Food and a safe place come first
Food and emergency assistance: get through today, then stabilize
When food is running out or you do not know where you will sleep, a long list of programs is not enough. Separate what you need today from the help that may take an application or appointment.
Reviewed 7 September 2026 · Durham Region, Ontario
Find food that fits your situation
Use Feed the Need in Durham’s food finder to locate a food program, then confirm its current distribution times before travelling. Tell the provider your community, how many people need food and whether you can collect it. Ask what registration or documents, if any, are needed; requirements are not identical everywhere.
Mention allergies, dietary needs, baby supplies or a lack of cooking facilities. A box of ingredients may not solve the problem if you are in temporary accommodation without a kitchen. Durham Region’s food-support page also points to meal programs and other routes, including help for people who face disability or age-related barriers.
If you do not have a safe place tonight
Use the Region’s housing and homelessness services or call 211 to identify the appropriate shelter or outreach route. Explain whether children are with you, whether you have accessibility needs and whether violence is involved. Ask about space and intake before making a journey; a published address does not mean a bed is available.
If violence is the reason you cannot stay home, use the specialist contacts in our women and family support guide. A routine settlement email is not an urgent safety service. If possible, have the address or general area where you are staying ready when you call for help.
Keep a temporary setback from becoming a housing loss
For rent or utility difficulties, contact Housing Help Durham — CDCD. Explain whether you are looking for a place, behind on a payment or already facing a notice. Ask about the correct application route and which financial assistance programs, if any, fit your circumstances. This listing is housing navigation, not a promise of cash, food delivery or emergency accommodation.
Separate the amount due, the due date and any written notice. Keep copies of bills and correspondence. If a notice involves legal action, also use the legal-clinics guide rather than relying only on a housing referral.
Make a small recovery plan
Once tonight’s needs are addressed, choose one task for the next working day: a settlement intake, a housing follow-up or a benefits enquiry. Community Development Council Durham can be a starting point when you need help connecting several services. Be clear about what has already been arranged so workers do not send you back through the same referrals.
Before ending a call, ask what happens if the suggested service is closed, cannot accept you or has no supplies. Write down the alternative. That backup route matters more than collecting a large number of telephone numbers you cannot use.
Put this guide into action
Relevant contacts in our directory
Housing Help Durham — CDCD
For housing navigation after immediate shelter or food needs are addressed.
housinghelp@cdcd.orgCommunity Development Council Durham
For settlement follow-up and connections to ongoing help.
info@cdcd.orgPublic business emails are for routine enquiries, not emergency assistance. Confirm intake, eligibility and fees with the provider.
Sources and further help
This independent guide helps you find services; it does not replace professional advice or an individual eligibility assessment. Report a correction.