Basic Needs and Social Supports - District of Thunder Bay


Food, clothing and shelter are basic needs necessary to survival. Social programs help people to meet these needs, especially during times of personal hardship, by providing financial and employment assistance, material goods, emergency shelter and affordable housing. Additional social supports such as public education, skills training and advocacy help people to build better lives for themselves and their families.

See also Information Services.

Advocacy and Social Action for Indigenous Peoples
Affordable Housing
Budget and Credit Counselling
Clothing and Household Items
Community Colleges and Universities
Community Food Programs
Community Meals
Counselling - Family, Couple, Individual
Drop-In Centres for Adults
Drop-In Centres for Youth
Emergency Shelters for Adults
Emergency Shelters for Adults with Children
Emergency Shelters for Youth
Employment Assistance for People with Disabilities
English/French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) Training Programs
Ethnocultural Groups and Services
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance for Children and Families
Financial Assistance for People with Disabilities
Financial Assistance for Rent and Utilities
Financial Assistance for Seniors
Food Banks
Gender-Based Violence Shelters
Housing Referral and Rights
Immigrant, Newcomer, and Refugee Services
Personal Identification Assistance Programs
Public Transportation
Social Action Groups
Street Outreach
Transitional Housing
Volunteer Referral Services

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

For the most current information visit the Ministry of Health's Coronavirus (COVID-19) website.

Contact your primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario at  1-866-797-0000 if you’re experiencing symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

Ministry of Health's online self-assessment tool is available.


COVID-19 Testing Locations

Anyone who needs a test can get one and does not need an OHIP card. Tests are available by appointment only at assessment centres and at pharmacies.



Ontario is taking the next steps in its plan to better integrate the province’s health care system to help end hallway health care

You will continue to have access to the care you need and the health care providers you have built relationships with. Home care continues as before and there are no changes to long-term care home placement.

Patient services and contacts will remain unchanged until further notice.

For more information about how Ontario is improving the health care system, visit ontario.ca/connectedcare or contact Service Ontario Health INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (TTY 1-800-387-5559).