This is a working list of emergency numbers to have on hand, or services within the City of Toronto to support those around you, or if you ever need. This list is not exhaustive/comprehensive, and I welcome any suggestions/updates. One of the resources I really appreciate and refer/check myself is https://www.211toronto.ca (there is a 211 website for Ontario as well, if you are looking for resources outside the GTA).
I would like to share that I cannot personally attest for all of the resources below. I completely empathize that there are flaws in our system (in terms of wait lists) and it can be really hard to navigate (I've experienced it myself, and heard a range of experiences from clients/colleagues/friends). At the same time, there are wonderful, supportive, and helpful services out there. This list is meant to help support your search.
To begin, in case of an emergency please call 9-1-1 or go to your local hospital. If you or someone you know needs street outreach, please call 311. If you are looking for services not found here, call 211.
24-hour crisis lines and support:
Toronto Distress Centre 24 hour crisis line 416-408-4357 (408-HELP)
ONTX Ontario Online & Text Crisis ServiceCrisis Text (2pm-2am ET): 741-741
Gerstein Centre 24 hr crisis line 416-929-5200
Kids Help Phone 24 hour crisis line 1-800-668-6868 | Text Services: Text "CONNECT" to 686868 (also serving adults)
Youthspace.ca (NEED2 Suicide Prevention, Education & Support) Youth Text (6pm-12am PT): (778) 783-0177
(For post-secondary students) Good-to-talk 1-866-925-5454
Assaulted Women’s Helpline (24 hrs) 1-866-863-0511
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis support 416-597-8808
Women’s College Hospital 24hr Sex Assault/DV care: 76 Grenville St. rm 1305, 416-323-6885
Gerstein Centre mobile crisis team 416-929-5200
St. Elizabeth mobile crisis team 416-4980043
St. Mike’s and St. Joe’s mobile crisis teams call 911 and ask for mobile crisis team
Location of CAMH emergency: 250 College St.
Taxi/Transportation Phone Numbers:
Beck 416-751-5555
Toronto Citi Taxi 416 740-2222
Co-Op Cabs 416 504-2667
Uber/Lyft apps
To consult or report if you suspect child abuse:
CAS Toronto 416-924-4640
CCAS Toronto 416-395-1500
Jewish Family & Child Toronto 416-638-7800
Native Family & Child Toronto 416-969-8510
Support for Shelters and/or a warm meal or in need of drop-in centres:
Call 311 or Central Intake at 416-338-4766, 1-877-338-3398 for emergency shelter.
Toronto Shelters Central Intake 1-877-338-3398
Daily Bread Food Bank 416-203-0050
Free/Low-Cost Counselling Services
What's Up Walk In Services (various locations) www.whatsupwalkin.ca/
WoodGreen Community Counselling Services (Note* free walkin counselling Tuesday & Wednesday)
https://www.woodgreen.org/OurServices/MentalHealthandAddictions.aspx
Family Service Toronto (Note* free walkin counselling Wednesday)
https://familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/programs-and-services/walk-in-clinic/
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture Counselling Services (refugees/survivors of torture) 416-363-1066
Hard Feelings - http://hardfeelings.org