Other forms of housing

There are other forms of housing in Canada if you’re a senior or student, or if you have a low income.

On this page

• Community housing
• Emergency housing
• Co-op housing
• Post-secondary student housing
• Senior housing

Community housing

If you have a low income that makes it hard to afford a home, you may qualify for community housing. This housing is subsidized by the government to help some low-income people access affordable housing.

As a new immigrant or refugee, you can add your name to a waiting list for subsidized housing. People on the list are offered housing, once it becomes available, in the order they appear on the list. You can’t add your name to the waiting list before you arrive in Canada.

If you have a low income when you arrive in Canada, ask a newcomer services provider in your city or town about local, provincial or territorial subsidized housing.

Emergency housing

For people experiencing homelessness or fleeing gender-based violence, services such as emergency shelters and women’s shelters can help in the short term, providing access to basic needs such as food and showers.

These shelters can be helpful if you

• get evicted from your home
• are without a place to sleep
• are at risk of being abused if you stay in your home

Staff and volunteers at shelters can help you get

• support and information
• legal advice
• financial help
• a new place to live

In case you didn’t have time to pack, shelters may also have

• food
• clothing
• diapers
• toys

If you’re being abused, the shelter staff will not contact the person who abused you or tell them where you are.

You can also call a shelter for advice without telling them your name. Some staff members speak different languages or have an interpreter to help translate.

If you’re in an emergency situation, call 911 (in Canada) for help. If you’re outside the 911 service area, contact other available emergency services. If you’re experiencing or are at risk of abuse or violence

• call a local crisis line
• get a list of provincial and territorial resources on gender-based violence

Co-op housing

A co-op is a group of apartments or houses that

• often has lower than average rent costs
• expects you to help manage and maintain the co-op by paying monthly fees
• is owned and managed by the members who live in the co-op

Post-secondary student housing

Most universities and colleges can provide information about on-campus and off-campus housing. Contact the housing department of the university or college you plan to attend.

Housing for seniors

Assisted housing options for seniors in Canada include government-funded and private residences for seniors.

Learn more about housing options for seniors.