The Post Secondary Student Homelessness (PSSH) in Canada project reports that about 5% of youth (17-24) post-secondary students face various forms of homelessness and housing insecurity each year. This includes precarious or unsheltered living situations, including living with friends or family temporarily, couch surfing, staying in a hotel or Airbnb, or living in unsheltered situations, such as sleeping in a campus building that was not a living space, in their vehicle, or outside.
At York University, for the students who identified having unstable housing in the 2025 Canadian Campus Wellness Survey, 75% identified they had considered dropping out or deferring their education due to housing-related financial stress and 45% identified having to sleep outside, in a shelter, or in a place not meant for sleeping over the last 12 months.
Supports & Resources
Homelessness and poverty can be significant barriers to success in your academic journey. If you are a student at York University experiencing homelessness, support is available to help you through urgent and unforeseen circumstances.
Contact Complex Communities at ComplexC@yorku.ca to learn more or get support navigating resources.
Complex Communities: A unit in the Community Safety Department supporting people experiencing homelessness on York campus.
Office of Student Community Relations (OSCR): Students facing housing instability can access OSCR for support. OSCR is available Monday-Friday 830am-430pm, and can be reached via phone (416-736-5231), email (oscr@yorku.ca), or in person at Keele campus (W128 Bennett Centre for Student Services) or Markham campus (Rm 2010, 2nd floor, Student Success Centre)
York U Off-Campus Resource Hub: Resources on house searching, preparation, living arrangements and roommates, financial planning, tenant responsibilities and maintenance.
Food Resources - Division of Students: Access to food and supports is important for your student success. This website and the information can help you navigate food support resources across York’s campuses.
Public Use Microwave Locations: List of the available public use microwaves on York campuses.
Community & Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP): CLASP is a student Legal Service Organization where students from Osgoode Hall Law School work under the close supervision of practicing lawyers to provide referrals, summary advice and legal representation to qualifying individuals.
Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW): SCHW provide a range of health and well-being services that foster academic success, student development and an engaged community at York University.
York University - International Students: Support international student success by offering expert non-academic programs and services, and by fostering a dynamic global community.
Regenesis YorkU - Keele Chapter: Provide free or low-cost services to the community, including a free store and community garden.
Housing Our University Students Equitably (HOUSE): A non-profit organization whose mission is to create new quality affordable housing for young people who are post-secondary students and recent graduates. Founded by students involved in the non-profit and co-operative housing sectors, we advocate for, research, and develop affordable and community-oriented student housing.
York Community Housing Association: A student-led community outreach group dedicated to helping anyone living in and/or looking for a housing in York University Heights.
YFS Food Support Centre: Helps students overcome difficult financial circumstances by providing free non-perishable food and basic need items.
YFS Wellness Centre: A dedicated space in the Second Student Centre that provides students with a physical environment in which to relax, inquire and seek support for the betterment of themselves and the community.
211: For information on social supports in Toronto
Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS): Free, confidential, in-person mental health supports city-wide from mobile crisis worker teams. TCCS supports Toronto residents 16 years of age or older and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario: For youth 12 to 25 years old looking for help.
City of Toronto - Homeless Help: Range of services the City offers for people experiencing homelessness
York Region - Emergency shelter: Coordinated supports and services to find and keep stable housing for people in York region.
Covenant House: The largest agency in Canada serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk.
Youth Without Shelter: Providing shelter and support for youth aged 16-24 facing homelessness in the GTA.
COSTI Immigrant Services - International Student Connect: Provides relevant resources and an appropriate service response to the settlement needs of international students and their families.
COSTI Housing Drop-in: Services available for anyone residing in the North York area who is under-housed, at risk of becoming homeless and/or who faces cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic barriers to suitable housing.
Housing Help Centre - York Region: Work with both individuals and families in York Region to find and maintain affordable, safe housing.
Toronto Off-Campus Housing Website: Resources to support students searching for off-campus housing in the GTA.
Eviction prevention:
City of Toronto - Understand & Fight Evictions: Resources and information to help Toronto renters at risk of eviction.
COSTI - Eviction Prevention Services: Focus on housing loss prevention, or are available to low-income individuals and families residing in the North York area who are on the verge of being evicted due to rent arrears and people who need help with paying the first and last month rent.