Emergency Shelter & Housing
Support for anyone facing an immediate housing crisis or needing help staying housed.
City Social Services / Emergency Accommodation
Provides short-term motel placements and outreach worker support. Contact 519-271-3773 ext. 200 (or 519-272-2294 after hours).
519-271-3773 ext. 200Housing Stability Bank
Offers one-time financial assistance for rental arrears, last month's rent, or moving costs through City of Stratford Social Services.
Visit WebsiteStratford Connection Centre
Operated by CMHA Huron Perth. Offers a walk-in day/warming space, housing support, and wrap-around mental health care.
519-271-6819 ext. 405Visit WebsiteSpecialized Shelters & Support
Dedicated shelter and safety services for women, families, and youth.
Optimism Place Women's Shelter & Support Services
Provides a 24/7 emergency safe shelter, transition support, and legal advocacy for women and children. 24-hour crisis line: 519-271-5550.
519-271-5550Visit WebsiteEmily Murphy Centre
OpenProvides second-stage safe housing and independence programming for women and children leaving violence.
Visit WebsiteShelterlink Youth Services
Supports youth aged 16-24 experiencing or at risk of homelessness with housing and community connection.
519-272-2294Visit WebsiteCommunity Meals
Free and welcoming community meals hosted throughout Stratford, no registration required.
The Local Community Food Centre
Free community dinners every Monday from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. A Market Cafe lunch is served every Friday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Open to everyone with no registration needed, meals always include vegetarian options, and they also host low-cost community food markets.
Visit WebsiteCommunity Of Christ
Hosts a free community breakfast from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on the last Sunday of the month (September to June).
Visit WebsiteBethel Pentecostal Church
OpenRuns a dine-in community meal on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 5:00 PM (September to June).
Visit WebsiteHoly Trinity Anglican Church
OpenHosts community meals on the 2nd Friday of the month at 5:15 PM from November to April, alongside a free annual Christmas Day dinner (6 Hamilton St).
Visit WebsiteChristian Reformed Church of Stratford
Serves a dine-in meal on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5:15 PM from November to April. Registration is requested via 519-273-1292.
519-273-1292Visit WebsiteFood Banks & Emergency Groceries
Emergency food support for households in need across Stratford.
Stratford House of Blessing
OpenOffers an emergency food bank alongside hygiene items and clothing resources. Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed for lunch from 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM).
Visit WebsiteThe Salvation Army
OpenProvides food bank services on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 AM-11:30 AM and 1:30 PM-4:30 PM. Appointments and ID are preferred.
Visit WebsiteHuman Food Banks with Pet Food Support
Some of our local food banks are also able to help with pet food for families caring for a dog or cat.
Stratford House of Blessing
OpenRoutinely stocks dog and cat food alongside their emergency human food bank resources. They accept pet food donations directly through community grocery bin drop-offs.
The Salvation Army
OpenTheir emergency family services food bank frequently provides pet food alongside family grocery hampers, subject to donation availability.
Please let me know if you need assistance with anything else, such as:
- Subsidized spay/neuter or veterinary care services?
- Arranging a pet pantry delivery to your home?
2SLGBTQIA+ Resources
Stratford and the broader Perth County area offer several dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ community hubs, support networks, and youth initiatives.
Community Hubs & Peer Support
Stratford-Perth Pride Community Centre
Serves as the central rural-based community space in southern Ontario for social connection, educational events, and health advocacy. It features an on-site library stocking books covering diverse orientations, queer intersectionality, religion, and allyship.
Visit WebsitePFLAG Canada - Stratford Chapter
Offers support, education, and resources specifically geared toward parents, families, friends, and individuals navigating gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation. Hosts a recurring Online Support Group via Zoom on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Visit WebsiteYouth-Specific Programs
Queer Rainbow Collective
Operated via Stratford-Perth Pride, this program provides dedicated safe spaces, group activities, and community mentorship specifically tailored for local 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Visit WebsiteProud Community Project
A community-building initiative providing hyper-local outreach, youth connection, and community resources across Perth County. Connect directly via their Instagram @proudcommunityproject.
Visit WebsiteProvincial & National Crisis Lines (24/7)
LGBT YouthLine
A confidential, Ontario-wide peer-support helpline for youth up to age 29. Call 1-800-268-9688 or text 647-694-4275.
1-800-268-9688Trans Lifeline
A peer-support phone service run by trans individuals for trans and questioning callers in need of crisis support or community guidance.
877-330-6366Immediate Crisis & Emergency Support
If you or someone you know is in crisis, these services are available right away.
Huron Perth Helpline & Crisis Response Team
A free, confidential 24/7 service providing immediate phone support, crisis counselling, and mobile assessments alongside emergency responders if a person is in acute distress.
1-888-829-7484Visit WebsiteNational Suicide Crisis Helpline
A nationwide 24/7 free line for anyone thinking about suicide or experiencing severe emotional distress. Call or text 9-8-8.
988Visit WebsiteStratford General Hospital (HPHA)
The Emergency Department handles psychiatric emergencies 24/7. Their Special Services Unit provides free outpatient psychiatric consultations, treatment teams, and skill-based therapy groups (like DBT and Mind over Mood) via clinical intake.
Visit WebsiteCommunity Mental Health & Addiction Programs
Free and low-cost mental health and addiction support programs in Stratford.
CMHA Huron Perth Addiction & Mental Health Services
All city-based services have newly consolidated into this central facility. Offers free case management, court support, youth and adult addiction counselling, and peer support programs, including the Phoenix Peer Support Centre drop-in space.
Visit WebsiteChoices for Change
Focuses heavily on addiction counselling, community withdrawal management, harm reduction supplies, and supportive therapy programs.
Visit WebsiteSpecialized Counselling & Sliding-Scale Options
Affordable, income-based counselling for individuals, couples, and families.
Family Services Perth-Huron
Offers professional mental health counselling for individuals, couples, and families. Fees are structured on a sliding scale tied directly to your household income to keep care affordable.
Visit WebsiteHuron-Perth Centre for Children and Youth
A specialized, accredited community clinic offering mental health assessments and focused therapy for children, youth, and families up to their 18th birthday.
Visit WebsiteStratford Cares shares these resources for convenience. Please contact each service directly to confirm current hours and availability.