Location: 545 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Client group: All gender
Capacity: Up to 150
Opened: April 2019
Service operator: Homes First
The City has leased the property at 545 Lake Shore Blvd. W. since 2018 to provide additional shelter capacity during periods of high demand.
Shelter demand has been stabilizing since the fall of 2024, thanks to a lower number of refugees entering the shelter system and work to successfully move people from the shelter system into permanent housing.
The City is working to gradually transition out of more costly, temporary shelters and into purpose-built shelters that are smaller, more cost effective, reliable and responsive to client needs.
For these reasons, the City will not be extending the lease at 545 Lake Shore Blvd. W. when it expires on September 30, 2026. The site will close to new admissions on May 1.
The shelter provides temporary accommodation and housing supports to single men, women and couples and is pet friendly. During the day, residents receive services from case managers and housing workers tailored to their specific needs. They also receive increased access to harm reduction, physical and mental health care services, thanks to a collaboration between the City and the Local Health Integration Network.
The shelter also provides community engagement opportunities, recreational programming, life skills development, as well as peer-support programs.
The City and the operator of the site, Homes First, are committed to working with existing clients to move as many people as possible into permanent housing. Staff will be supporting residents to develop permanent housing plans, collect the relevant documentation needed to move into housing (e.g. identification, proof of income, etc.) and to fill out housing applications.
For individuals not transitioning to housing, relocation plans will be developed to ensure residents move to appropriate shelter programs and have continuity in receiving supports.
The shelter has a Community Liaison Committee (CLC) that meets semi-regularly to address questions, share information, and discuss and collectively problem solve community concerns. CLC’s are made up of representatives from the community, such as condo boards, residence associations, businesses and/or local community organizations.
The site also includes a Neighbourhood Response Team and other partners that work collaboratively to build positive connections with clients outside of the shelter and help keep the surrounding neighbourhood clean through the safe collection of discarded paraphernalia.
For questions about the Community Liaison Committee, including how to get involved, or the shelter service at 545 Lake Shore Blvd. W., please email community.relations@homesfirst.on.ca.
General inquiries about homelessness services can be directed to Homeless.Support@toronto.ca