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Housing support for newcomers in Canada

Housing needs can range from urgent shelter to understanding leases, tenant rights, rent supports and neighbourhood navigation.

Canada

This guide does not replace legal, medical, or emergency advice. If you are in immediate danger, call local emergency services.

Overview

Help newcomers identify housing urgency and connect with appropriate supports.

Understand the urgency

Unsafe housing, homelessness, family violence or eviction deadlines are urgent. General housing search help is different from emergency shelter or legal tenant support.

  • Emergency shelter
  • Tenant rights information
  • Rent and affordability navigation
  • Settlement housing referrals

What to explain when asking for help

Tell the organization your city, family size, deadline, safety concerns, income situation and preferred language.

  • City and postal code
  • Family size
  • Eviction or safety deadline
  • Transportation and accessibility needs

Frequently asked questions

Is housing support the same as emergency shelter?

No. Emergency shelter is for immediate safety or homelessness; housing navigation may support longer-term stability.