Affordable transitional accommodation for men seeking housing stability within a safe, respectful, and supportive community in the Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA.
A supportive place to move forward
Residents maintain their independence in private living spaces while accessing staff support, case management and community resources that can strengthen housing stability, well-being and community connection.
- Private accommodation: Clean, furnished private living spaces designed to support dignity and independence.
- On-site support: Staff and individualized supports help residents work toward practical housing and life goals.
- Shared amenities: Communal washrooms, showers and shared laundry facilities are available on-site.
Address
79 James St. South
Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA
Inquiries
905-317-4090
Two connected housing programs
The 3rd Floor Transitional Living Program provides a structured entry pathway. Eligible graduates may move to the longer-term residence floors when a room is available, and they remain in good standing.
Men's Transitional Living Program
3rd Floor
Structured, short-term housing and individualized support for men working toward permanent housing and long-term stability.
- Housing-focused case management
- Life-skills development
- Employment and income supports
- Connections to healthcare, mental health and addiction services
- Community referrals and wrap-around supports
- Individual goal planning and progress monitoring
Program stay: Up to 12 months
Men's Residence
2nd, 4th & 5th Floors
Affordable, longer-term transitional accommodation offering a respectful, secure and community-focused living environment.
- Private accommodation
- On-site staffing and support
- Communal washroom and shower facilities
- Shared laundry facilities
- Safe and secure housing
- A culture of dignity, independence and growth
$500.00 per month (2026 room rate)
Eligibility: Access is exclusively for people who have successfully completed the 3rd Floor TLP. Admission depends on room availability and remaining in good standing.
Coordinated Access referral process
The Transitional Living Program does not accept applications sent directly to the YMCA before Coordinated Access approval. A case worker, or an individual seeking support, must first contact Hamilton's Coordinated Access team.
- Contact Coordinated Access: Begin through the City of Hamilton's Coordinated Access process by emailing Homeless.Policy@hamilton.ca.
- Wait for approval: Coordinated Access reviews eligibility and acuity. If acuity is above 7, request a special review for consideration.
- Apply to the YMCA: Only after approval, complete and submit the YMCA application package using the documents below.
Important: Do not send an application to the YMCA until the Coordinated Access referral has been approved. Individuals may contact Coordinated Access themselves, but the same eligibility and approval process applies.
Application package
Download the application and checklist after Coordinated Access approval. Make sure all requested documents are clear, legible and current.
Residence Application
Complete the applicant, housing, income, support, reference and consent sections.
Application Checklist
Review the identification, income, bank statement and case-worker documents required.
Coordinated Access Poster
Share the eligibility requirements and the three-step referral process.
Referral Guide: Approval first. YMCA application second.
Eligible referrals include adult men seeking transitional housing who are staying in shelter or experiencing homelessness. The recommended acuity range is 4 to 7, with special review available for higher acuity.
Questions about Men's Residence?
Contact our Residence team
YMCA Men's Residence: 79 James Street South, Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z1
Phone: 905-317-4909
Email: residence.applications@ymcahbb.ca
