Yellow Brick House provides emergency shelter, crisis counselling, as well as, parenting support including program for moms of infants and toddlers.

Legal information and support, Transitional and housing support, and Community service referrals

We may pay for a lawyer to represent you if you are a refugee claimant or an immigrant who qualifies for legal aid services. If you are eligible for legal aid but do not have a lawyer, you can choose to have either a private bar or LAO staff lawyer represent you.

If you are a refugee claimant and would like further information on how LAO may be able to help you, visit our Services for refugee claimants section. An LAO representative will help you in the language of your choice (through an interpreter if necessary).

Do you have a mental health issue or addiction and need legal help? We might be able to help if you qualify. Check out this page to see if you qualify and you can assist you.

The Community Legal Clinic of York Region (‘CLCYR’) is a not-for-profit organization which serves low-income residents in York Region. The clinic is staffed by lawyers, paralegals and support staff and offers free legal help to those who meet our financial eligibility criteria.

CLCYR can help with legal matters relating to:

-Housing and Tenant’s Rights
-Social Assistance: Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Canada Pension Plan and Guaranteed -Income Supplement
-Criminal Injuries Compensation Board Claims
-Advice on Employment Law
-Advice on Immigration Law

*All services available from main page, easy to find, can provide legal services and information. Located in Richmond Hill, services are available in Keswick, Maple, Markham, Newmarket and Woodbridge.

The organization has a Newmarket location. It provides programs and services to individuals who have been in conflict with the law or those at risk of that focus on crime prevention, intervention and reintegration. These include counselling, partner assault rehabilitation, services while incarcerated, community supports. For more information, click on Adult programs or Youth Programs from the Home Page.

This is a directory of Government and Professional Resources available in 25 languages in 46 areas of law.

To provide a safe and welcoming space to meet the social and cultural needs of the Iranian-Canadian Community with the special focus on providing programs and services to newcomers, youth, and seniors. Our aim is to strengthen the capacity of the Farsi-Speaking community through education, social integration, community development and newcomer services.

This resource will outline the steps to start your own small business in terms of legal requirements and offer free advice. Call if you need help with a civil matter (no family law or criminal law)

Read this to learn about the rules that the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) use to decide:
Whether 2 adults who live together are spouses
When 2 people who live together must apply as a couple for social assistance

https://www.cleo.on.ca/sites/default/files/book_pdfs/cohab-en.pdf

Read this to learn what you can do if you disagree with a decision about assistance from Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). This can include a decision to: Refuse to give you financial assistance Reduce the amount of assistance you get Cut off your assistance. https://www.cleo.on.ca/sites/default/files/book_pdfs/apir.pdf

Sandgate offers a wide range of services designed to support and empower women and their children who wish to transition to a life free of violence. You will find a home-like environment including;

Food, clothing, linen, personal items;
Housing support;
Access to legal and financial clinics;
Identification clinics;
Employment supports;
Personal needs allowance;
Support groups; and,
Child and youth services.

This booklet tells you what your landlord must do with any personal property you leave behind when you move or are evicted. https://www.cleo.on.ca/sites/default/files/book_pdfs/yourstuff.pdf

Legal Aid outlines the different services which can be done in court, in person or on the phone. This includes domestic violence, Family legal issues, Mental Health issues and more.

This resource is about your rights at work under the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA). The ESA has minimum standards that employers must follow. https://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/rightswrk

This resource is about rights that workers may have if they are fired or laid off. It explains some of the rights workers have under the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA) and other laws. https://www.cleo.on.ca/sites/default/files/book_pdfs/beenfired.pdf

A care home is a place you rent, where you get health care services, attendant care, or help with daily living. If you live in a care home, you are a tenant and have legal rights. https://www.cleo.on.ca/sites/default/files/book_pdfs/carehome.pdf

The Residential Tenancies Act sets the rules for rent increases, evictions, repairs, and many other issues that affect tenants. https://www.cleo.on.ca/sites/default/files/book_pdfs/tenantaccess.pdf

This publication is for front-line workers and advocates working with people who:
■ are not Canadian citizens,
■ have been charged with or convicted of a crime in Canada,
■ have or may have a mental illness.

https://www.cleo.on.ca/sites/default/files/book_pdfs/mentill.pdf

Did you know...If you are going to have a baby or adopt a child, Ontario law says you can take time off work without losing your job. This is called taking a leave. https://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/pregparnt

When parents separate, they need to decide how they will take care of their children. They have to make important decisions about things. Find out more by reading this pamphlet. https://www.cleo.on.ca/sites/default/files/book_pdfs/custodyaccess.pdf

Located in Aurora, York Hills provides quick access to phone counselling. The Here to Help Phone Line is a free service available to children, youth (0-18) and their parents, caregiver or adult supporters.