Toronto Shelter Standards

Toronto Shelter and Support Services is committed to working collaboratively with staff and partners to identify and take advantage of opportunities for improvement on an ongoing basis.

Updates or clarification to the Toronto Shelter Standards (TSS) are released through Directives that shelter providers are required to follow.

Recent Updates to Toronto Shelter Standards

Central Intake as the primary access point for admission to Toronto’s shelter system

To support a consistent, equitable, and coordinated approach to shelter access, occupancy management, and client placement across the system, TSSS has issued Directive 2026-02, establishing Central Intake as the primary access point for admission to the shelter system.

All shelter providers are required to direct and support individuals and families seeking access to a bedded program/resting space to contact Central Intake for assessment and placement. Establishing Central Intake as the primary access point helps ensure individuals and families are connected to the most appropriate programs based on their needs, eligibility, and available space.

Further details on the standards can be found in the Q&A document.

Integrating all TSSS Directives issued since 2023 into updated version of the Toronto Shelter Standards

The Toronto Shelter Standards have been revised to include all updates to standards previously shared through TSSS Directives from 2023 onwards. This includes updates made to shelter standards to Confront Anti-Black Racism and better support 2SLGBTQ+ clients. The revised version also includes minor revisions that support housing outcomes and improved service delivery.

The following Directives have now been incorporated in the TSS:

Directive 2026-02: Amendments to Toronto Shelter Standards and 24-Hour Respite Site Standards requiring Central Intake for shelter assessment and placement (October 2026)

Directive 2026-01: Amendments to Toronto Shelter Standards and 24-Hour Respite Site Standards Related to Compliments, Complaints and Appeals (March 23, 2026)

Directive 2025-03: Amendments to Toronto Shelter Standards to Strengthen Client-Centered Service Delivery, Enhance Privacy and Dignity, and Improve Culturally Responsive Supports for Indigenous Clients (December 16, 2025)

Directive 2025-02: Amendments to Toronto Shelter Standards to Better Support Clients Who Identify as 2SLGBTQ+ (December 16, 2025)

Directive 2025-01: Amendments to Toronto Shelter Standards and 24-hour Respite Site Standards on Service Restrictions (March 10, 2025)

Directive 2024-01: Amendments to Toronto Shelter Standards and 24-hour Respite Site Standards to Support Implementation and Rollout of the Behavioural Risk Alert Safety System, BRASS (May 6, 2024)

Directive 2023-02: Updates to Toronto Shelter Standards Related to Complaints and Service Restrictions (December 18, 2023)

Directive 2023-03: New Toronto Shelter Standards on Confronting Anti-Black Racism (December 18, 2023) 

Incorporating changes to shelter standards previously communicated through TSSS Directives ensures that expectations regarding service delivery are available in a single comprehensive and accessible resource.

Current year TSSS Directives will remain publicly accessible on the Funding Submissions, Directives and Bulletins webpage until March 2027.

Toronto Shelter Standards

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Date modified: October 9, 2026