The Canadian Shelter Transformation Network is a network of homeless shelter leaders and organizations committed to becoming housing-focused shelters and in taking on community leadership roles in ending homelessness. The network brings together shelter leaders, staff, and sector partners to share knowledge, tools, and strategies that help improve services for people experiencing homelessness.

Members of CSTN include executive directors, managers, frontline staff, and advocates from emergency shelters across Canada. It also includes system planners and other homelessness sector partners who are working toward better outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

Shelter transformation refers to the process of shifting shelter practices from just providing temporary emergency shelter to actively helping people exit homelessness into housing. This involves adopting a housing-focused approach, trauma-informed care, low-barrier access, and emphasizing dignity, safety, and choice for shelter users.

A housing-focused shelter is an emergency shelter that prioritizes helping people move quickly from homelessness into permanent housing. Rather than just providing a temporary place to stay, housing-focused shelters actively support guests in finding and securing housing by offering case management, housing navigation, and connections to community resources. These shelters aim to reduce barriers to entry, provide personalized support, and focus on outcomes – like successful housing placements – rather than just nightly stays. The core belief is that everyone deserves a safe, stable place to live.

CSTN provides:

• Peer learning opportunities (such as webinars, and community calls)
• Access to tools and resources (like templates, frameworks, and guides)
• A supportive community to share challenges, ideas, and successes

No, joining the CSTN is free. It is designed to be accessible to shelter staff and leaders across the country, regardless of the size or funding of their organization.

Unlike broader homelessness coalitions, CSTN focuses specifically on shelter transformation. Its peer-to-peer approach centers the voices of shelter operators and staff, providing tailored, practical support rooted in frontline realities.

You can join CSTN by signing up through the website at transformshelter.ca or reaching out directly to our coordinator via email at grant@transformshelter.ca. Once connected, you’ll start receiving invitations to events, and updates on new resources and opportunities for collaboration.

Absolutely. CSTN welcomes shelters at all stages – whether you’re just beginning to explore the housing-focused approach or are already well into your transformation journey. It’s a judgment-free space to ask questions, learn from others, and move at your own pace.

You can find more information through the CSTN website at transformshelter.ca or contact our coordinator directly via email at grant@transformshelter.ca. They’re happy to connect, answer questions, and point you to resources or upcoming events that can help.