For many survivors of domestic violence, emergency shelters are just the beginning of the journey toward safety and stability. Transitional housing programs in Ontario offer longer-term, supportive housing where women and children can recover, rebuild, and plan for the future.

This guide explains what transitional housing is, who qualifies, and how to apply.

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Transitional housing provides safe, temporary housing—usually for 6 months to 2 years—to survivors of abuse. These programs bridge the gap between emergency shelter and permanent housing.

Key features include:

• Longer stays than emergency shelters

• Private or semi-private units (individual apartments or shared spaces)

• On-site or remote support services

• Rent geared to income or subsidized

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These programs are for:

• Women (and their children) who have left an abusive relationship

• Survivors who have completed a shelter stay or are ready to live more independently

• Women needing more time to find permanent housing or employment

• Survivors with immigration, legal, or custody challenges

Transitional housing is often step two after an emergency shelter stay.

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Most transitional housing programs in Ontario offer:

• Individual case management and safety planning

• Counseling and trauma recovery sessions

• Life skills workshops, including budgeting, parenting, and employment readiness

• Legal support, such as help with custody, restraining orders, or immigration

• Childcare support or programming for children

• Referrals to permanent housing and social services

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• Ask your emergency shelter to make a referral to a transitional program

• Call local women’s centres or housing support programs

• Contact 211 Ontario for program listings near you

• Prepare documents like ID, proof of income, and safety concerns (if available)

Programs may have waitlists. Apply early and ask about short-term options in the meantime.

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• Many programs offer rent-geared-to-income housing

• Some have fully subsidized units depending on funding

• Support services are typically free, but residents may pay a small portion of rent based on income

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• YWCA Toronto and Hamilton – Offers several programs for women and children fleeing abuse

• Interval House (Toronto) – Provides transitional housing with wraparound support

• Nellie’s – Offers a transitional program for women and trans survivors

• Maison Interlude House (Eastern Ontario) – Bilingual transitional housing and outreach

Each program has its own eligibility rules—call ahead or ask for a referral through a shelter or women’s centre.

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• ✅ Offers safe, affordable housing after emergency shelter stays

• ✅ Provides counseling, legal help, and life skills support

• ✅ Supports women and children for 6–24 months

• ✅ Accessible through referral or direct application

• ✅ A bridge between crisis and permanent independence

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• Assaulted Women’s Helpline – 1-866-863-0511

• 211 Ontario – Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca

• Women’s Shelters Canada – sheltersafe.ca

• Your local YWCA, Interval House, or women's support centre

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An emergency shelter provides immediate, short-term safety (usually for a few weeks). Transitional housing is a longer-term solution (months to years) that provides more independence while still offering crucial support services, helping survivors prepare for permanent housing.

Beyond a safe place to live, these programs offer comprehensive "wraparound" support. This often includes counselling, legal assistance, help with job searching and education, parenting support, and workshops on financial literacy.

The most common pathway is through a referral from an emergency shelter where you are staying. If you are not in a shelter, you can contact your local women's centre or housing support agency to ask about the application process for programs in your area.

Yes, unfortunately, the demand for transitional housing in Ontario is very high, and there are often long waitlists. It is important to apply as early as possible and to ask the program staff about any short-term support options that may be available while you wait.

It depends on the program. Many transitional housing programs offer rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units, where your rent is calculated as a percentage of your income. Some may be subsidized, offering rent at a rate below the market average.

Yes. Many organizations aim to provide culturally specific support. For example, some programs are specifically for Indigenous women or 2SLGBTQ+ survivors, ensuring the environment is not only safe but also affirming and understanding of their unique experiences.