Community and Social Resources

Affordable Housing

The City of Brantford delivers housing services on behalf of the County of Brant. Visit the City of Brantford Housing webpage for information.

Affordable rental housing units are available across the City of Brantford and the County of Brant. These include apartments, townhouses, semi-detached and single-family homes.

The County of Brant owns and operates Russell Heights (50 High St., St. George) in partnership with the City of Brantford Housing Department. We offer rent geared-to-income and market rent housing which provides affordable housing to tenants in the County of Brant.

The John Noble Home offers additional affordable housing options for seniors.

Visit the Salvation Army Housing Resource Centre (HRC). It is a free community service that helps housed and homeless individuals in Brantford-Brant to ensure that those at risk of homelessness maintain their housing and those experiencing homelessness have access to emergency shelter and support to find permanent housing.

Child Care Services

Families are eligible for childcare subsidy when criteria is met and financial need is identified for both After School Program and any Day Camp. The City of Brantford delivers child care services on behalf of the County of Brant.

Community Gardens

The County of Brant has partnered with Equal Grounds Community Gardens on the development of Community Gardens in Brant. These are located at:

Scotland Community Centre, 85 Simcoe Street, Scotland

Axton Park, 57 Schuyler Street, Paris

Russell Heights, 50 High Street, St George.

Looking for ways to get involved? Visit the Equal Ground Community Gardens Website for more information on the program.

Education and Learning

Schoolboards

• Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
• Grand Erie District School Board

Other programs

• Brant Skills Centre: Provides free literacy and essential skills upgrading for adults and older youth via phone, email, and online learning opportunities.
• County of Brant Public Library: Cultivating inclusivity and empowering lifelong learning through programs and services.
• Kids Can Fly Imagination Library: Promotes early childhood development and offers the Imagination Library.

Emergency Services

Visit the Emergency Services and Healthcare webpage.

Emergency Shelters

Emergency Shelter services are available for:

• women and children fleeing abuse
• youth ages 15-19 years
• adult men and adult women

Visit the City of Brantford's Emergency Shelter webpage for information.

Employment Support

The City of Brantford delivers employment support and training services on behalf of the County of Brant. For more information, visit the City of Brantford's Employment Support webpage.

Food Banks and Food Pantries

Burford Community Food Bank: The Burford Community Food Bank is located at Fellowship Baptist Church in town and provides food for those in need.

• Address: 67 King Street, Burford, Ontario 
• 519.720.8886
• Burford Community Food Bank Website

Cedarview Church in Paris: Visit the Cedarview Church Food Pantry on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

• Address: 20 Cedar Street, Paris, Ontario
• 519.442.4448
• Cedarview Church Website

Feed Brant: Is available to help residents find free and low-cost places to get, grow, learn about, and eat food in Brantford and the County of Brant

• Feed Brant Website

Our Little Free Pantry in Paris: The Little Free Pantry is accessible to all residents.

• Address: 2 Elm Street, Paris, Ontario 

Out Little Free Pantry in Scotland: The Little Free Pantry is accessible to all residents. 

• Address: 281 Oakland Road, Scotland, Ontario 

Paris Salvation Army Food Bank: Available for residents of the County of Brant who meet certain eligibility requirements. Eligible residents can receive food assistance every 30 days. 

• Address: 25B Dundas Street West, Paris, Ontario
• 519.442.3432
• Paris Salvation Army Food Bank Website

Immigration Support

If you are new to the County or are considering moving here, visit the City of Brantford's Newcomer Connections to find local information, resources and services to help you build your new life here.

Newcomer Welcome Bags are available at the Brant Sports Complex, 144 Powerline Road in Paris. Open Monday though Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and 8:30 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Mental Health

Please reach out if you need help.

• The Assaulted Women's Helpline is free, anonymous and confidential 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis telephone line to all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse.
  • TF: 1.866.863.0511
  • TF TTY: 1.866.863.7868
  • Text #SAFE (#7233)
  • Senior Safety Line 1.866.299.1011
• Canada Suicide Prevention Service provides free, 24/7 suicide prevention and support to Canadians. Call 1.833.456.4566, or Text 45645.
• The Canadian Mental Health Association (Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk Branch) provides recovery-focused programs and services for people of all ages and their families. Please visit the links below for more information. Integrated Mental Health 24-Hour Crisis Service: Phone: 519.759.7188
  Toll-free: 1.866.811.7188
• Contact Brant is your starting place to get community services for children and youth with emotional, behavioural or developmental concerns. Contact Brant provides:
  • Information about available services and resources
  • Intake interview and referral to appropriate services
  • Coordination of your services
• Good2Talk provides 24/7 free, confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario. Call 1.866.925.5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868.
• The Integrated Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Network provides immediate crisis support and/or counseling for individuals experiencing mental health, addictions or situational crisis for all ages. Call 519.759.7188 or 1.866.811.7188
• Kids Help Phone is a 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French. Call 1.800.668.6868, Text CONNECT to 686868, or connect with the Kids Help Phone Live Chat.
• LGBT Youthline Ontario provides Ontario-wide peer-support for lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, queer and questioning young people. Call or text 647.694.4275.
• Nova Vita is helping families in Brantford and Brant County live a life free from violence:
  • 24 Hour Crisis and Support Line. Call 519.752.HELP to receive immediate support and safety planning. This service is available to all members of our community.
  • Emergency Shelter. Providing safe shelter and essential support to women and children impacted by domestic violence and homelessness. 
• St. Leonard's Community Services is here to help you with free, confidential support for addiction and/or mental health.  If you need immediate crisis support or counselling, please call the 24/7 crisis line at 519.759.7188 or 1.866.811.7188.
• Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services offers services and support for children and youth facing mental health challenges and for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Woodview offers Mental Health walk-in clinics for children and youth up to 18 years and their families. Call 519.752.5308 or Text 226.920.4427.

Ontario Works

Ontario Works provides financial and employment assistance to individuals and families who are in need. For more information, visit the City of Brantford's Ontario Works webpage.

Public Transit

Visit the Brant Transit webpage.

Senior Services