Transition plan for the now closed shelter at 545 Lake Shore
- BQNA
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
From Ryan Evershed, Assistant Director of Community Engagement & Client Programming, Homes First
The 545 Lake Shore Blvd. W. Shelter is now closed to clients. The site will be returned to the Landlord on September 30, 2026. As part of the transition plan, there will be outreach services available as outlined below.
Safe House Community Services
Starting Sept 1, 2026, two Neighbourhood Response Team (NRT) members will be deployed on each shift, providing coverage from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with overlapping coverage from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hours of operation will be 7 days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Primary areas of focus are the Waterfront Elementary School, St. Stephen’s Childcare, Little Norway Park, and the surrounding residential properties.
Safe House will be operational Sept. 1, 2026-Oct. 31, 2026
For questions or concerns, please Call 416-823-9210 and leave a message. A Safe House staff member will return your call as soon as possible.
The NRT operates 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm and focuses on community engagement and outreach. Please note: Calls that fall outside the scope of Safe House Services will be redirected to the appropriate community services.
Fresh Start
For concerns related to discarded harm reduction materials, please contact
Homeless.support@toronto.ca, who will coordinate with Fresh Start as appropriate follow-up and response.
Fresh Start removes sharps and other discarded harm reduction materials safely around the perimeter of identified sites as well as the in the "hot spots". Fresh Start operates 7 Days a week. As part of the transition following the closure of 545 Lakeshore Blvd. W., the Toronto Shelter & Support Services will continue to monitor the situation and community needs. Individuals who wish to provide feedback regarding Fresh Start services may email homeless.support@toronto.ca
Call 211 to be connected to TCCS
The service provides a non-police-led, community-based, client focused, and trauma-informed response to mental health crisis calls and wellness checks. A trauma informed approach promotes healing and recovery and takes into account a client’s life experiences.
Call 311 for City Services and Programs
The 311 Contact Centre operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Examples of City service requests to 311 include noise and property complaints, animal complaints, waste collection, road, sewer maintenance and tree requests. If you need emergency shelter, call 311 or Central Intake at 416-338-4766 for assistance. If you see someone living outdoors who needs support call 311.
Call Non-emergency Toronto Police assistance 416-808-2222
For incidents that require police attention but do not present an immediate risk to public safety, contact the Toronto Police Service Non-Emergency Line Filing a Report Online: Online Reporting- Toronto Police Services This system allows you to submit an official police report online for various Non-emergency complaints.
Call 911: Emergency: 911
If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, or an emergency requiring urgent police, fire, or paramedic response, call 911. This includes medical emergencies, fires, crimes in progress, overdoses, or situations where someone is in immediate danger
Read about a new supportive housing model – Dunn House
CBC News, The Canadian Press, October 3, 2025
"Toronto ER costs, visits by frequent patients reduced with new housing model. Local hospitals saved $1.66 million after 48 residents moved into Dunn House, says Dr. Andrew Boozary."
"Dunn House, a modular build, is part of the federal government's rapid housing initiative in partnership with the City of Toronto. The province helps with health funding through Inner City Health Associates, which provides nurses and doctors, while the United Way provides food."
"Frankly the biggest outcome is that 51 people are no longer homeless, they are actually in a housing that is permanent housing, that is well supported, has 24-hour access to support and food services and community supports," said Hambly, the CEO of the organization that helped build Dunn House."
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