Homelessness
Homelessness is a deeply complex issue that demands a coordinated, community-wide response. Lasting solutions can only be found when diverse sectors—funders, service providers, healthcare workers, community groups, and organizations—collaborate closely.
At the heart of these efforts are the voices of those with lived and living experience, whose insights are essential in shaping strategies, policies, and actions that reflect dignity, hope and a sense of belonging.
How we help
The goal is to work with agencies and programs from all sectors to collectively focus on prevention, providing timely intervention and building a network of resources.
Homelessness supports have been categorized into four sections: Prevention Programs, Shelter Supports, Housing with Supports and Supports for Unsheltered or Precariously Housed individuals. For a full list of programs please visit funded agencies.
Prevention Programs
Include programs that offers legal assistance to low-income renters facing eviction, and Family Mediation supports to help prevent young people from facing homelessness as a result of family disputes.
Shelter Supports
Low-barrier overnight beds and day programs at various locations and weekend drop-in services.
Emergency shelter, and supportive programming programs for families and safe spaces with assistance and programs for women and children leaving abusive situations. Emergency Shelter programs also provide overnight accommodation for youth ages 16-24 and to individuals over 25 years of age who are experiencing homelessness.
Housing With Supports
Specialized Transitional Housing programs serving single women ages 16-75, youth, women and children leaving shelters, families and individuals. providing daily supports and case management planning. Transitional Housing units also work to provide residents with life-skills training to inspire permanent housing, life-management, and positive community involvement.
Supports for Individuals who are unsheltered or precariously housed
Youth, Indigenous and Community Outreach Case Management programs provide intensive case management support and connect individuals to agency and community supports.
The Integrated Care Hub provides a low-barrier drop-in centre for individuals, many of whom are experiencing homelessness, providing access to basic needs such as meals and a rest zone, connections to housing and other community supports.
Portable Outreach Care Hub (PORCH) offers mobile health and social service supports for individuals who are vulnerable and the Women Reintegration After Prison (WRAP) program serves self-identifying women in conflict with the law.
people experience homelessness on any single night across Canada
is the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kingston, up from $1,596
increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Kingston between 2024 and 2025, according to 2025 Point in Time (PIT) Count data
"I was going through a hard time with mental health and addiction. I lost my home, my family and everything. I became hopeless and did not know what to do. I reached out to housing and peer support from Elizabeth Fry. I was relieved to get immediate guidance from the workers there. They helped me through the addiction, mental health and obtaining my housing back. I am grateful for this as I have my family back together again and even found work after being settled into my home again. They were there for me when everyone else failed me. They are a big part of my recovery and success."
Reports & Resources
Your Impact
In 2025:
- 106,043 instances of homelessness related services were provided including shelter stays, meals served, referrals to housing and community supports
- 381 children and youth accessed housing supports, counselling, including family mediation and shelter spaces
- 329 households at risk of eviction received supports and legal aid to remain housed.
- 238 individuals experiencing homelessness received support through transitional or supportive housing programs
