GTA Street Survival Guide

Where to Sleep Tonight

Call City of Toronto Central Intake: 311 (Toronto) or 416‑338‑4766 for 24/7 placement. Say if you are youth (16–24), with family, have mobility needs, or pets.

Meals Today

Call 2‑1‑1 to find the closest meal programs and food banks. Keep a short list of places and hours on your phone or paper.

Immediate Safety

If you feel at risk, move to a public, well‑lit place (stations, hospitals). For crisis, text/call 988; in Toronto, Gerstein Crisis Centre 416‑929‑5200.

Lower the Stress

• Box breathing: in 4, hold 4, out 4, hold 4 (×4).
• 5‑4‑3‑2‑1 grounding: 5 see, 4 touch, 3 hear, 2 smell, 1 taste.
• Drink water; small snack to steady blood sugar.

Keep Papers Safe

• List what you need: health card, ID, birth certificate, SIN.
• Photograph documents; email to yourself for backup.
• Ask shelters/centres about ID clinics; 211 can direct you.

Stay Warm / Cool

• Layer clothes; keep core dry; change socks.
• Use libraries, transit hubs, malls to warm up or cool down.
• Watch for frostbite/overheat signs; seek help early.

Keep a Phone Working

• Ask about free/low‑cost plans and charging stations.
• Write important numbers on paper (311, 211, 988, trusted people).
• Turn on low‑power mode; carry a cheap cable.

Drug Checking (Toronto)

• Toronto Drug Checking Service — drugchecking.ca
• The Works – Toronto Public Health — 277 Victoria St — 416‑392‑0520
• Moss Park OPS — 134 Sherbourne St — 416‑703‑8482
• South Riverdale CHC — 955 Queen St E — 416‑461‑1925
• Parkdale Queen West CHC — 168 Bathurst St — 416‑703‑8482

Tapering / Cutting Down

Safer ways to reduce: smaller amounts, fewer sessions, longer gaps. For opioids, consider Suboxone or methadone (RAAM clinics).