GET HELP IN HALTON
You do not have to figure out the next step alone.
If food is running short, clothing or an everyday essential is hard to replace, or something else is becoming hard to manage, Compassion Society of Halton is a welcoming place to start. You can visit for groceries and essentials, talk with someone about what is going on and find a clear path to other local support.
You do not need to know the name of a program before you arrive. We will explain what we offer, what is on the shelves that day and which next step may fit your household.
Your first visit begins during walk-in hours. No appointment is needed.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
The first conversation is about making the process clear.
You do not need the right words or a list of programs before you arrive. Tell the first team member you see that this is your first visit, and ask anything along the way.
Arrive and check in
Tell the team it is your first visit.
Receive an explanation
A team member will give you the registration form, explain what it asks and walk you through how the visit works.
Ask for what would help
Ask for help reading the form, or tell us about a language, communication or accessibility need. You can call ahead or ask when you arrive.
Share an immediate need
If you need food today, please tell us. We will explain what food or clothing you can take home while your registration is completed.
Know your next step
Before you leave, ask what to bring back and how to book your next shopping visit.
Bring your documents with you to register in person.
BEFORE YOU COME
Bring one document that shows you live in Halton.
Registration is open to Halton residents who are struggling to afford food. Bring either one of these:
Government-issued photo identification showing your current Halton address.
Or
A utility bill dated within the past 60 days showing your name and Halton address.
If ID is hard to get, please call or talk with the team. We will explain what works for your situation.
First visits are walk-in only, so there is nothing to book ahead. Check the notice at the top of the page before you travel.
Please do not email identification or upload it through the website.
PLAN THE VISIT
Here is when and where to find us.
Food pickup and first-visit walk-in hours are different. Find the schedule for your visit, and check the notice at the top of the page before you travel.
Food pickup
- Monday:
- 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday:
- 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday:
- 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
First-visit walk-in
- Monday:
- 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday:
- 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday:
- 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
These are our regular hours. Live open and closed status is loading, so please call if you are unsure.
Burlington, Ontario L7S 2K4
(905) 592-3722
Planning around mobility, communication or another access need? Call before you travel and we will talk through your options.
IMMEDIATE SUPPORT
Need help right now?
If someone is in danger or in crisis, reach out now. Every line below is free.
Emergency
Call 911
For any immediate danger to life or safety.
Suicide crisis
Call or text 988
The 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7 across Canada.
Local crisis (adults 16+)
Call COAST
COAST Crisis Line, 1-877-825-9011, 24/7 for Halton residents aged 16 and over.
Local crisis (children and youth)
Call ROCK
ROCK Crisis Response, 905-878-9785, 24-hour answering service connecting to a crisis counsellor.
Community services
Contact 211
211 Ontario, free and confidential information about community, social and government services.
LOCAL SERVICES
Find local services for what comes next.
Local services for housing, health, legal help, work and more, each checked by our team. Search by name or need, or pick a category to narrow the list.
17 results
Support House - Find Your Family Doctor in Halton
Helps Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville residents connect to available family doctors and nurse practitioners in their community.
Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
Halton Community Legal Services
A legal clinic that helps low-income individuals living in Halton with their legal problems for free. Funded by Legal Aid Ontario, serving the community for over 40 years.
Oakville
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
Centre for Skills Development
An independent charity delivering free, government-funded programs across Halton and Peel: job search coaching, workshops, LINC and settlement services for newcomers, academic upgrading and funded skilled-trades training.
Burlington
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
HMC Connections (Halton Multicultural Council)
Serving Halton since 1998. Supports all individuals, regardless of race or ethnic origin, to participate as full and active members of the community, with offices across the region.
Burlington
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
YMCA Employment Services
Connects people looking for work with employers looking to hire: career exploration, resumes and cover letters, interview preparation, skilled-trades apprenticeship support and technology access for job searching.
Burlington, Hamilton, Waterdown
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
The AIDS Network
Support and education for people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, including testing, one-on-one support, harm reduction supplies and outreach across Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant.
Oakville, Hamilton
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
Halton Parents
Parenting information and access to a public health nurse or child development staff, from Halton Region Public Health.
Halton Region
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
Halton Region - Oral Health Clinics
Public health oral care guidance for families, including free tele-screening appointments with a Registered Dental Hygienist and eligibility checks for the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.
Halton Region
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton - Seniors Mental Health Outpatient and Outreach
Assessment, medication management, counselling and case management for the complex mental health needs of seniors, including home-visiting outreach for those who cannot access a clinic.
Hamilton (serves Halton)
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
ROCK - Reach Out Centre for Kids
Inclusive, client and family-centred child and youth mental health programs and Ontario Early Years Centre drop-ins, beyond ROCK's own 24-hour crisis line listed above under Immediate Support.
Burlington
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
Halton Housing Help
Connects residents to safe, affordable housing in Halton Region's private market, with online resources, telephone support and one-to-one appointments.
Halton Region
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
The Women's Centre of Halton
Support for women experiencing crisis, distress or transition, with a 24-hour crisis line and scheduled in-person support hours.
Oakville, Milton
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
SAVIS - Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services
24/7 confidential, non-judgmental support and crisis line for survivors of sexual assault and violence, and for the people who support them.
Halton Region
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
SACHA - Sexual Assault Centre
Support for survivors of sexual assault, working to end violence in the community, with a 24-hour support line and distance counselling.
Hamilton (serves the region)
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
CAMH Nicotine Dependence Service
Commercial tobacco and nicotine addiction treatment, with clinics serving Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Hamilton.
Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, Hamilton
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
Distress Centre Halton
Telephone and online emotional support and befriending, 365 days a year, from trained volunteers, with locations in Oakville and Georgetown.
Oakville, Georgetown
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
Halton Region Harm Reduction Services (Exchange Works)
Walk-in and mobile access to safer injection, inhalation and sex supplies, naloxone training and kits, STI and HIV testing, and Hepatitis A and B vaccines.
Burlington, Oakville
Last reviewed August 22, 2026
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find a clear answer.
23 of 23 questions shown
Getting help
Who can use the food bank?
Anyone living in Halton Region who is struggling to afford food is welcome, including neighbours in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, Acton and Georgetown. Everything we offer is free.
Are food bank groceries free?
Yes. Groceries are free, and so are the clothing and personal care items we have on hand.
What do I need to register?
Bring one document that shows you live in Halton: government photo ID with your current Halton address, or a utility bill from the last 60 days with your name and Halton address. If ID is hard to get, talk with us and we will help you find a way forward.
Do I need an appointment?
Your first visit is walk-in only, so there is nothing to book. Come during first-visit walk-in hours and we will register you in person. After that, you book each shopping visit with us before you leave.
How often can I visit?
You can shop the Food Market once a week and visit Mina's Closet for clothing twice a month.
Can someone else collect food for me?
Yes, if they are an adult in your household who is listed on your profile with us.
Can I choose my own food?
Yes. Our Food Market works like a small grocery store, so you choose the foods that suit your household. What is on the shelves changes with each delivery.
How much food will I receive?
It depends on the size of your household and what we have that week. We aim for a balanced selection while keeping enough for every family who visits.
Do you provide fresh food?
Fresh produce, dairy, meat and bread are on the shelves when donations and deliveries bring them in, so the mix changes from week to week.
Do you provide hygiene products?
Yes. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, diapers and other personal care items are available while supplies last.
Do you have menstrual products?
Yes. Menstrual products are free for anyone who needs them, with no limit on how often you ask.
Can I receive clothing?
Yes. Once you are registered, you can visit Mina's Closet twice a month for clothing for adults and children.
What if I need more than food?
Tell us. Our team can help you find local support for housing, income, health care, work, mental health and more, and explain how to reach it.
Donations
What donations are currently needed?
Our Most Needed Items page lists the food, diapers and personal care items we are asking for this week. It changes often, so please check it before you shop.
Do you accept clothing or textiles?
Yes, we accept clothing (seasonal, please), bedding and other fabric items on Mondays. Food, diapers and hygiene items are welcome as well. See our Most Needed Items page for our most current list.
What items can you not accept?
We are unable to take furniture, mattresses, appliances, dishes, electronics, toys, bicycles, books, used socks or business suits. Our Most Needed Items page has the full list and where to take them instead.
Do you accept furniture or household items?
We are unable to take furniture or household goods, since we have no space to store them. Our Most Needed Items page suggests other places to try.
Where can I take clothing, textiles or furniture?
Business suits are welcome at Dress For Success or Safety Net, and Rolling Horse takes bicycles that need repair. Please check with them before you go, since their needs change too.
When can I drop off donations?
Food: Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Clothing: Monday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If our hours change for a holiday, the notice at the top of the page will say so.
Can I leave donations outside the posted hours?
Please bring them during drop-off hours, so someone from our team is there to receive them.
General
What is the registered charity number?
The registered charity number is 804301810 RR0001.
Where is Compassion Society of Halton located?
We are at 1881 Fairview Street, Units 4 and 5, in Burlington (L7S 2K4), next to the Mandarin Restaurant.
How can I contact Compassion Society of Halton?
Call 905-592-3722 or email general.compassion@gmail.com. Our Contact page has our hours, directions and a message form.
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