A mother holding her young child in a pink jacket as they arrive in Toronto

Sojourn House · Toronto · Since 1987

Rebuilding Lives.
Restoring Hope.

Where refugees arriving in Toronto find safety, community, and the stability to rebuild their lives.

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94 single adults supported each night

225 family members sheltered each night

48 transitional apartments on the path to independence

3 nutritious meals every day — plus an evening snack

Sojourn House residents and staff on a group outing to Niagara Falls

Who We Are

A safe first home for refugees in Toronto

Since 1987, Sojourn House has been a lifeline for refugees arriving in Toronto. We provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, and wraparound supports that foster dignity, belonging, and a strong foundation for the future.

Sojourn House is often a newcomer’s first home in Canada. We are where safety begins, community is found, and futures take shape. Many of our staff once arrived as refugees themselves, bringing lived experience, cultural insight, and compassion to every interaction.

Learn More About Who We Are Explore our history since 1987

Programs & Services

Everything a new beginning needs

From a first safe night to permanent housing, our programs walk with refugees through every stage of settlement.

Emergency Shelter

A safe place to land. Each night we support 94 single adults and 225 family members — nearly half are children beginning their lives in Canada.

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Transitional Housing

A supportive home for newcomers who need more time to rebuild their footing, with wraparound supports that prepare residents for permanent housing.

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Outreach & Housing Help

Support continues after residents move into the community. Our teams help families secure safe, stable housing and settle into a new neighbourhood.

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Health Clinic

Our in-house clinic, run with partner hospitals, gives refugees easier access to healthcare soon upon arrival — preventing illness from derailing settlement.

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Food Service

Daily nutritious meals for every resident in the shelter and satellite program — with dietary, cultural and religious needs always respected.

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Youth — Skills for Life

Young newcomers aged 16 to 24 build confidence and connection through mentorship, tutoring, creative programs and life-skills support.

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Why Our Work Matters

The need has never been greater

Record levels of global displacement mean more families are seeking safety, stability, and the chance to rebuild their futures. Canada continues to be a leader in refugee protection, and the demand for safe, supportive housing in Toronto keeps growing.

123.2 million displaced

People worldwide were forcibly displaced by the end of 2024, the highest figure ever recorded (UNHCR Global Trends, 2025).

6,300 claimants in Toronto shelters

On one night in 2024, refugee claimants made up nearly half of all shelter users in Toronto (City of Toronto, 2024).

51,000+ welcomed by Canada

Canada resettled more than 51,000 refugees in 2023 — the highest number per capita worldwide (IRCC, 2024).

At Sojourn House, newcomers find their first home in Canada, a caring community, and the supports they need to begin again with dignity. When refugees rebuild successfully, Canada becomes stronger — economically, socially, and as a community rooted in compassion.

Our Impact

A place to stay — and a place to start again

Verified numbers from our programs today.

76 Shelter beds

Across 38 dwelling rooms at our Ontario Street home and offsite location.

78 Family shelter rooms

Private rooms for refugee families, open 24/7 since 2019.

100 Transitional housing residents

Living in 48 fully furnished, self-contained apartments on average.

24/7 Support, every hour

24-hour counselling, warm meals, and compassionate care.

Program capacity figures as published on sojournhouse.org. Youth programs, settlement services, the on-site health clinic and food service wrap around these homes.