Eviction Prevention in the Community (EPIC)

Eviction Prevention in the Community (EPIC) is a referral-based City program that provides eviction prevention case management services to low-income households facing imminent risk of eviction.  

Services are delivered through a network of community agencies and City staff, and offer timely, individualized supports focused on preventing eviction and connecting households with necessary resources that will help them remain stably housed over the long term.   

EPIC is one of several programs that reflects the City’s commitment to preserve affordable housing stock, and to strength housing stability and tenancy retention. Find more information about programs and services that support renters:  

      EPIC Program Services

      • On-site, personalized case management.
      • Help building a plan of urgent actions to prevent eviction.
      • Assistance with applications for financial supports that could help prevent eviction and sustain housing.
      • Assistance navigating social and community resources, including housing, legal, health, and financial services.
      • Help planning for long-term housing stability, which could include applying for rent-geared-to-income housing or other benefits, and referrals to community services. 

      Accessing EPIC Services

      EPIC is a referral-based program. Community organizations working with vulnerable tenants can refer households that could benefit from the kind of intensive, personalized support provided by the EPIC program. Organizations that can provide referrals are located across Toronto to ensure geographic coverage and multiple access points into the program. 

      Some referral sources include:  

      1. The City’s Toronto Shelter Support Services division and the Housing Secretariat
      2. Community legal clinics (e.g. Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario)
      3. Income and financial support programs (e.g. Toronto Rent Bank)
      4. Community service agencies (e.g. The Housing Help Centre)
      5. Private-market landlords and property management companies 

      Referral partners will conduct an initial pre-screening interview with households and share relevant details with EPIC. An assessment call with an EPIC case worker follows, which evaluates the household’s eligibility for the program. New service requests are triaged and prioritized for assessment based on the date received, the stage of eviction, and any potential risk or disadvantage that will impact the eviction prevention process.  

      Responding in Emergencies

      The City helps residents displaced by local emergencies, such as fire, flood, or structural damage through its Emergency Social Services (ESS) program, coordinated by Toronto Emergency Management (TEM).  

      ESS helps meet immediate, short-term needs, offering temporary accommodation, food, clothing, transportation, and essential supplies. These services are coordinated by working closely with emergency services, the Canadian Red Cross, and other City divisions. These supports are also made available when a property is ordered closed because it’s deemed unsafe and uninhabitable.  

      When a household is expected to require temporary accommodation for more than 14 days, TEM may refer them to the EPIC program. By working closely with TEM, the Canadian Red Cross, and community partners, EPIC helps households navigate their complex housing challenges and chart a transition from temporary supports to a return to their original housing, or to secure interim or new housing.  

      If you need emergency shelter or non-emergency housing support, please call 3-1-1.