Halton’s housing emergency may be less visible than in bigger cities, but the need is undeniable. A count found more than 340 of our neighbours in Halton without a home, and over 8,000 households are waiting for subsidized unit, on a wait list that is multiple years long. Recently, Halton News visited Wesley in Halton, where residents shared how factors such as rising rents, the sale of long-time rentals, health challenges pushed them into homelessness—and how Wesley helped them find hope again.
The deeply personal journeys of each Wesley client show us that homelessness takes many forms, for many different reasons. The more we can understand these reasons and how we can support our neighbours, the stronger we can make our communities for everyone.
Wesley’s first goal is simple: make sure no one in Halton is left outside. Once contact is made, staff focus on “flow”—moving people through the shelter system quickly so homelessness is brief, not chronic. To relieve pressure on the current housing units, four modular units are being added to the Burlington site, in partnership with Halton Region, to create extra space.
Wesley’s Housing Services in Halton are designed to do far more than keep someone dry for the night:
- Housing First – Helps chronically or episodically homeless residents secure permanent homes and stay housed through wrap‑around supports; referrals come through Halton’s Homelessness Response System.
- Emergency Supportive Housing Program – A housing‑focused shelter for families and women, pairing each guest with a case manager to speed the transition to stable housing; call 3‑1‑1 in Halton for referrals.
- Community Housing Support Worker Program – Works alongside local non‑profit and co‑op landlords to prevent evictions, connect tenants to services, and build capacity within housing providers.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re a landlord with a vacant unit, or someone ready to make a donation, Wesley turns community support into concrete results. Visit wesley.ca to explore the full list of services, success stories, and ways to get involved, or click below to donate today!
Together, we can make sure every person in Halton has a safe place to call home—and that hope, not homelessness, becomes the region’s new reality.
