How We Help

At Southridge Shelter, we go beyond providing a safe place to stay—we offer comprehensive support that empowers individuals to move from homelessness to stability. Through a combination of outreach services, emergency shelter, housing programs, and community engagement, we provide holistic care designed to meet each person’s unique needs. Our goal is to not only address the immediate challenges of homelessness but to foster lasting change by building meaningful connections and helping people find a sense of purpose and belonging.

Outreach

Our outreach work is completed in partnership with Gateway and the RAFT, and funded by the Region of Niagara.

Niagara Assertive Street Outreach exists to provide housing focused supports to individuals experiencing absolute homelessness, which might be people living in their vehicles, in encampments or on the street.

Activities of our NASO team include:

  • Engaging with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness to minimize the harmful
    effects and to support their move inside.
  • Helping individuals work towards long-term housing solutions
  • Working to assess needs and identify appropriate housing resources
  • Working with government (such as Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program) and non-profit organizations (such as shelters) to support those who may be reluctant to use traditional services

We also operate the regional After Hours Shelter Placement Line. This phone line operates 7 days/week from 4:30pm-11pm and works to facilitate placement into shelter for anyone calling in through the line.

Everyone needs a home, a purpose and a friend.

It’s not just the accumulation of circumstances but a lack of healthy community. We address these challenges with a holistic approach.

Emergency Shelter

Our emergency shelter provides more than just a place to stay for someone experiencing homelessness. We offer a broad spectrum of services including progress-oriented housing support and on-site health programs. All of our programs are geared to helping people move on to their housing options. As a housing-focused shelter, we work with individuals to make their stay with us as brief and non-reoccurring as possible.

Our shelter works from a person-centred, trauma-informed approach. Our services include:

  • 55 shelter beds (44 for men, 11 for women)
  • Supervised overnight sleeping accommodation
  • 3 meals daily on-site; bagged lunches for individuals working during the day
  • Hygiene supplies and showers and laundry
  • Supervised common room during the day and evening.
  • Mail, fax, telephone use for current and former residents
  • Support through on-site services including REACH Health Clinic, OW, ATTCH Niagara, Hepatitis C Clinic, Peer Support and more.

We’re always open! Eligibility for our shelter is adults (18+) who want support in their housing goals. No referrals are required. All residents are required to complete Diversion work prior to completing intake and can be accessed by calling our 24/7 phone line – 905-682-2477.

Get Help: If you need assistance, please call us at 905-682-2477. Our phones are monitored 24/7.

Housing Programs

Housing First:

In partnership with Gateway, we offer Housing First and Home for Good programming to clients across the Niagara Region. The basic underlying principle of Housing First is that people are better able to move forward with their lives if they are first housed. This is as true for people experiencing homelessness and those with mental health and addictions issues as it is for anyone. Housing is provided first and then supports are provided including physical and mental health, education, employment, substance abuse and community connections.

Our program focuses on moving individuals experiencing chronic homelessness into independent and permanent housing. Using a strengths-based approach, individuals work with their Intensive Case Manager weekly on:

  • Proactive goal setting
  • System navigation and connection to services
  • Peer Support to engage in opportunities for health social connections

Entry into Housing First as a program is through a Coordinated Access approach to the By-Name Data.

Community Life

We believe that it takes more than the support of a social service to break the cycle of homelessness. It takes a community of people working together in authentic friendship to complement this excellence in service. There is no greater contribution you can make to another person’s journey than an ongoing, consistent positive relationship of respect and kindness. By connecting at the Southridge Shelter, you can play a role in offering these essential supports; there’s a place for you here!

Our community is made up of current residents, former residents, volunteers and staff who are all pursuing positive life change through the power of relationships. We weren’t meant to face the ups and downs of life alone; and we don’t have to. There are opportunities to get involved through our programs, Norm’s Place, community events or in a variety of volunteer roles.