Homelessness Resources

Everyone deserves safe, dignified, and affordable housing. If you see someone in Oakville who may be experiencing homelessness, here’s how you can help.

Help someone experiencing homelessness

Halton Region provides emergency shelter, housing supports, and outreach services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Support is always available to those willing to accept it.

If you notice someone sleeping outdoors or in need of assistance:

Halton Region’s Street Outreach Team will be notified to provide follow-up and connect the individual to services such as:

  • Emergency shelter and housing supports
  • Accessible accommodations
  • Assistance in securing more permanent housing
Icon of a person wearing a headset microphone

Mental health crisis support

If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) at 1-877-825-9011 (available 24/7). 

If the situation is life-threatening, call 911.

Halton Housing Supports and Services

Find resources and information about homelessness, and housing needs in our community. 

Go to Halton Region's Housing Supports and Services page

Women, couples and families with children (under 17)

  • Call 311 or 365-292-3554
  • Support available 24/7 in Burlington

Men

  • Call 311 or 905-339-2918
  • Support available 24/7 in Oakville

Youth (ages 16–24)

Bridging the Gap provides support for youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

  • Call 905-635-0663 or toll-free 1-877-425-8661
  • Visit the Bridging the Gap Halton website
  • Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Individuals with Pets

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society offers temporary boarding and foster care for pets of individuals in transition or experiencing homelessness. 

  • Call 905-845-1551

Halton Region cannot compel individuals to accept shelter. Outreach workers continue to check in, offer support, and assist with housing plans.

For immediate support:

Encampments are places where individuals seek refuge, often due to challenges such as income insecurity, lack of housing, mental health concerns, or addiction.

Examples of outdoor encampments

  • Tents or tarps in parks or open spaces
  • Sidewalks, alleyways, bus stops, or transit shelters
  • Under bridges or overpasses
  • Bus stops or transit shelters

Examples of indoor encampments

  • Vacant or abandoned buildings
  • Stairwells, parking garages, or lobbies
  • Outdoor washrooms

The Town of Oakville works with Halton Region, Halton Housing Help, and Halton Regional Police Service to respond in a respectful, coordinated way. Housing support is always offered first. Public safety remains a top priority.

Encampments on private property

  • Property owners are responsible for addressing unauthorized encampments.
  • Halton Regional Police can advise on next steps.
  • Town staff may assist with property standards, safety checks, and clean-up if needed.

Quick Contacts

Street Outreach Team (non-emergency)

Shelter services

  • Women, couples, families: 311 or 365-292-3554 (24/7)
  • Men: 311 or 905-339-2918 (24/7)
  • Youth: (16–24): 905-635-0663 | 1-877-425-8661
  • Pets: 905-845-1551

Encampments and reporting

  • Halton Region: 311 | accesshalton@halton.ca
  • Halton Regional Police (non-emergency): 905-825-4777
  • Emergencies: 911

Mental Health Crisis

  • COAST: 1-877-825-9011 (24/7)
  • Emergencies: 911

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