Shelter and Hope: Free Housing, Food & Support for Immigrants in Canada (2025 Guide)
Discover Canada's most trusted organizations offering free housing, meals, and essential services to immigrants and refugees in 2025. A survival guide for newcomers.

Free Accommodation, Food & Support for Immigrants in Canada: 2025 Full Guide
Canada remains one of the most welcoming countries in the world for immigrants and refugees. But settling into a new life isnโt always easyโespecially when resources are scarce. Thatโs why a broad network of nonprofit organizations, community shelters, and government-funded initiatives are working to provide free housing, food, and basic needs to those starting anew in 2025.
๐ Emergency Shelters and Housing Services
1. Sojourn House โ Toronto, Ontario
- Services: Emergency shelter, three meals a day, transitional housing, health support, and community integration programs
- Who They Help: Government-assisted refugees, refugee claimants
- Contact: 101 Ontario St, Toronto, ON M5A 2V2 โ Phone: +1 416-864-0515 โ Website: sojournhouse.org
2. Romero House โ Toronto, Ontario
- Services: Family-style housing, food, refugee legal aid support
- Who They Help: Refugee families and single mothers
- Contact: 1558 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1A4 โ Phone: +1 416-763-1303 โ Website: romerohouse.org
3. Maison d'Hรฉbergement La Dauphinelle โ Montrรฉal, Quebec
- Services: Shelter for women and children, free meals, safety counseling, childcare
- Who They Help: Immigrant women escaping violence or abuse
- Contact: Confidential โ Phone: +1 514-276-4293 โ Website: dauphinelle.org
๐ฝ๏ธ Free Meal Programs and Community Kitchens
4. The 519 Community Centre โ Toronto, Ontario
- Services: Community meals, food bank, LGBTQ+ immigrant support
- Contact: 519 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C9 โ Phone: +1 416-392-6874 โ Website: the519.org
5. Welcome Place โ Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Services: Short-term housing, food support, integration services
- Contact: 521 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3A 0E4 โ Phone: +1 204-977-1000 โ Website: ircom.ca
๐งญ Faith-Based and Local Initiatives
6. Matthew House โ Ottawa & Toronto
- Services: Resettlement homes, hospitality houses, furniture bank
- Who They Help: Refugee claimants awaiting status determination
- Website: matthewhouseottawa.org and matthewhouse.ca
๐ผ Government Programs and City Assistance
7. Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)
- Services: Temporary housing, income support, orientation to Canada
- Run By: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Website: canada.ca
8. City of Vancouver โ Immigrant Services
- Services: Shelter coordination, food access programs, employment aid
- Contact: 453 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC โ Phone: 3-1-1 โ Website: vancouver.ca
๐ Final Words
Starting a new life in Canada doesnโt have to mean starting from nothing. These shelters, organizations, and public programs are proof that compassion is built into the Canadian system. For many newcomers, itโs the difference between despair and hope. Whether youโre in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, or Winnipeg โ help is within reach.
Always verify with the organizations listed above for the most current eligibility requirements and services offered in 2025.