9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Suicide crisis support for anyone in Canada, in English or French.
How to access
Call or text 9-8-8 any time.
Cost
Free
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website
St. Thomas and Elgin County
Get Help in St. Thomas
If you are in trouble tonight, this page is for you. It covers the real services in St. Thomas and the county-wide programs that serve it: where to sleep, where to eat, who answers the phone at 2 am, and what each one actually costs, which is usually nothing.
Pick what you need below and jump straight there. Every listing says who it helps, how to reach them, and what to expect when you do.
Services can change their hours and details without notice. When it matters, call ahead before you go. In an emergency, call 911.
Every listing checked by a person against official sources. Oldest check: August 2026
1
Immediate crisis
Every line in this section answers around the clock, and the walk-ins are exactly that: walk in. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first. For everything else, Reach Out 24/7 is the local door; they know the St. Thomas services and can connect you directly.
Reach Out 24/7
The local crisis line: free, confidential mental health and addiction support for people in Elgin, London, Middlesex and Oxford. English and French.
How to access
Call, text or chat online, any time.
Cost
Free
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website
Call or text 519-433-2023
Toll-free: 1-866-933-2023
Verified August 2026
211 Ontario
Free, confidential help finding any community or social service, in more than 150 languages.
How to access
Dial 2-1-1 or text 2-1-1, any time. Live chat on their website Monday to Friday 7 am to 9 pm.
Cost
Free
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website
Call or text 211
Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213
Verified August 2026
ConnexOntario
Provincial navigation line for mental health, addiction and gambling services. Helps you find the right service; it is not a counselling line.
How to access
Call any time, text CONNEX to 247247, or chat on their website.
Cost
Free
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website
CMHA crisis walk-in, 10 Mondamin St
View on map · 1Walk-in crisis support from CMHA Thames Valley for anyone in a mental health or addiction crisis.
How to access
Walk in, no appointment needed.
Cost
Free
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
After hours
Evenings and weekends: the crisis walk-in at the STEGH Emergency entrance is open 7 days a week, 9 am to 11 pm. Or call Reach Out 24/7 at 519-433-2023 any time.
Address
10 Mondamin St, St. Thomas
Website
CMHA crisis walk-in at STEGH Emergency
View on map · 2Crisis support through the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Emergency entrance, evenings and weekends included.
How to access
Go to the Emergency entrance at STEGH and ask for crisis services.
Cost
Free
Hours
7 days a week, 9 am to 11 pm
After hours
Overnight: call Reach Out 24/7 at 519-433-2023, or the 24/7 Crisis Centre at 648 Huron St in London, 519-434-9191. In an emergency call 911.
Address
189 Elm St, St. Thomas
Website
Mental Health and Addiction Crisis Centre (London)
A 24/7 walk-in crisis centre serving Elgin, London, Middlesex and Oxford. Not a medical service; no psychiatrist on site.
How to access
Walk in any time, or call first.
Cost
Free
Hours
Open 24/7, holidays included
Address
648 Huron St, London
Website
2
Somewhere to sleep tonight
The INN on Princess Ave is the emergency shelter for St. Thomas and Elgin County, and calling ahead is the right first step. The other listings are housing supports and the weather spaces the city opens when cold or heat alerts are declared.
The INN (Inn Out of the Cold St. Thomas-Elgin)
View on map · 3Year-round emergency shelter for people 16 and older from St. Thomas and Elgin County. Beds, meals, showers, laundry, clothing and staff support.
How to access
Call first: if you need immediate assistance, contact them at 519-637-9898.
Cost
Free
Hours
Open 24/7, year round
Address
10 Princess Ave, St. Thomas
Website
Cooling space, Joe Thornton Community Centre
View on map · 4A cooling space the city may open at the Joe Thornton Community Centre during an extreme heat warning.
How to access
Check with the city during a heat warning; hours are announced when the centre opens. The INN (24/7) and Ignite Youth Centre, 745 Talbot St, also offer cooling space.
Cost
Free
Hours
Opens during extreme heat warnings; hours announced at opening.
Address
75 Caso Crossing, St. Thomas
Website
YWCA Women's Residence
View on map · 6Transitional and longer-term supportive housing for people 16 and older who identify as female or non-binary. 21 beds, communal living. Housing support, not an emergency shelter.
How to access
Call the YWCA office to ask about availability.
Hours
Office: Monday to Friday, 9 to 12 and 1 to 4:30
Address
16 Mary St W, St. Thomas
Website
Call 519-631-9800
Toll-free: 1-800-461-0954
Verified August 2026
YWCA Serenity House
View on map · 6Short-term respite housing, up to three months, for women-led families.
How to access
Call the YWCA office to ask about availability.
Cost
Fees geared to income
Hours
Contact through the YWCA office, Monday to Friday, 9 to 12 and 1 to 4:30.
Address
16 Mary St W, St. Thomas
Website
3
Food this week
Nobody at these places asks why you need food. The food bank works by pre-order, so text or call first and you will be given a pickup time instead of a lineup. The Grace Cafe is drop-in, no questions asked.
St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank (The Caring Cupboard)
View on map · 7Food hampers for anyone in need in St. Thomas and Elgin County who does not have a food bank in their own area. Available every 21 days.
How to access
Text (preferred) or call 519-878-3663 to pre-order; you will be given a pickup time. Use the back door and ring the bell. Bring ID for each household member, proof of address, proof of income source, and your own bags.
Cost
Free
Address
24 John St, St. Thomas
Website
The Grace Cafe
View on map · 8Volunteer-run street mission and soup kitchen: free breakfast and lunch, Monday to Saturday. Free clothing as available, and a warm place to be.
How to access
Drop in, no questions asked.
Cost
Free
Hours
Free breakfast and lunch, Monday to Saturday.
Address
323 Talbot St, St. Thomas
Website
The Salvation Army free meals and bread
View on map · 5Free meals and free bread from The Salvation Army Community Church. Outside this schedule they do not offer food assistance in St. Thomas.
How to access
Show up at the times listed. The Ministry Meal and Free Bread are while supplies last.
Cost
Free, except Young at Heart, which is $10.
Hours
- Free Bread: every Friday, 10 am to 1 pm at 380 Elm St. Limit 2 items per person.
- Ministry Meal (free dinner, 1 per person): Mondays from 5:15 pm at the corner of Moore and Talbot. Moving to Wednesdays, same time and place, starting in November.
- Community Meal (free lunch for anyone): third Wednesday of the month. Third Tuesday of the month starting in November.
- Messy Church: first Friday of every month. A free family meal with crafts and dancing.
- Young at Heart: second Thursday of every month. Lunch for ages 55 and up with live entertainment, $10.
Address
380 Elm St, St. Thomas
Website
Call 519-631-6202
ext 4
Verified September 2026
Community Fridge and Freezer, St. Thomas Public Library
View on map · 9Free food in the Community Fridge and Freezer on the Lower Level of the St. Thomas Public Library, for adults 18 and over. Stocked by Harvest Hands.
How to access
Go to the Lower Level of the library during the hours below. Food availability varies and the fridge may be empty at times. Please take only what you need so there is food for others. No donations, please: only Harvest Hands stocks the fridge, for food safety.
Cost
Free
Hours
Mon to Fri 9 to 8:30, Sat 9 to 5
Address
153 Curtis St, St. Thomas
Website
More support
Good Food Box Elgin
A $20 monthly box of fresh produce, open to everyone. Affordable food, not emergency food.
How to access
Order online; monthly order deadline and pickup date posted on the site.
Cost
$20 per month
Website
VON Meals on Wheels
Meals delivered to your door, for adults who need support. Seniors and disability support, not emergency food.
How to access
Call VON Middlesex-Elgin to ask about eligibility and signup.
4
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Fleeing violence
Everything here is confidential and free, and you do not have to leave home before you call; talking it through counts. If you need to close this page fast, use the Leave this page quickly button; it swaps this page for a weather site.
Valora Place
For women (cis and transgender) and their children experiencing harm in intimate or dependent relationships. You do not have to leave to talk about it; family, friends and co-workers can call too.
How to access
Call any time, or drop in. No appointment needed. Open 24 hours a day.
Cost
Free. All services are free, including transportation across the service area.
Hours
Helpline and emergency shelter: 24 hours a day. Counselling: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 9 pm.
Address
45 Princess Ave, St. Thomas
Website
Call 1-800-265-4305
24-hour local line: 519-633-0155
Verified August 2026
Victim Services Elgin
Support and referrals for victims of crime and tragic circumstances anywhere in Elgin County. Serves any person.
How to access
Call 519-631-3182 during office hours. You can contact them directly, no police referral needed.
Cost
Free
Hours
Mon to Fri 9 to 4
After hours
Outside office hours, call police and ask them to have Victim Services contact you, or leave a voicemail and they will call back the next business day.
Address
45 CASO Crossing, St. Thomas (St. Thomas Police building)
Website
Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program (St. Joseph's, London)
For anyone of any age, gender or sexual identity in Elgin and the region who has experienced sexual assault or domestic violence. Crisis intervention, counselling, exams, injury documentation, and forensic evidence collection stored anonymously for up to one year while you decide.
How to access
Call any time, or go to St. Joseph's Urgent Care, 268 Grosvenor St, London, and ask for the SA/DV nurse on call. In a medical emergency call 911 or go to the nearest ER; STEGH (519-631-2030) is a local door.
Cost
Free
Hours
Reachable at any time
Address
268 Grosvenor St, London
Website
Call 519-646-6100
ext 64224
Verified August 2026
Assaulted Women's Helpline
Province-wide crisis line for women who have experienced abuse, in more than 200 languages.
How to access
Call or text, any time.
Cost
Free
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website
Talk4Healing
Help line for Indigenous women anywhere in Ontario, in 14 languages.
How to access
Call or text, any time.
Cost
Free
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website
Fem'aide
Support line for French-speaking women affected by gender-based violence, anywhere in Ontario.
Verified August 2026Seniors Safety Line
Confidential support line for older adults experiencing abuse or neglect.
How to access
Call.
Cost
Free
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
Confidential help for anyone affected by human trafficking, and for anyone worried about someone else.
How to access
Call any time, or chat on their website.
Cost
Free
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
5
Youth
Support built for children, teens and young adults. Wellkin answers around the clock for anyone 17 and under in Elgin, and the housing programs here run to age 24. Adults calling about a young person are welcome on all of these lines.
Wellkin Child and Youth Mental Wellness
View on map · 10Mental health support for children and youth up to age 17 in Elgin and Oxford. THE local youth crisis line.
How to access
In crisis: call the 24/7 line. For ongoing support: self-refer through Central Intake at wellkin.ca.
Cost
Free
Hours
Crisis line answers 24/7. Office hours not published.
Address
3-800 Talbot St, St. Thomas
Website
YWCA youth supportive housing
View on map · 6Supportive housing for youth 16 to 24 across four homes: Fairwinds (men 16-24), Harmony House (women 16-24), Horizon House (women 18-24) and Unity House (men 18-24).
How to access
Intake is through the Youth Homelessness Protocol plus an online application; start by calling the YWCA office.
Hours
Office: Monday to Friday, 9 to 12 and 1 to 4:30
Address
16 Mary St W, St. Thomas
Website
Call 519-631-9800
Toll-free: 1-800-461-0954
Verified August 2026
More support
Ignite Youth Centre
View on map · 11A free drop-in space for youth aged 12 to 19 in Elgin County. Also a city-listed cooling space during heat warnings.
How to access
Drop in or call.
Hours
Mon to Fri 2:45 to 8 (drop-in hours)
Address
745 Talbot St, St. Thomas
Website
6
Mental health and addiction
You do not need a diagnosis to start here, and for most of these services you do not need a referral either. The RAAM clinic takes walk-ins for addiction medicine and CMHA intake is one phone call. In a crisis, use section 1 any time.
CMHA Thames Valley: mental health and addiction intake
The region's mental health and addiction agency, serving Elgin, London, Middlesex and Oxford. Counselling, addiction services and community programs.
How to access
Call intake, or start online at cmhatv.ca/start.
Cost
Free
Hours
Intake: Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30
After hours
Outside intake hours call Reach Out 24/7 at 519-433-2023, call or text.
Website
STEGH Outpatient Mental Health Program
View on map · 2For adults 18 and older in Elgin with acute mental health symptoms. Psychiatric consultation, up to 10 counselling sessions, CBT, DBT and trauma groups.
How to access
Referral required, through your primary care provider.
Cost
Free
Hours
Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30, extended to 8:30 pm Tuesday to Thursday
After hours
In crisis: the ER at 189 Elm St, or Reach Out 24/7 at 519-433-2023.
Address
189 Elm St, 3rd floor North Tower, St. Thomas
Website
Call 519-631-2030
ext 2795
Verified August 2026
St. Thomas RAAM Clinic
View on map · 12Walk-in addiction medicine for opioids (Methadone, Suboxone, Sublocade), alcohol, stimulants, cannabis and tobacco.
How to access
Walk in, or call to book an appointment. For an intake, it is best to come about half an hour after the clinic opens. Referrals and self-referrals accepted.
Cost
Free. OHIP covers 100 percent of services.
Hours
Mon 8:30 to 11:30, 1 to 3:30 and 4 to 6:45, Tue 1 to 4, closed Wed, Thu 8:30 to 11:30, closed Fri
After hours
Outside clinic hours call Reach Out 24/7 at 519-433-2023, call or text.
Address
475 Talbot St, St. Thomas
Website
CMHA problem gambling and behavioural addictions program
Support for gambling and other behavioural addictions; walk-in intake includes St. Thomas.
Verified August 2026More support
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy West
Free CBT-based therapy for adults with depression or anxiety.
Verified August 2026
7
Money, housing and bills
Most money help in St. Thomas starts at one address: 230 Talbot St. One call there covers Ontario Works, housing applications, emergency rent help and energy assistance. The rest are provincial programs you can apply to directly.
St. Thomas Elgin Social Services
View on map · 13The single front door for Ontario Works, social housing applications, HSFA emergency housing funds (rent and utility arrears, up to $1,250 single or $2,500 for multiple occupants) and LEAP energy assistance.
How to access
Call 519-631-9350 and choose option 3 for intake, or walk in. In an emergency do not apply for Ontario Works online (4-day processing); call or walk in instead.
Cost
Free
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30
Address
230 Talbot St, St. Thomas
Website
Call 519-631-9350
Toll-free: 1-800-265-4362
Verified August 2026
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Income and health benefits for people with disabilities.
How to access
Apply online at sada.mcss.gov.on.ca (about 20 to 30 minutes) or call the application line. You can receive Ontario Works while an ODSP application is being reviewed.
Cost
Free
Hours
Application line: Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 5
Website
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
An ongoing monthly credit of $35 to $75 on your electricity bill for lower-income households; higher amounts for Indigenous, electric-heat or medical-device households.
Verified August 2026Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic
Free legal help for low-income residents: landlord and tenant problems, OW and ODSP appeals, employment, CPP and consumer protection. Support for victims of intimate partner violence.
How to access
By appointment; call to book.
Cost
Free
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30
Address
98 Centre St, St. Thomas
Website
Call 519-633-2638
Toll-free: 1-866-611-2311
Verified August 2026
The Salvation Army Community Outreach
View on map · 5Thrift store vouchers and a mattress program through The Salvation Army Community Outreach program.
How to access
By appointment. Call 519-631-6202 ext 4 to book. Appointments are at 380 Elm St.
Cost
Free
Hours
Mon to Thu 9:30 to 2:30, Fri 9:30 to 1:30
Address
380 Elm St, St. Thomas
Website
Call 519-631-6202
ext 4
Verified September 2026
More support
The Salvation Army Thrift Store
View on map · 14Thrift store. Vouchers for the store are available by appointment through The Salvation Army Community Outreach.
Verified September 2026
8
Not sure where to start
Call or text 2-1-1, any hour, any day. It is a free, confidential line run for exactly this situation: you explain what is going on in your own words, and a real person finds the right service, in more than 150 languages. If everything on this page feels like too much, that one call is enough.
For anything involving money, housing or benefits, St. Thomas Elgin Social Services is the human front door. Call 519-631-9350 and choose option 3, or walk into 230 Talbot St on a weekday. You do not need to know which program you need before you call; that is their job to figure out with you.
For mental health or addiction and you are not sure where to start, ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 is the provincial navigator: free, around the clock, and they will tell you what exists near you and how to get in.
Looking for everyday city contacts instead, like arenas, clinics or city hall? Try the community directory.
Where these places are
The walk-in locations on this page, numbered to match the listings
Where these places are
The walk-in locations on this page, numbered to match the listingsThe numbered pins match the numbers on the listings above. Every location shown here is published by the organization itself. Tap a pin for the name and street address.
- 1 CMHA crisis walk-in10 Mondamin St
- 2 CMHA crisis walk-in at STEGH Emergency, STEGH Outpatient Mental Health Program189 Elm St
- 3 The INN (Inn Out of the Cold St. Thomas-Elgin)10 Princess Ave
- 4 Cooling space, Joe Thornton Community Centre75 Caso Crossing
- 5 The Salvation Army free meals and bread, The Salvation Army Community Outreach380 Elm St
- 6 YWCA Women's Residence, YWCA Serenity House, YWCA youth supportive housing16 Mary St W
- 7 St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank (The Caring Cupboard)24 John St
- 8 The Grace Cafe323 Talbot St
- 9 Community Fridge and Freezer, St. Thomas Public Library153 Curtis St
- 10 Wellkin Child and Youth Mental Wellness3-800 Talbot St
- 11 Ignite Youth Centre745 Talbot St
- 12 St. Thomas RAAM Clinic475 Talbot St
- 13 St. Thomas Elgin Social Services230 Talbot St
- 14 The Salvation Army Thrift Store105 Edward St
About the open and closed badges: they are worked out on your device, from each organization's own posted hours, in your local time. Statutory holidays are not accounted for, so on a holiday, call before you go. Where hours could not be fully confirmed, we show no badge at all rather than risk a wrong one.
Verified means checked. The date on each listing is the last time a person checked it against the organization's own website, a direct confirmation from them, or an official public source such as the hospital or the city. Spot something wrong or out of date? Email stthomas@locvox.ca and we will fix it fast; on this page a wrong number matters.
About this list: LocVox St. Thomas is an independent community website. We are not part of, or endorsed by, any organization listed here. This page is general information, not medical, legal or crisis advice, and we cannot guarantee that a service is open or has space. Each listing shows when we last checked it.
Looking for city services and general contacts instead? See the community directory.