Housing after leaving
Finding a place to live is often the most urgent practical challenge after leaving. There are more options than most people know about — from emergency shelter the same night to longer-term subsidized housing.
What to know first
- Emergency shelters and transition houses can take you in tonight, with children, with pets (many now have pet-friendly options), and without an appointment. You do not need to have left permanently to go.
- Second-stage housing offers longer-term, affordable, supported housing for women after the immediate crisis. Stays of 6 months to 2 years are common.
- Apply for subsidized housing through your province as soon as possible. Waitlists can be long, so the earlier you apply the better.
- Provincial housing benefits and rent supplements may be available immediately, especially if you are on social assistance.
- In most provinces, landlords cannot legally refuse to rent to you because you receive social assistance.
- If your name is on a joint lease, a lawyer or tenant advocacy organization can help you understand your options for either staying or leaving safely.
Canadian resources
Women's Shelters Canada — Shelter finder
endvaw.ca
211 Canada
Search shelters, second-stage housing, and rent assistance
211.ca
Canada Housing Benefit
www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/housing.html
BC Housing
www.bchousing.org
Ontario Housing
www.ontario.ca/page/housing
CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Tenant rights
Search '[your province] tenant rights' for information about your lease