Housing Access and Supports Services and Homelessness Prevention

At ACSA, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and households facing housing challenges and homelessness. Our programs are designed to address the diverse needs of our community, helping them achieve stable housing and improved well-being.

By providing essential services, resources, and support, we empower individuals and households to overcome barriers, maintain housing stability, and improve their overall well-being. Our work benefits not only the individuals directly served but also our entire community, as stable housing and supportive services contribute to safer neighborhoods, stronger families, and a more inclusive society. This is why our commitment to addressing housing challenges and homelessness needs to continue, as it is an ongoing necessity for the well-being and success of our community as a whole.

Housing Access and Support

At ACSA, we believe that safe and stable housing is a fundamental right for all. Through our Housing Access and Support programs, we empower individuals and households to secure housing that meets their needs, ensuring they have a place to call home

We provide aid through these programs:

  • Housing Hub Program: The Housing Hub program focuses on providing individuals and households with access to safe and stable housing. Our dedicated team works closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, guiding them through the housing search process. We provide personalized support, connecting clients with available housing options, assisting with applications, and offering ongoing support to ensure housing stability.

  • Homelessness Prevention Services: Our Homelessness Prevention Services department offers holistic and client-centered case management to individuals and households at risk of homelessness. We provide support in stabilizing housing situations, addressing underlying issues, and accessing necessary resources. Our goal is to foster greater independence and sustained long-term housing stability.

  • Housing Focused Client Supports (Follow-Up) Program: ACSA’s follow-up supports program helps individuals and households exiting homelessness to work towards continued housing stability. The team provides in-person supports to meet the unique strengths and needs of each household while assisting their transition from shelter or outdoors into permanent, safe housing. Follow-up supports help people connect to their community and provide linkages to ongoing services, supports and resources that help ensure successful housing outcomes. Services are provided with a Housing First approach.

“I think ACSA provides almost everything, especially to those with bad drugs issues, they don’t have much family and friends and ACSA supports them. You’re also a huge help for people with mental health issues”
— Scottie, Program Participant

17 people

In 2022, the Street Outreach team housed a total of 17 clients.

360 calls

The team responded to a total of 360 concerned citizen calls

110 sheltered

We secured emergency shelter/hotel spaces for 110 people experiencing homelessness in Scarborough and North York

Eviction Prevention

We understand the devastating impact of evictions and the importance of maintaining housing stability. Through our Eviction Prevention and Financial Support programs, we provide crucial assistance to individuals and households at risk, preventing homelessness and fostering a sense of security and stability.

  • EPIC (Eviction Prevention in Community) Program: The EPIC program supports tenants at risk of homelessness by providing immediate, short-term supports to sustain tenancies. Our team works directly with housing providers and other service providers that may be engaged with the tenant, such as the Landlord and Tenant Board and income maintenance programs to provide advocacy, negotiate payment plans, and prevent evictions. Our team offers financial counseling, budgeting assistance and referrals to appropriate community supports. Services are provided with a Housing First approach.

  • Voluntary Trusteeship Program: The Voluntary Trusteeship program supports individuals and households at risk of homelessness by stabilizing their housing situations. We work collaboratively with clients to develop customized financial plans, ensuring bills and rent are paid on time. By maximizing client resources and fostering long-term financial stability, we aim to prevent evictions and promote housing stability.

153 clients

From October 2022 to March 2023, we supported 153 people with Eviction Prevention services.

Emergency funds

From Apr-Sept 2022, 72 clients were provided with Eviction Prevention services; 66 clients received Emergency funding; 18 clients received Housing Subsidies; 25 clients were provided with basic needs.

20 clients

20 clients were provided with trusteeship and basic needs services

Harm Reduction

At ACSA, we prioritize harm reduction and support services to address the complex challenges of homelessness and substance use. Our programs provide a compassionate and comprehensive approach, promoting health, reducing harm, and supporting individuals on their journey toward recovery and independence.

  • Harm Reduction Services: Our Harm Reduction program (The Fix services) supports people who use drugs through our various locations and programs. Alongside the provision of safer drug-use supplies, we offer harm reduction education, addiction counselling, and referrals to other supports and services. Our aim is to improve the health and wellness of people who use drugs through connections to supplies and services.

  • Street Outreach Program: Our Street Outreach team works directly with individuals living in encampments, under bridges, or on the streets. We provide essential services, support, and resources to meet immediate needs and connect individuals to housing and support programs. Our goal is to reduce homelessness, improve lives, and have a positive impact on the community.

“This place provides a lot of different things and has educated me (I didn’t know that there were safe drug kits till coming here). Places like this are not advertised as much as they should be. When I was younger I went downtown for services, but I didn’t know about services in Scarborough”

Health and Well-being

The well-being of our community is at the forefront of all our programs. Through our Health and Well-being initiatives, we provide essential medical services, access to nutritious meals, personal care facilities, and engaging programming. We believe that by addressing health needs, we empower individuals to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

  • Medical Services: ACSA offers on-site medical services, ensuring that clients have access to essential healthcare. Our clients can benefit from the expertise of a primary doctor and a nurse practitioner, who provide comprehensive medical care. Additionally, we provide foot-care clinic appointments, helping individuals maintain their foot health. These services are available in-person, allowing clients to receive necessary medical attention in a convenient and comfortable environment.

  • Supportive Services: In addition to medical services, ACSA provides a range of supportive services that contribute to overall health and well-being. Clients have the opportunity to enjoy nutritious meals in our drop-in dining area, ensuring they receive proper nutrition. Our facilities also offer access to laundry and shower facilities, promoting personal hygiene and overall cleanliness. Moreover, we provide in-person programming, offering engaging activities such as art classes and support to enhance social connections and mental well-being.

“On physically seeing 'The HUB' on Kennedy Rd, I decided to walk in asking for help with housing which was my most desperate priority need. Having applied to many low-cost housing possibilities including approximately 50 on Kijiji without success, I was at my wit’s end. Then I met the ACSA Housing Worker, Shazia! I know there are lots of programs at ACSA but housing, given my medical condition, was my most desperate need. How does ACSA’s work matter? I am an example! My friend's sincere observation was that ‘had I not gotten housing help given my medical condition, I would not have survived”.