COVID-19 Community Resources
Original article: June 3, 2020 | By Hans “John” Kalina | Resource list compiled April 15, 2020 | Reviewed and updated October 6, 2026
Historical context, not current emergency instructions. This article originally collected community supports during the first months of the pandemic. It covered employment, benefits, housing, food, health care, legal assistance, family services and crisis supports in Peel and surrounding communities. Temporary benefits, closures, automatic court adjournments and service arrangements described in 2020 must not be treated as current rules.
Finding help today
The links below lead to current government or service-provider information. Check eligibility, availability and contact details directly. The old directory’s payment amounts, office hours, named staff contacts and temporary arrangements have been replaced with these starting points.
211 Ontario — find community and social services for food support, family services, counselling and other local assistance.
Government of Canada Benefits Finder for federal benefits and financial assistance.
Ontario Works for provincial income assistance, subject to eligibility.
Employment Ontario for employment and training services.
Peel housing and social support for local housing and social assistance.
Peel emergency shelter information for the current intake process; placement is subject to availability.
Health and urgent support
Ontario’s health services information explains how to access Health811 for health advice and service navigation. For an immediate emergency, call 911. For non-emergency community support, consult 211 or the relevant provider rather than relying on pandemic-era service hours.
Court dates and legal assistance
Do not assume a court appearance has been postponed because it was affected by COVID-19 in 2020. Confirm the current date and attendance requirements with your lawyer or the court. Legal Aid Ontario provides information about legal aid, duty counsel and community legal clinics; assistance depends on the service and eligibility.
Immigration and benefit questions
Immigration status, employment authorization and benefit eligibility are separate questions. Receiving or applying for a benefit does not extend a permit or authorize work. Keep the relevant notices and application records, verify the applicable program rules and obtain advice about immigration deadlines.
Related guidance
For advice about your circumstances, contact our office. This article provides general information, not legal advice.