CHESS (Community Housing and Employment Support Services)
In partnership with University of Toronto Student Union, DLS student caseworkers meet weekly with full-time undergraduate students in the Students Commons to provide summary legal advice on housing and employment issues. This helps students get the answers they need quickly.
The summer 2026 schedule for walk-in summary advice meetings is below.
Housing Inquiries
Mondays starting June 8 from 11.30 – 2 pm until August 17, in Room 246 of the Student Commons.
Employment Inquiries
June 9 & 23, July 7 & 21, August 4, 1 – 3 pm, in Room 246 of the Student Commons
Evangel Hall Mission (EVM)
Downtown Legal Services is honoured to continue our long-time relationship with Evangel Hall Mission (EHM), a multi-service agency that supports people who are unhoused and living in poverty. Our caseworkers attend at EVM’s drop-in centre to conduct on-site intakes, provide legal information and advice, and assist with “warm referrals” to other services. At present, our monthly summary advice clinic takes place between 10:00 and 12:00 PM, the third Thursday of every month.
People living in deep poverty face many barriers to getting the legal help they need, from a lack of Internet access to mobility problems. We seek to address at least some of those barriers by meeting with potential clients where they are, while fostering a relationship of collaboration and trust with this important community hub and our neighbours who rely on it.
Native Canadian Cultural Centre
Downtown Legal Services is excited to partner with NCCT to pilot a new public legal education program for youth this fall. The program will take place over eight sessions, with youth participants learning about areas of law they might encounter in their lives, with a focus on criminal law, and introductions to Indigenous legal orders, housing law, employment law, and income assistance. Youth will participate in interactive activities and discussions to stimulate critical thinking and develop legal knowledge.
Homeless Connect Toronto
Homeless Connect Toronto (HCT) is a multi-service agency that assists individuals affected by homelessness, bridging gaps and facilitating access to needed services and supports.
Downtown Legal Services participates in HCT's One Stop Shop event each October, as well as Community Connect events throughout the year, providing legal advice on-site and referrals for additional help.