Community Resources
The following community agencies and resources offer their services free of charge, unless otherwise specified. Specialized resources located outside of the Niagara Region are also provided. Please note that there may be other local resources that are not listed here.
Mental Health Supports
Niagara Health (NH) - Emergency and Mental Health Services
For children (ages 5 to 18 years) who require mental health hospital care, NH offers consultations with a psychiatrist and short-term counselling support. A wide variety of adult mental health services are also offered at NH.
Child and youth services at NH Emergency and Mental Health Services are accessed through phoning Contact Niagara (see above).
McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) – Child and Youth Mental Health Program (CYMHP)
Located in Hamilton, Ontario, the MCH CYMHP offers a wide range of intensive and time-sensitive services for children (ages 0 to 18 years) and their families who require mental health hospital care.
Pathstone Mental Health
Formerly Niagara Child and Youth Services (NCYS), Pathstone Mental Health is the Niagara Region’s accredited provider of mental health services for children (ages 0 to 18 years). A wide variety of high-quality and effective services are available, ranging from individual, group, and family therapy, educational workshops, and more intensive services such as residential treatment and crisis support.
Services at Pathstone Mental Health are accessed by calling Pathstones directly.
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario - Niagara Region
Youth Wellness Hubs is a new initiative from the Ontario government. The drop-in Hubs are intended as “one-stop-shops” for youth ages 12 to 25 to address mental health, substance use, healthcare, education/employment/training, housing, and other community and social services.
Youth Wellness Hubs in the Niagara Region are open Mondays-Thursdays from 4:00-8:00pm at Centre de Santé Communautaire, Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, and The John Howard Society. For more information, call Contact Niagara (see above).
Family Counselling Centre (FCC) Niagara
FCC Niagara offers no cost and low-cost counselling and services to individuals (children and adults), couples, and families, as well as groups and programs for specific issues and concerns. Fees are determined based on monthly income and family size.
Niagara Life Centre Counselling
Niagara Life Centre is a Christian organization that provides low-cost individual, group, couples, and family counselling to individuals who are experiencing life crises. All are welcome.V
Port Cares
Port Cares is a community organization that provides support and resources to the Port Colborne community and surrounding area. Staff provide drop-in crisis support, mental health referrals, counselling for specific issues, and many other services. CMHA and Pathstone Mental Health also offer their services onsite.
Powerhouse Project: Young Carers Initiative
Powerhouse Project serves youth and young adults who provide care for a family member with a chronic illness, disability, mental illness, addiction, language barrier, etc. The Young Carers Initiative offers a variety of services and programs to foster resilience, reduce isolation and caregiver fatigue, alleviate stress and anxiety, and provide peer support and life skills.
Family Mental Health Support Network of Niagara (FSN)
The FSN offers workshops that focus on helping caregivers cope with and understand mental illness and learn about local mental health services to support their family members.
Niagara Region Public Health – Mental Health
The Niagara Region offers a variety of services to support individuals age 14 years of age and older who have severe, chronic mental illnesses. A telepsychiatry service may also be accessed for individuals age 16 years of age and older through a doctor’s referral.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Niagara
CMHA Niagara assists individuals, 16 years of age and older, with reaching their short- and long-term mental health goals. Services include case management, urgent supports, walk-in counselling, employment and residential services, and training and education.
Gateway Residential and Community Support Services of Niagara
Gateway provides services to adults with severe mental illnesses in the Niagara Region, including intensive case management, supportive housing, and recreational programming.
Services at Gateway are accessed through Mental Health and Addictions Access Line.
Addiction Supports
Community Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON)
CASON provides comprehensive treatment for drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction for youth, adults, and their families.
Niagara Health (NH) - Addiction Recovery Services
NH offers a variety of addiction treatment services in St. Catharines in Port Colborne. NH is a member of Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO).
The Mental Health and Addictions Access Line (see above) can provide a referral to the appropriate program at NH - Addiction Recovery Services.
Segue Clinic
Segue Clinic is a network of community-based treatment centres that provide comprehensive medication management and counselling for individuals who have opioid addictions (common opioids include fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine, and heroin).
Disabilities/Special Needs Supports
Niagara Children’s Centre
Niagara Children’s Centre is the Niagara Region’s accredited provider of rehabilitation and support services to children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication delays and disabilities.
Bethesda
Bethesda services children with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder and their families, providing assessments, behavior support services, respite services, and services through the Ontario Autism Program (now fee-for-service). Families registered with the Ontario Autism Program can also access free foundational family programming, listed on their Foundational Family Services Guide. Please contact Bethesda to speak to a service Coordinator about what services are available for your family. Bethesda also provides a wide variety of services and supports for adults with developmental disabilities.
Children’s services at Bethesda other than the Ontario Autism Program are accessed through phoning Contact Niagara (see above)
Many adult services at Bethesda are accessed through phoning Developmental Services Ontario Hamilton-Niagara Region at 1-877-376-4674.
Community Living
Community Living is an association that assists people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Children and their families are supported through a variety of programs that may include a children’s residence, respite services, family support, and services at home.
Services at Community Living are accessed through phoning Contact Niagara (see above).
Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region (LDANR)
LDANR provides resources, support, and programming for children, adults, and families who are affected by learning disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
March of Dimes Canada
March of Dimes provides advocacy and a broad range of programming and services to children and adults with physical disabilities.
- Call: St. Catharines 905-938-2888, Thorold 905-687-8484, Welland 905-734-6236
- www.marchofdimes.ca
Mainstream
Mainstream is an organization that provides resources, supports, and opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in the Niagara Region.
Niagara Centre for Independent Living (NCIL)
NCIL is a resource centre for youth and adults with any form of disability. It provides advocacy services, peer support, youth leadership projects, and other important resources and supports.
Health and Wellness Supports
Niagara Parents (Niagara Region)
Connect with a Public Health Nurse who can provide a variety of services to help you and your family. Services available include a live chat with a Nurse and parenting workshops and courses.
Bridges Community Health Centre (Bridges CHC)
Bridges CHC serves the communities of Fort Erie, Port Colborne, and Wainfleet with a focus on the health and well-being of seniors, at-risk children and youth, newcomers to Canada, low-income families or individuals, and street-involved populations. Patients have access to an interdisciplinary health team, peer support groups, walk-in counselling, and a variety of health and wellness programs.
Centre de Santé Communautaire Hamilton/Niagara (CSCHN)
CSCHN is a community health centre that serves Francophone populations. Patients have access to an interdisciplinary health team, counselling, and a variety of programs and services.
Services at CSCHN are accessed through phoning Contact Niagara (see above).
Hospice Niagara
Hospice Niagara offers peer-based bereavement and grief support programs facilitated by trained volunteers. Programs are available for children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults. Individuals may self-refer using their online referral form.
Niagara Falls Community Health Centre (NFCHC)
NFCHC serves the city of Niagara Falls with a focus on the health and well-being of seniors, at-risk children and youth, newcomers to Canada, low-income families or individuals, and street-involved populations. Patients have access to an interdisciplinary health team, counselling, peer support groups, and a variety of health and wellness programs for youth and adults.
Positive Living Niagara
Positive Living Niagara provides a variety of services to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C (HCV), and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. Supports include counselling, home support, system navigation, education, StreetWorks needle exchange, and opioid overdose prevention training.
Quest Community Health Centre (Quest CHC)
Quest serves the city of St. Catharines with a focus on the health and well-being of seniors, at-risk children and youth, newcomers to Canada, low-income families or individuals, and street-involved populations. Patients have access to an interdisciplinary health team, peer support groups, and a variety of health and wellness programs for youth and adults. Quest also houses Rainbow Niagara, which provides services to LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Call: Quest CHC 905-688-2558, Rainbow Niagara 905-688-2558 ext. 222
- questchc.ca
Wellspring Niagara
Wellspring offers a wide variety of programs and services to meet the social, emotional, restorative, and informational needs of adults and children living with cancer, at all stages, as well as for their caregivers and family members.
Indigenous Supports
De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre
The De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre’s St. Catharines location provides a number of programs and services to individuals of Aboriginal, First Nations, Métis, or Inuit descent. This includes advocacy and outreach, health promotion and education, traditional healing, primary health care, mental health and addictions care, and research projects.
Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre
The Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre provides a wide variety of culturally relevant services to the South Niagara Indigenous community, including education, youth services, family support, health, healing, and wellness, mental health counselling.
Niagara Chapter - Native Women Inc. (NCNW)
NCNW is an organization that offers a friendly connecting place to support Indigenous women and their families through access to culturally relevant services and programs.
Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC)
The NRNC provides a wide variety of culturally relevant services to the Niagara Indigenous community, including supportive housing, health, healing, and wellness, mental health counselling and crisis intervention, and employment.
Newcomer Supports
Fort Erie Multicultural Centre
Fort Erie Multicultural Centre provides a continuum of services to support newcomers from their first steps in Canada until their long-term integration into local communities.
Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre
Niagara Folk Arts is an organization that supports the ethno-cultural and newcomer community in the Niagara Region through a broad range of programs and services, including assistance with settlement, employment, skills training, ESL classes, mentorship, and care and services for children and youth.
Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre
Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre is an organization that helps immigrants overcome barriers to integration and develop skills to work and live in Canada.
Culturally Responsive Supports
Black Youth Helpline
The BYH offers Black youth specific support for youth and their families. Services can include parent and family support, consultations, stay-in-school initiatives and system navigation.
Future Black Female
FBF is a non-profit organization that works to empower Black girls and women between the ages of 16-22 by providing mental health services, financial well being knowledge and career/education strategies.
Tools of Empowerment for Success (TOES) Niagara
TOES Niagara's goal is to empower immigrant and marginalized women through educational workshops, programs and other supportive services.
2SLGBTQ2+ Supports
PFLAG Niagara Region
PFLAG provides peer support, education and advocacy that affirms respect and values all sexualities, genders and gender expressions.
OUTNiagara
OUTNiagara is a non-profit community organization that provides resources and information to connect people with services and supportive community groups.
Quest Community Health Center - Rainbow Niagara 2SLGBTQ+ Services
Services include assessments/referrals, primary health care, mental health support/counselling, outreach, groups and community promotion.
Niagara Falls Community Health Center
The Support Coordinator offers one-on-one support, group programming and education. Supportive services include the Rainbow Kids Reading Club, cognitive behavioural therapy and drop-in support.
Child & Youth Programming
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that pairs at-risk youth with high quality mentors, to form life-changing relationships built on friendship, empowerment, and trust.
Boys & Girls Club of Niagara
Boys & Girls Club of Niagara is a community organization that provides programs and services to children and youth so that they may experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life.
Public Libraries
Public libraries provide a wide variety of creative and educational free drop-in programs for children and teens, including crafts, board games, robotics, story time, movies, nature talks, homework help, Therapy Tails, babysitting and home alone courses, and more. Visit a branch near you!
- Call: Fort Erie Public Library 905-871-2546, Grimsby Public Library 905-945-5142, Lincoln Public Library 905-563-1810, Niagara Falls Public Library 905-356-8080, Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library 905-468-2023, Pelham Public Library 905-892-6443, Port Colborne Public Library 905-834-6512, St. Catharines Public Library 905-688-6103, Thorold Public Library 905-227-2581, Wainfleet Township Public Library 905-899-1277, Welland Public Library 905-734-6210, West Lincoln Public Library 905-957-3756
- www.fepl.ca/events_kids
- events.grimsby.ca/library/Month
- www.lincoln.library.on.ca/calendar
- www.nflibrary.ca/events
- notlpubliclibrary.org/eventcalendar
- portcolbornelibrary.org/?page_id=29
- www.stcatharines.library.on.ca/events/event-calendar/
- www.thoroldpubliclibrary.ca/programmes-guides
- www.wainfleetlibrary.ca/programs/kids-and-family-programs
- www.welland library.ca/events-calendar
- www.westlincolnlibrary.ca/events.htm
YMCA Niagara
The Y is an organization that promotes healthy living and fosters social responsibility within the community by offering health and fitness facilities, community initiatives, childcare services, employment services, and immigrant services. Financial assistance for programs and membership fees is available.
- Call: Fort Erie EJ Freeland Community YMCA 905-871-9622, Niagara Centre (Welland) 905-735-9622, Niagara Falls Branch 905-358-9622, Niagara West YMCA (Grimsby) 905-309-9622, Port Colborne YMCA 905 -835-9622, Walker Family Branch (St. Catharines) 905-934-9622
- ymcaofniagara.org
Financial Hardship Supports
Bethlehem Housing and Support Services
Bethlehem Housing and Support Services, in partnership with the community, provides affordable housing and support services for individuals and families in the Niagara Region.
Community Care
Community Care is an association that assists individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship to obtain basic needs such as food, clothing, financial assistance, and emergency services.
Grimsby Benevolent Fund (GBF) Community Services
GBF Community Services is an organization that assists individuals and families in Grimsby who are experiencing financial hardship to obtain basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
Habitat for Humanity Niagara
Habitat for Humanity is an association that builds homes for families in need. Houses are sold to families at market value, with no down payment and a 20-year mortgage free of interest with affordable payments geared to income.
Project SHARE
Project SHARE is an organization that assists individuals and families in Niagara Falls who are experiencing financial hardship to obtain basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, and financial assistance.
Strive Niagara
Strive is an organization that assists young mothers and young fathers in completing their high school education and beyond by providing supports such as childcare, emotional support and guidance, parenting and life skills training, goal setting, budgeting, resume writing, pre-employment support, and crisis intervention.
The Hope Centre
The Hope Centre is an organization that assists individuals and families in Welland who are experiencing financial hardship to obtain basic needs such as food, housing, resources, and counselling.
The Salvation Army Community & Family Services
The Salvation Army is a Christian organization that provides food, clothing, furniture, Christmas hampers, and children’s programming to families experiencing financial hardship.
YWCA Niagara Region
The YWCA is an organization that provides emergency shelter, meals, advocacy, and skills development to women and their families living in poverty in order to promote financial stability and independence.
Port Cares
Port Cares is a community organization that provides support and resources to the Port Colborne community and surrounding area. They offer employment services and housing support, in addition to the Reach Out Center that provides emergency food support and meal programs. An EarlyON Child and Family Center is also on site.
Homelessness Supports
Niagara Mobile Outreach
The Mobile Outreach program connects Community Outreach Workers with homeless and vulnerable individuals on the streets of Niagara. The Street Outreach Truck delivers meals, sleeping bags and warm clothing, as well as referrals to emergency shelters and transportation. Advocacy and follow-up referrals may also be arranged. The truck makes scheduled stops Monday-Saturday evenings in Fort Erie, Crystal Beach, Port Colborne, Welland, Grimsby, Beamsville, St. Catharines, Thorold, and Niagara Falls.
- Call: Niagara Falls and area 905-351-6167, North Niagara 289-219-2981, South Niagara 289-257-6712
- List of scheduled stops: nmop.ca/scheduled-stops-2
Niagara Resource Service for Youth (The RAFT)
The RAFT offers services to high risk and homeless youth, including a 24/7 drop-in centre and hostel, regional transportation, assistance securing housing and supports, and community development initiatives.
The Southridge Shelter
The Southridge Shelter is Niagara’s largest emergency hostel for homeless adults, run by Southridge Community Church in St. Catharines. Southridge has 40 beds and is open every day of the year, 24/7. Southridge also provides meals, showers, and laundry services.
Start Me Up Niagara
Start Me Up works with individuals facing significant life challenges such as addiction, mental illness, poverty, homelessness, and unemployment, providing opportunities to improve health, increase community integration, and support employment. Mental health services are offered on Wednesdays at their drop-in centre, 17 Gale Crescent in St. Catharines.
- Call: 905-984-5310
- https://www.startmeupniagara.ca/site/home
211 Niagara
Call 2-1-1 to speak with a Community Resources Specialist who can provide information about community and social services. Supports include food assistance and meal programs, housing and utility help, government program assistance and more. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Interpreter services available upon request.
Abuse Supports
Family and Children’s Services (FACS) Niagara
FACS protects children in the Niagara Region from abuse and neglect. FACS also provides counselling and parenting resources to the Niagara Region through FCC Niagara (see above).
Gillian’s Place
Gillian’s Place offers support services for women and children in North Niagara who have experienced abuse, including a support hotline, individual and group counselling, workshops, and a safe shelter.
Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara (CACN)
The Kristen French CACN is an organization that provides streamlined and integrated services at a one-stop, child-focused facility for children and families affected by child abuse.
Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre (CARSA Inc.)
CARSA responds to the needs of male and female survivors of sexual violence through a variety of counselling, support, and emergency services to survivors and their families. All clients are treated with respect and dignity.
Women’s Place
Women’s Place offers support services for women and children in South Niagara who have experienced abuse, including a support hotline, individual and group counselling, workshops, and a safe shelter.
- Call: Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and area 905-356-5800, Welland, Port Colborne, Wainfleet, Pelham, and area 905-788-0113
- womensplacesn.org
Crime Supports
John Howard Society of Niagara
John Howard helps children and adults who have been in contact with the law or who are at risk of coming into contact with the law through support services, education, and community programming.
Victim Services Niagara
Victim Services is an organization of volunteer Crisis Responders who provide services to individuals affected by criminal acts and traumatic circumstances or disasters, regardless of severity. Services include a 24/7 hotline, safety planning, emotional support, and practical and financial assistance.