Homelessness

Homelessness in Stratford, like many places, arises from a complexity of economic, social, and systemic factors. A critical issue is the lack of affordable housing, rising living costs, and stagnant wages, which are being experienced across many communities. Social issues such as family breakdowns, domestic violence, mental health challenges, and substance abuse further contribute to homelessness.

The City of Stratford and other community partners are working together to support unhoused individuals and end homelessness in the City of Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County. The Vision for our community is that everyone has the right to a home that is safe, suitable, and affordable, and to supports that help them keep their home.

City of Stratford Homelessness Response

The City of Stratford Social Services Department

The Social Services Outreach Worker Program works with community partners to support those who are experiencing homelessness, precariously housed, or facing potential eviction. This position is also part of a street outreach team that connects unsheltered individuals to appropriate services. Intensive Case Management Services are offered to individuals on the By-Name List who are experiencing homelessness, with support focused on the designated priority areas.

This department also oversees the Emergency Accommodation program.

If you are experiencing homelessness, or are concerned about a person or family in need of help please call

519-271-3773 ext. 200 (1-800-669-2948)

Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

519-272-2294 outside of regular business hours

Local Leads for Gender Based Violence Supports

Optimism Place provides comprehensive support to women and children affected by abuse, offering safe housing, legal advocacy, counselling, and specialized programs.

Emily Murphy Centre supports through the provision of services for women and children, providing second stage housing as a safe alternative to living with violence and allows women to work co-operatively toward independence and freedom

Local Lead for Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Shelterlink Youth Services supports youth experiencing homelessness, or at-risk of experiencing homelessness, through prevention, advocacy, shelter and community connection services.

Received an Eviction Notice?

Contact The Huron Perth Legal Clinic

The Huron Perth Legal Clinic may be able to provide free legal services for low income residents of Huron and Perth Counties regarding Housing Law, help you with a case before the Landlord and Tenant Board or direct you to appropriate services.

Apply for the Housing Stability Bank

This program offers one-time financial assistance to help households that are homeless or at risk of homelessness secure and maintain housing. Support may be available for rental or energy arrears, last month’s rent, tenant insurance, moving costs and furniture, and essential home repairs. Eligibility is based on household size and income, and most types of assistance are available once every 12 months. Moving costs and furniture are available once every 24 months. Income eligibility is based on household size, with annual income limits of $30,000 for a single person, $32,500 for two people, $38,000 for three people, and $42,500 for households of four or more.

Housing Stability Bank Application Form

Apply by completing the Application Form and submitting it to the Social Services Department. Ontario Works recipients should speak with their caseworker before applying.

Applications can be submitted in person at the City Hall Annex Building, 82 Erie Street, Stratford, by mail to 82 Erie Street, Stratford, ON N5A 2M4, or by email to socialsrv@stratford.ca.

Find Support

If you are worried about keeping your housing or struggling to meet other basic needs, support may be available.

Stratford's Community Resources

10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plans

The 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan is a long-term strategy that sets out how our community will respond to local housing needs and reduce homelessness over time. It identifies priorities, goals, and actions to improve access to affordable and appropriate housing, strengthen homelessness prevention and support services, and guide planning, partnerships, and investment across the housing system.

10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan 5 Year Update 2020-2024

Winter Response

The Winter Response Strategy addresses the needs of those experiencing homelessness during the winter months. The 2025-2026 Winter Season has a Warming Centre operated nightly from 7:00pm-7:00am at St. Paul's Anglican Church at 9 Douro St. operated by The Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth.

During extreme weather conditions, when the wind chill reaches -15°C, additional shelter options are available.

To discuss other options, please contact our City of Stratford Outreach Team at 519-271-3773 ext. 200 (1-800-669-2948) during business hours or 519-272-2294 outside of regular business hours.

Please check back for the most current Winter Response Strategy

Encampment Response

The City of Stratford is committed to offering support to those experiencing homelessness and will balance the needs, the protection of dignity, and right to privacy of the most vulnerable in the community while maintaining community safety, health, order, and safe and enjoyable parks, playgrounds, and green spaces for all residents.

If you would like to report concerns regarding an encampment site, please contact 519-271-3773 ext. 403