Join today
Shelter Support Worker Certificate
Build the practical, crisis-response, and client-support skills needed to work confidently in shelter and community support environments.
Online
Self-paced
6 weeks
*40 hours, self-paced with
12 month access
Certificate
Start any time
Register to start
$1,295
$400
$895
Control how you learn and progress
Begin today. Learning that starts when you're ready.
No intake dates, no waiting periods — register and start your learning journey right away.
Complete your registration
Register online and complete your initial payment — you're officially enrolled, no semester start dates required.
Access learning platform
Log in instantly and find all course materials, lessons, and assessments ready and waiting for you.
Learn at your own pace
Study when it works for you — pause, resume, and progress on your schedule with no deadlines or fixed class times.
Where This Certificate Can Take You?
With the Shelter Support Worker Certificate, you’ll be prepared to pursue opportunities in:
Write your awesome label here.
Start exploring your next step today.
Download our Shelter Support Worker Program Guide
Career-Focused Certificate Bundles
Complete the course & receive your certification
What Our Students Are Saying:
Real stories from York College graduates building meaningful careers in their communities.
It provided practical knowledge and real-life scenarios that helped me understand the role of a Shelter Support Worker. The lessons on harm reduction, case management, and crisis intervention were especially useful.
— Minhyahil A. (2025)
I learned a lot and enjoyed my studies, It's easy to study and easy to access the links for more details and to understand better the topics better.
— Grace N. (2025)
Overall, this course has not only prepared me for the workforce by providing practical skills and trauma-informed approaches, but it has also increased my commitment to making a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness and hardship.
— Ovoke U. (2025)
Statistic
Why This Program Matters Now
"Ontario's homelessness support sector grew by nearly 80% between 2016 and 2021—outpacing national trends—driven by rising homelessness across communities. In 2024 alone, more than 81,000 Ontarians experienced homelessness, a 25% increase since 2022. Our fully online, self-paced Shelter Support Worker program equips learners to enter a high-demand, mission-critical field faster and more flexibly than ever."
— Source: Statistics Canada, OMSSA
— Source: Statistics Canada, OMSSA
we are a click away
Need help deciding?
We know choosing the right program is a big decision. Ask us anything about programs, tuition, funding, or how to get started.
Our team will help you find the path that fits your goals, your schedule, and your budget.
Frequently asked questions:
Are payment plans available?
Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all certificate programs. You can choose your preferred plan during checkout.
When can I start?
Once your initial payment is processed, you’ll receive your login details by email. You’re welcome to start the program right away or at a time that works best for you.
Is financial aid accepted?
We accept a variety of funding sources, including Better Jobs Ontario, WSIB, ODSP, Ontario Works, Indigenous Education funding, private student loans, and RESP.
What's included in tuition?
Your tuition includes complete access to all course materials, 26 hours of comprehensive online training, dedicated student support throughout your program, and your official York College certificate upon successful completion.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The duration listed on each program page reflects the minimum estimated completion time. Since our programs are self-paced, you may take up to 12 months to complete your coursework. Many students finish sooner, while others choose to move at a more flexible pace that fits their schedule.
How do I access the learning system? Are there any computer requirements?
Our learning platform is web-based and can be accessed through any major internet browser, including Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox. There is no special software required. A computer or laptop with reliable internet connection and an up-to-date browser are recommended for the best experience.
You may also access the platform on a tablet or mobile device. However, for completing assignments and viewing certain course materials, a laptop or desktop computer is recommended.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a digital certificate in PDF format. The certificate can be downloaded for your records, shared with employers as proof of completion, and added to your LinkedIn and other professional profiles.
Can I claim the course costs on my taxes?
The federal government recognizes that the nature of work is changing and that many Canadians need to upgrade their skills to stay competitive.
The Canada Training Credit (CTC) is a refundable tax credit designed to help offset the cost of eligible training programs. For full details, please consult the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.
Key highlights of the Canada Training Credit:
Available to Canadian workers 26 to 65 years old
You must be a Canadian resident who files an income tax and benefit return
You must have paid eligible tuition or training fees to an approved educational institution in the year you claim the credit
Created with
