Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you have questions as a potential client or a donor, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions that come our way into one place. 
If you can’t find the answers you are looking for here, feel free to contact us by calling +1 888 711 6472 or send an email to info@nisafoundation.ca

What is a Transitional Home?

It is a safe residence for you and your children to go to if you are in an unsafe home environment, in an abusive relationship, homeless or at risk of homelessness or simply in need of a place of safety. Transitional Homes are NOT emergency shelters, we do not operate 24/7 and recommend contacting 911 or 211 for immediate help. Transition homes are usually regular houses; however the address is not available to the public to ensure the safety of the women and children staying there.

Can my children stay with me in the Homes?

Yes, you can bring your children but they must also be able to follow the rules and responsibilities of the house.

How long can I stay in the Home?

The duration of stay is determined on a case by case basis, however it is usually between 1-3 months.

Where is the house located?

To ensure complete safety and security, our location and address are confidential and are only given on a need-to-know basis to those who have signed a confidentiality agreement.

Do I have to pay anything to stay at Nisa Homes?

Accommodation at Nisa Homes is free, however if you are receiving a shelter allowance through Income Assistance, that amount must be paid to Nisa Homes.

What are your hours of operation?

You can contact us on +1 888 711 6472 from Monday to Friday 9 AM - 5 PM ET/ 6 AM - 2 PM PT or send an email to info@nisafoundation.ca

I don’t want to leave my house, can you still help me?

You DO NOT need to stay at Nisa Homes to get support, information and referrals to other services that you may want. If you want support, information or referrals you can reach us at +1 888 711 6472. You can also apply for financial assistance with the National Zakat Foundation.
Additionally, if you need emotional support and someone to talk to, you can call Nisa Helpline at 1-888-315-6472 or book free counselling appointments with a licensed therapist, by visiting https://nisahelpline.janeapp.com/  
However, we ask you to ensure the safety of yourself and your children above all else.

Are you a registered charity? Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?

Yes, as a program of Nisa Foundation, a registered Canadian Charity (79931 0289 RR0001) we provide tax receipts for your charitable donations. Tax receipts are sent immediately for online donations, and at the start of each year for all other donations.

Do you accept clothing, toys or household items?

Each location has a different list of items they are accepting depending on need and storage space. You can find a full list, as well as a form to fill out of what items you have so the corresponding home can get in touch: www.nisafoundation.ca/get-involved/non-monetary-donations.

How is Nisa Homes funded?

Nisa Homes is blessed to have such an incredible community supporting us and allowing us to not only keep our doors open but also expand to help even more women and children, all through their donations. We have also secured several key sponsorships and partnerships and are in the process of applying for government grants.

How can I make a monetary or in-kind donation?

Nisa Foundation accepts monetary donations online or in person (cash or credit). These donations are zakat eligible. 

For in-kind donations, please visit www.nisafoundation.ca/get-involved/non-monetary-donations to review our Amazon Wishlists.

Is there room available for me?

Availability of rooms changes frequently; however, you can apply online here and we will be in touch within 48 hours to let you know.  

If the Nisa Homes you contact for help is full, if or when you are ready to leave, staff will help you to make other arrangements such as helping you find room for you (and your children) at another transition house.

What do I need to bring with me?

For a full list, check our Safety Plan Checklist
It is best to try and be prepared before coming and having the following all or at least most of the following documents with you:

  1. Important Documents: IDs, Passports, birth certificates, citizenship/immigration papers etc. for all family members
  2. Prescriptions, medical and vaccination records for all family members
  3. School records
  4. All social assistance (Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Plan) documentation
  5. Marriage certificate, divorce papers, custody documentation, court orders, restraining orders, or other legal documents
  6. Lease/rental agreement, house deed, mortgage payment book
  7. Picture of spouse/partner
  8. All cards you normally use e.g. credit cards, bank cards, phone card, Social Insurance Number (SIN) card, health card
  9. Clothes for yourself and any children with you
  10. Toiletries

You might also want to consider keeping the following items in a safe place to take with you:

  1. Money
  2. Jewellery
  3. Sentimental objects
  4. Laptop

As a Homes Resident, what is expected of me?

Residents are required to cooperate and work with their case worker to achieve the following:

  1. Safety Plan – Develop a safety strategy for yourself and your child/children addressing the safety issues of living independently within the community and other situations. 

  2. Housing Plan – Secure permanent housing which is sustainable, safe, and affordable. 

  3. Self-Sufficiency Plan – Secure income assistance and/or employment, as well as develop day-to-day skills that will assist you in taking financial and psychological control of your life.

Additionally, residents are required to cook for themselves and participate in the chores and overall upkeep of the house.

How do I get to the house?

Those interested in coming to Nisa Homes or needing assistance must fill out our application form. A case manager will then contact them within 5 business days to discuss their application and conduct a brief phone assessment. Once the intake process is completed, when and how they will come to the house will be discussed with their case manager.

What can I expect to receive at Nisa Homes?

Nisa Homes provides six main services: 


  1. Basic Necessities – Shelter, food and assistance with transportation.  
 

  2. Counselling, therapy and emotional support – Identify positive life changes and explore strategies that help build independence and confidence by regularly setting goals and meeting with a counsellor.  

  3. Referral Network
  4. Case Management – Job search, securing long-term housing, legal assistance, referrals and sustainability planning.   

  5. Financial assistance – Through the Financial Assistance Program. program, Nisa Homes provides clients with direct financial assistance to cover immediate food, bills and rent, help them move in and out of shelters, and assist them in making ends meet until they can receive their first paycheck.   

  6. Spiritual empowerment – Regularly participate in an Islamic environment with prayers, halaqa, and counselling on their journey towards empowerment.

How can I volunteer?

Please visit www.nisafoundation.ca/get-involved/volunteer and sign up to volunteer.