When someone finds themselves without a place to call home in London, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. Recent discussions among locals have highlighted the various resources available throughout the city, painting a picture of a community that’s working to support its most vulnerable members.
Whether you’re looking to help a friend or understand what’s available in your neighbourhood, here’s what London has to offer for those experiencing homelessness.
Free Shower Facilities
The Unity Project operates a facility at the corner of Queens and Adelaide (northwest corner) that provides free showers to anyone who needs them. This resource has become particularly valuable for those who don’t have access to basic hygiene facilities.
The staff at this location are well-versed in supporting the unhoused population and can connect people with additional services and referrals. It’s become a crucial first stop for many who are new to the city or finding themselves without shelter.
For those willing to pay, the Flying J truck stop also offers shower facilities, though the exact cost varies.
Primary Homelessness Support Organizations
London’s homelessness support network centres around several key organizations. Ark Aid Mission, located at 696 Dundas, serves as one of the primary resources and can be reached at (519) 667-0322. They offer various services including the aforementioned free showers.
The Men’s Mission, Salvation Army, and London Cares round out the main homelessness resources in the city. Each organization provides different types of support, from emergency shelter to longer-term assistance programs.
Financial Assistance and Income Support
For those who need immediate financial assistance, the City’s Ontario Works office provides a starting point. The application process can be begun online at ontario.ca/SocialAssistance, or people can visit the local office directly.
Getting connected with Ontario Works can provide some income support while individuals work toward more permanent solutions. The process typically involves an assessment of needs and eligibility requirements.
Employment and Training Support
Several organizations in London focus specifically on helping people find work and develop job skills. Goodwill, Leads, WILL Employment Solutions, and ATN all offer employment support services.
These programs can be particularly valuable for those who need to rebuild their employment history or develop new skills to re-enter the workforce. Many offer training programs alongside job placement assistance.
Essential Documentation Help
One of the biggest barriers many people face is replacing lost identification documents. The InterCommunity Health Centre at their 659 Dundas location helps people access replacement ID documents, including birth certificates and health cards.
This service operates during specific hours and can be crucial for those who need identification to access other services or employment opportunities.
Coordinated Access for Housing
London’s Coordinated Access system manages the city’s approach to housing support, though it comes with some important caveats. The program maintains a prioritized waiting list, but new residents typically need to be in London for about six months before becoming eligible for rent subsidies.
The system can be reached through the city’s website, though callers should expect lengthy wait times of around thirty minutes when contacting the service. For those who have recently moved to London from other cities, transportation back to their previous location is sometimes suggested as the most viable option.
Temporary Accommodation Options
For those who need immediate shelter, the most affordable hotel options in the city include Motel 6 and Days Inn, though rates can still be steep for those without steady income. Budget accommodations typically run around $90 per night, making them challenging for extended stays.
During the summer months, some students leave town, creating opportunities for short-term sublet arrangements that might offer more affordable temporary housing solutions.
Comprehensive Resource Guide
The city maintains a comprehensive resource guide called “Help Yourself Through Hard Times” that’s updated annually. The 2025 edition provides detailed information about various support services available throughout London.
This guide serves as a roadmap for navigating the various programs and services available, though having someone familiar with the system can make the process much more manageable.