canada

Offers apartments to low-income seniors. 

Senior's Apartments, Paramount Place

Stoney Creek Community Homes
905-578-3833
 
2 Mistywood Dr, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2P9, Canada

Seniors apartment complex offering market rate and geared-to-income units. Both one and two bedroom apartments available.

Senior's Apartments, Stoney Brook Manor

Stoney Creek Community Homes
905-578-3833
 
100 Stoney Brook Dr, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 4X7, Canada

Seniors apartment complex offering market rate and geared-to-income units. Both one and two bedroom apartments available.

Seniors Apartments, Rambynas Lithuanian Senior Citizens Home

Rambynas Lithuanian Senior Citizens Home
905-526-8281, 905-526-8283, rambynas@bellnet.ca
 
1880 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4P8, Canada

Non-profit housing for adults 60 years and older. Some subsidized units are available.

Seniors at Risk in Hamilton

Alzheimer Society of Hamilton Halton
289-271-6990, 289-919-3450, sarih@gsch.ca
 
400 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3R1, Canada
400 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3R1, Canada
400 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3R1, Canada

A centralized referral and intake process to facilitate timely interventions and supports for seniors impacted by issues such as dementia, abuse/exploitation, mental and physical health challenges, precarious housing, food insecurity, and social isolation.

Programs include: 

  • Case Management for Seniors at Risk
  • Dementia and Caregiver Support
  • Homelessness Prevention and Intervention
  • Volunteer Telephone Support
  • Virtual Senior Group

Seniors Tax Rebate Program

City of Hamilton, Corporate Services Department, Taxation Division
905-546-2449, 905-546-2489, taxsupport@hamilton.ca
 
71 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5, Canada

Offers a property tax credit to older adults who own residential property in Hamilton.

St. Matthew's House, Housing Outreach Preventing Eviction for Seniors

St. Matthew's House
905-523-5546 ext. 240, admin@stmatthewshouse.ca
 
414 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 2Y3, Canada

Program assists seniors who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find safe, sustainable housing, and assists to identify services that result in faster housing placement and more stabilized housing. Ongoing case management is offered to individuals for up to 12 months after they have been housed. 

Subsidized Housing, Sons of Italy Housing Corporation

Order Sons and Daughters of Italy
 
190 Limeridge Rd W, Hamilton, ON L9C 7M6, Canada
55 Towercrest Dr, Hamilton, ON L9A 5H8, Canada
20 Emerald St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 8A4, Canada
317 Limeridge Rd W Unit 12, Hamilton, ON L9C 7C8, Canada
20 Jarvis St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1M2, Canada

Operates five subsidized housing projects to meet the needs of families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

Wesley Housing Services - Hamilton

Wesley
 
467 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1K1, Canada

A housing program supporting individuals experiencing episodic or chronic homelessness in acquiring and maintaining safe, affordable, and stable housing in Hamilton. Offers intensive case management, referrals, supports, and help obtaining government assistance.

Similar programs are offered in Halton and Brantford.

Wesley Special Care Unit

Wesley
 
467 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1K1, Canada

Harm reduction and managed alcohol program for women and men experiencing homelessness, addiction, and serious health problems. Up-front discharge planning for effective transition to the community. Offering care for health and emotional needs, residential and outpatient services.

Part of the Shelter Health Network in Hamilton.

Wesley Supportive Housing

Wesley
 
191 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y4, Canada

10 suites of enhanced supportive living arrangements for individuals with dual diagnosis, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and bipolar disorders and/or intellectual disability/autism.

This program offers:

  • structured programming, therapeutic recreation, and community integration and transition
  • individualized care plans to help restore, maintain, and improve quality of life

This program addresses gaps in community services to reduce Alternative Level of Care (ALC) rates in hospitals.

Women's Transitional Living Program

YWCA Hamilton
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

A 65-bed residence providing safe, affordable, and temporary housing to women and non-binary individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, and violence.

Services include:

  • low-barrier and inclusive health care
  • peer support programming
  • activities and outings
  • individualized case management
  • one-on-one support
  • systems navigation and advocacy

YMCA Hamilton Men's Residence

YMCA of Hamilton Burlington and Brantford
905-317-4909
 
79 James St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z1, Canada

Provides clean, safe, and affordable transitional housing for up to 174 men at risk. Short-term accommodations provided on a weekly or monthly basis with 24-hour front desk support, including navigation to critical community support services with key partner agencies. Includes non-smoking furnished rooms, shared bathrooms, coffee shop, and free laundry facilities. Overnight security.

YMCA Hamilton Youth in Transition Housing Support Worker Program

YMCA of Hamilton Burlington and Brantford
365-889-6600 (phone or text), sarah.trimble@ymcahbb.ca
 
79 James St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z1, Canada

Providing support to 16 and 17-year-old youth seeking housing and/or housing maintenance; assistance to search for, view, apply, and retain housing. Support includes developing personal (life skills) and household management skills such as (but not limited to) budgeting, tenant skills, and connecting with additional community supports. 

Additional Program Supports include:

  • Financial Literacy
  • Identification replacement, including access to free Digital Wallet 
  • Education opportunities
  • Employment Readiness
  • Advocacy
  • Legal Services
  • Immigration
  • Health & Mental Health services
  • Housing 101 Workshop available upon request

YMCA Hamilton Youth in Transition Worker Program

YMCA of Hamilton Burlington and Brantford
289-925-4404 (phone or text), matthew.larabee@ymcahbb.ca
 
79 James St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z1, Canada

Program providing support for youth who have been involved with Family and Children Services. Helps youth to transition to a more independent lifestyle by developing and implementing a personal plan, and providing help navigating adult service systems and connecting with community supports and resources.

Offers the following types of support:

  • emotional
  • housing
  • educational
  • employment
  • health
  • legal