While the City has significantly expanded affordable housing options in the last two years, the municipality has also recognized the continued need for a dedicated winter shelter plan so the City has secured additional accommodations from December 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025.
These spaces will provide crucial support to families with children, couples, and other households who may be unable to access existing emergency shelters, including Rosewood House, SOAR Community Services’ Cornerstone House, Nova Vita Women’s Shelter, and the Salvation Army Booth Centre.
Accessing Emergency Shelter Services
To further enhance the availability of emergency shelter spaces in Brantford and the County of Brant, City staff have been directed to explore the feasibility of establishing an emergency shelter within the County of Brant. While all current emergency sheltering locations are situated in Brantford, residents of the County are supported through the City’s role as the municipal service manager for social services. Recognizing the increasing demand for emergency sheltering, Mayor Kevin Davis has prioritized this initiative to better serve residents experiencing homelessness.
Citizens experiencing homelessness should connect with SOAR Community Services Emergency Shelter Intake for support. SOAR is the first point of contact for diversion to safe, appropriate temporary accommodation or for placement within the emergency sheltering system. Intake services to the emergency sheltering system are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If you, or someone you know, does not have anywhere to stay and are in immediate need of shelter, please call the Emergency Sheltering Intake Line at 1-888-621-0034 or email housing@soarcs.com. For people without access to telephone or email, SOAR Community Services offers in-person support for people needing emergency sheltering. In-person services can be received at the Housing Resource Centre at 73 Murray St. from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight) and at 331 Dalhousie Street, Brantford from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Visit www.Brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters to learn more and to find information about other community supports for those experiencing homelessness, including ID Clinics, health and well-being services and housing supports.
