Providing Critical Support at Toronto Pearson International Airport

The Toronto Pearson Airport Community Project, in partnership with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), provides on-site crisis intervention and support for people experiencing homelessness, mental health crises, or housing insecurity at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Our goal is to help people transition from using the airport as a shelter to securing safe, community-based housing and support services.

Operating five days a week, our trained Crisis Intervention Specialists work alongside Pearson security teams, Peel Regional Police, and emergency services to assist people in distress with dignity and compassion.

Connecting People to Shelter & Support

We identify and engage people using the airport as shelter, offering immediate assistance to connect them with safe accommodations. This includes transportation to shelters, referrals to support services, and follow-up care. To help with safe transitions, we also provide food vouchers and transit cards.

For those experiencing a mental health crisis, our team responds with specialized de-escalation techniques, offering brief supportive counseling and referrals to mental health services. By providing immediate care, we help reduce police involvement and prevent unnecessary escalation.

We also assist newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers by connecting them to immigration support services and temporary housing. To navigate language barriers, we work with trusted community partners to ensure clear communication and access to essential resources.

Together, we are building a safer and more compassionate approach to crisis response at Toronto Pearson International Airport.