The Hope Project

Ontario Works (OW) is a provincial assistance program that provides:

• Monthly cash — roughly $733/month for a single adult (2024 rates) for food and personal needs
• Shelter allowance — up to $390/month to help with rent or shelter costs
• Drug & dental coverage — through the Ontario Drug Benefit and Healthy Smiles programs
• Employment supports — resume writing, job training, bus passes, and more
• Transition Child Benefit — extra support if you have children

1. Apply online at Ontario.ca — the fastest way. Use a library computer if needed (see the "No Phone?" section below).
2. Call Toronto OW Intake at 416-392-1161 to start over the phone.
3. Walk in to any City of Toronto Ontario Works office with whatever ID you have. Workers are required to help you regardless.

After applying, you will be contacted within a few business days for a short interview (phone or in person). If you are in urgent need, say so — emergency assistance can sometimes be provided within 24–48 hours.

Bring what you have. You can apply with nothing at all.

• Photo ID (health card, driver's licence, passport) — if you have one
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) — if you know it
• Proof of address (shelter letter, care-of address, drop-in mail) — not required if unhoused
• Bank account info — or ask for a reloadable payment card instead
• Immigration documents — if applicable to your situation

Yes — you are allowed to apply without a fixed address. Here is what to do:

• Use a shelter address, a drop-in centre, or a friend's address as your mailing address
• Ask your OW worker for a Direct Deposit card so you do not need a bank account
• Many shelters and agencies will hold mail for you — ask the front desk
• Call 311 to be connected to a shelter that can provide a mailing address today

With an Ontario health card (OHIP), the following are completely free:

• Medical detox — supervised withdrawal in a safe environment with nursing support
• Residential (live-in) treatment — rehab beds from 21 days to 6 months depending on your needs
• Outpatient counselling — regular therapy while you live at a shelter or with family
• Methadone & Suboxone — opioid replacement therapy, covered by ODB
• Supportive housing — some programs provide housing during and after treatment

1. Call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600. Tell them what you are struggling with. They search every available bed in Ontario and connect you directly.
2. Visit a walk-in clinic or hospital ER. A doctor can write a referral for intensive inpatient programs. You cannot be turned away from an ER.
3. Go to a Community Health Centre (CHC). CHCs serve uninsured and unhoused people and can refer you without paperwork.
4. Ask your shelter worker. Many shelters have on-site addiction workers who can fast-track referrals and keep your spot in the shelter while you are in treatment.

That is okay. Every step matters. You can still protect yourself and get support right now:

• Free Naloxone kits — pick one up at any Ontario pharmacy with no questions asked. It can save your life or someone else's.
• Supervised consumption sites — use safely with medical staff present. Toronto has several open daily.
• Needle exchange programs — free at many Toronto Public Health locations
• Peer support groups — free AA, NA, and SMART Recovery meetings across the city every day