McMaster Resources
Campus Emergency Services
These emergency services are available to students, faculty, staff and main campus visitors.

Main Campus Security Call (905)525-9140 x 24281
Alternative Phone: (905) 522-4135
Any University Phone: Dial 88
Inside Every Elevator on Campus: Direct Line

Emergency Phones Map View Emergency Phone Map
Emergency phones are located throughout the campus. Pick up the phone and it will directly dial campus security.

Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) Call (905)522-4135
Located in the McMaster University Student Centre room 103, to the right of Compass. Only available on main campus.
On-Campus Services
If you or someone you are with is in need of immediate medical attention, call campus security at (905) 525-9140 x 24281.
Student Wellness Centre Call (905)525-9140 x27700
THE STUDENT WELLNESS CENTRE IS OFFERING VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS DURING COVID-19
The Student Wellness Centre is the place on campus for students to address their wellness needs. We provide a range of counselling options, medical services and wellness programs so that students can get the most out of your McMaster experience, academically and personally!
Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office Call (905)525-9140 ext. 20909
For students, staff, and faculty
Supports and informs about sexual, intimate partnership or family violence including rape. Can meet in person and be of assistance in connecting with further resources. Located in MUSC 212
Online and phone services are available
MAC Food Collective Centre Learn More
The Food Collective Centre is McMaster’s on-campus food bank and food security resource. We are a service run by students dedicated to ensuring that food is always accessible to support food insecure individuals. Our goals also include cultivating stronger food systems in the McMaster and surrounding community, and advocating for systems to better accommodate and support students.
https://www.msumcmaster.ca/services-directory/14-mac-bread-bin
Women + Gender Equity Network (WGEN) Learn More
WGEN is the MSU Women & Gender Equity Network, a peer support driven service that caters to women, trans folk, people who identify outside the gender binary, and all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence of all gender identities. WGEN provides a safe(r) space (MUSC 204), a physical library, workshops, programs and campaigns to advocate and educate on behalf of and with the groups we were created to support.
Emergency Financial Support Learn More
Emergency Financial Support is a resource for students in a state of financial emergency such as:
- no money for food or rent
- pending eviction from your place of residence
- negative circumstances outside of your control
ONLINE / PHONE SERVICES
Employee and Family Assistance Program (employees) Call 1-800-663-1142
(McMaster employees) 24 hour counselling services through Homewood Health provided by Human Resources Services
Empower Me (Graduate Students) Call 1-833-628-5589
24 hour counselling service funded by the GSA insurance plan.
We Speak Student (undergraduate students) Call 1-877-234-5327
24 hour counselling services funded by the MSU.
Addictions
In case of emergency call 9-1-1 or text 9-1-1 (pre-registration is required).
Off-Campus Services
Men's Addiction Service Hamilton (MASH) Call (905)527-9264
24 hour /7 day a week crisis telephone support, residential withdrawal management, psycho-educational relapse prevention and recovery programming and treatment/next steps / referral planning, a very effective day program for clients in transition, a community tobacco addiction program and access to psychiatric sessions and a primary care physician through a partnership with the Shelter Health Network.
Womankind Addiction Service Call (905) 545-9100
offers a safe, caring and supportive place where women are welcomed and assisted by our specially trained team to assess and define next steps regarding their substance use and recovery. Provides many services including 24/7 telephone / crisis support, withdrawal management, and supportive housing.
BIPOC Resources
In case of emergency call 9-1-1 or text 9-1-1 (pre-registration is required).
Online/Phone Services
Black Youth Helpline Link to webiste
serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service – offers multicultural youth helpline & services.
Phone – 1-833-294-8650
De dwa da dehs nye>s Link to website
Aboriginal Health Centre provides programming in 7 areas. Health Care (Doctors, nurse practitioners, and other health care professionals), Health Promotion, Our Health Counts, Advocacy Services, Children’s Programs, Mental Health Programming and Traditional Healing to the Indigenous community of Hamilton, Brantford & Niagara.
Hamilton 905-544-4320
Brantford 519-752-4340
Niagara 1-877-402-4121
Healing in Colour Link to website
A directory of BIPOC therapists who are committed to supporting BIPOC in all our intersections. By helping to connect the community in this way, we aim to revitalize a legacy of healing, liberation work and resiliency practices that have been lost/taken.
Hope for Wellness Link to website
Offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Call – 1-855-242-3310
Native Women's Centre Call 1-888-308-6559
The Native Women’s Centre provides safe, emergency shelter for all women regardless of age, ancestry, culture, place of origin or sexual orientation with or without children who are experiencing crisis in their lives due to family violence, homelessness, or conflict with the law. 24 hours per day, 7 days per week including all meals, emergency clothing and personal need items for all residents.
Talk 4 Healing Call 1-855-554-4325
Indigenous women can get help, support and resources seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with services in 14 languages
Food & Housing Emergency Resources
In case of emergency call 9-1-1 or text 9-1-1 (pre-registration is required).
On-Campus Services
If you or someone you are with is in need of immediate medical attention, call campus security at (905) 525-9140 x 24281.
MAC Food Collective Centre Call (905)525-9140 ext. 23139
The Food Collective Centre is McMaster’s on-campus food bank and food security resource. We are a service run by students dedicated to ensuring that food is always accessible to support food insecure individuals. Our goals also include cultivating stronger food systems in the McMaster and surrounding community, and advocating for systems to better accommodate and support students.
https://www.msumcmaster.ca/services-directory/14-mac-bread-bin
Emergency Financial Support Learn More
- Emergency Financial Support is a resource for students in a state of financial emergency such as:
- no money for food or rent
- pending eviction from your place of residence
- negative circumstances outside of your control
emergency housing - off campus
Barrett Centre for Crisis Support Call (905)529-7878
Barrett Centre for Crisis Support provides a safe environment in the community and responds to the needs of individuals, 16 years of age or older, who experience a mental health crisis and do not require a hospital stay. Counselling, short-term crisis bed stay and group treatment available.
Confidential and free services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Toll Free 1.844.777.3571
https://www.goodshepherdcentres.ca/barrett-centre-for-crisis-support
Flamborough Women's Resource Centre Call (289)895-8580
The Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre offers individual counselling, employment counselling and transitional housing support.
17 Main St. South, P. O. Box 1499, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0
Interval House Emergency Shelter Call (905)387-8881
Interval House provides emergency shelter for women and their children. Emergency transportation may be provided at no cost. The shelter is located at 630 Sanatorium Rd. in Hamilton off of Garth and Mohawk.
24-hour Crisis Line: (905) 387-8881 (accepts collect calls)
Martha House Call (905)523-8895
Martha House is a secure and accessible, 40-bed emergency shelter for women and their children who are homeless and fleeing violence and abuse.
25 Ray St. North
Hamilton, ON
24-Hour Crisis Line: 905.523.6277
https://www.goodshepherdcentres.ca/martha-house
emergency food - off campus
Hamilton Food Share Link to website
Hamilton Food Share is an emergency food bank hub that supplies healthy food to 12 food banks and hot meal programs across Hamilton.
LGBTQ+ Services
In case of emergency call 9-1-1 or text 9-1-1 (pre-registration is required).
Online/Phone Services
Trans Lifeline Link to website
a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
Rainbow Health Ontario Service Provider Directory Link to website
designed to help you find health and social service providers who have expressed a commitment to providing competent and welcoming care to LGBT2SQ people in Ontario.
Speqtrum Hamilton Link to website
This site is intended for members of Hamilton’s LGBTQ+ community, families and friends. It showcases important resources for community support with information about faith, health, law, and parenting for queer youth and families.
LGBT Youth line Link to website
offers confidential and non-judgemental & informed LGBTTQQSI peer support through text, chat and email services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM
TEXT – 647-694-4275
EMAIL – askus@youthline.ca
Medical Emergencies
In case of emergency call 9-1-1 or text 9-1-1 (pre-registration is required).
Campus Emergency Services
These emergency services are available to students, faculty, staff and main campus visitors.

Main Campus Security Call (905)525-9140 x 24281
Alternative Phone: (905) 522-4135
Any University Phone: Dial 88
Inside Every Elevator on Campus: Direct Line

Emergency Phones Map View Emergency Phone Map
Emergency phones are located throughout the campus. Pick up the phone and it will directly dial campus security.

Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) Call (905)522-4135
CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO COVID-19
Located in the McMaster University Student Centre room 103, to the right of Compass. Only available on main campus.
On-Campus Services
If you or someone you are with is in need of immediate medical attention, call campus security at (905) 525-9140 x 24281.
Student Wellness Centre Call (905)525-9140 x27700
The Student Wellness Centre is the place on campus for students to address their wellness needs. We provide a range of counselling options, medical services and wellness programs so that students can get the most out of your McMaster experience, academically and personally!
Off-Campus Services
Sexual Assault Centre - Hamilton (SACHA) Call (905)525-4162
SACHA supports survivors of sexual assult while working to end violence in our community. Programs include 24/7 support line, counselling, outreach and education.
75 MacNab St. South, 3rd Floor, Hamilton, ON
Urgent Care Centre - Main Street West
Urgent care centres are staffed by emergency department-trained doctors and nurses and can provide you with faster access to a doctor, rather than waiting in the ER (based on average wait times). Urgent care centres allow access to services such as X-rays, ultrasounds (for certain conditions), and laboratory services (located off-site).
If you’re experiencing an illness or injury that isn’t an emergency but can’t wait for an appointment with a family doctor, an urgent care centre is a good option for you.
Examples of medical issues which require urgent care:
- minor cuts or wounds that may require stitches
- simple broken bones
- sprains, strains or deep bruises
- ear infections
- fevers, coughs, congestion, and sore throats
- insect bites, rashes and scrapes
690 Main St W
Hamilton, ON L8S 1A4
Hours: 9:00am-9:00pm, 7 days a week
Parking rates are a flat $8.00
Urgent Care Centre - St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton King Campus
Urgent care centres are staffed by emergency department-trained doctors and nurses and can provide you with faster access to a doctor, rather than waiting in the ER (based on average wait times). Urgent care centres allow access to services such as X-rays, ultrasounds (for certain conditions), and laboratory services (located off-site).
If you’re experiencing an illness or injury that isn’t an emergency but can’t wait for an appointment with a family doctor, an urgent care centre is a good option for you.
Examples of medical issues which require urgent care:
- minor cuts or wounds that may require stitches
- simple broken bones
- sprains, strains or deep bruises
- ear infections
- fevers, coughs, congestion, and sore throats
- insect bites, rashes and scrapes
2757 King St E
Hamilton, ON L8G 5E4
Hours: 8:00am-10:00pm, 7 days a week
Parking rates are a flat $8.00
Mental Health Resources
In case of emergency call 9-1-1 or text 9-1-1 (pre-registration is required).
On-Campus Services
If you or someone you are with is in need of immediate medical attention, call campus security at (905) 525-9140 x 24281.
Student Wellness Centre Call (905)525-9140 x27700
The Student Wellness Centre is the place on campus for students to address their wellness needs. We provide a range of counselling options, medical services and wellness programs so that students can get the most out of your McMaster experience, academically and personally!
Off-Campus Services
Barrett Centre for Crisis Support Call (905)529-7878
Barrett Centre for Crisis Support provides a safe environment in the community and responds to the needs of individuals, 16 years of age or older, who experience a mental health crisis and do not require a hospital stay. Counselling, short-term crisis bed stay and group treatment available.
Confidential and free services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Toll Free 1.844.777.3571
https://www.goodshepherdcentres.ca/barrett-centre-for-crisis-support
St. Joseph's Healthcare - Charlton Campus Learn More
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton has Emergency Psychiatry Services at 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton.
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) is the regional leader in the provision of psychiatric care and research, innovating programs to help radically reduce the disability and stigma associated with mental illness and addiction. Specifically, St. Joseph’s is a leader in the areas of early intervention, outreach services, rehabilitation, recovery and integration into the community.
Online/Phone Services
Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington Crisis Services Call 1-844-437-3247
The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington Crisis Services provides prevention, assessment, intervention and resolution services for urgent crisis situations in Waterloo Region. Services provided within this department include a 24/7 crisis line, a 24/7 mobile crisis team, distress centre (distress line, EARS line for men, youth line, community links database) and linkages to emergency services. Model of service is client-centered, mobile, telephone.
COAST (Available 24/7) Call (905)972-8338
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) answers the crisis line 24-7. We try to pick up every call, but occasionally all our lines are busy. Please leave a brief message and we will call you back, usually within 10 minutes.
ConnexOntario Call 1-866-531-2600
provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness and/or gambling – 24/7 confidential and free
Download the free app – ConnexGO – with links to resources, chat, and crisis lines
Distress Centre Halton Call (905)681-1488
Distress Centre Halton provides telephone and online support to people in our community to better cope with crisis, loneliness, and emotional stress. Having the support of a friendly person who cares about your feelings and what you’re going through can make all the difference.
Oakville: 905-849-4541
Burlington: 905-681-1488
North Halton: 905-877-1211
Online : Text & Chat
Outbound: TeleCheck (we call you for a 10 minute check-in)
Distress Centre Niagara Call (905)-688-3711
We provide support to individuals in distress or crisis and education to the Niagara community which assists people to take ownership of personal choices and manage their lives in a healthy manner.
St. Catharines, Niagara Falls And Area: 905-688-3711
Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Area: 905-734-1212
Fort Erie and Area: 905-382-0689
Grimsby, West Lincoln: 905-563-6674
Empower Me (Graduate Students) Call 1-844-741-6389
24 hour counselling service funded by the GSA insurance plan.
Good2Talk (student help line) Call 1(866)925-5454
Free, confidential post-secondary student helpline open 24/7 that provides professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (employees) Call 1-800-663-1142
(McMaster employees) 24 hour counselling services through Homewood Health provided by Human Resources Services
Hope for Wellness Learn More
The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Phone and chat counselling is available in English and French. On request, phone counselling is also available in:
- Cree
- Ojibway
- Inuktitut
We Speak Student (undergraduate students) Call 1-877-234-5327
24 hour counselling service funded by the MSU insurance plan.
Women’s Health Resources
In case of emergency call 9-1-1 or text 9-1-1 (pre-registration is required).
On-Campus Services
If you or someone you are with is in need of immediate medical attention, call campus security at (905) 525-9140 x 24281.
Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office Call (905)525-9140 ext. 20909
Supports and informs about sexual, intimate partnership or family violence including rape. Can meet in person and be of assistance in connecting with further resources. Located in MUSC 212 (online / phone services available)
Women + Gender Equity Network (WGEN) Learn More
WGEN is the MSU Women + Gender Equity Network, a peer support driven service that caters to women, trans folk, people who identify outside the gender binary, and all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence of all gender identities. WGEN provides a safe(r) space on campus in MUSC 204, it acts as a place for people to go and feel safe, talk about articles and issues in the media, make friends, and bond through common experiences. The space also has a physical library with a number of resources available for the McMaster community to use.
Along with facilitating our safe(r) space, we hold social events to build community, workshops to educate all folks, and programs and campaigns to advocate and educate on behalf of and with the groups we were created to support.
Off-Campus Services
Flamborough Women's Resource Centre Call (289)895-8580
The Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre offers individual counselling, employment counselling and transitional housing support.
17 Main St. South, P. O. Box 1499, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0
Interval House Emergency Shelter Call (905)387-8881
Interval House provides emergency shelter for women and their children. Emergency transportation may be provided at no cost. The shelter is located at 630 Sanatorium Rd. in Hamilton off of Garth and Mohawk.
24-hour Crisis Line: (905) 387-8881 (accepts collect calls)
Martha House Call (905)523-8895
Martha House is a secure and accessible, 40-bed emergency shelter for women and their children who are homeless and fleeing violence and abuse.
25 Ray St. North
Hamilton, ON
24-Hour Crisis Line: 905.523.6277
https://www.goodshepherdcentres.ca/martha-house
Native Women's Centre Call 1-888-308-6559
The Native Women’s Centre provides safe, emergency shelter for all women regardless of age, ancestry, culture, place of origin or sexual orientation with or without children who are experiencing crisis in their lives due to family violence, homelessness, or conflict with the law. 24 hours per day, 7 days per week including all meals, emergency clothing and personal need items for all residents.
Sexual Assault Centre - Hamilton (SACHA) Call (905)525-4162
SACHA supports survivors of sexual assult while working to end violence in our community. Programs include 24/7 support line, counselling, outreach and education.
75 MacNab St. South, 3rd Floor, Hamilton, ON
Women's Centre of Hamilton Call (905)522-0127
Women’s Centre of Hamilton offers individual counselling, employment counselling and peer support programming.
100 Main Street East, Suite 205
Hamilton, ON L8N 3W4
Online/Phone Services
Assaulted Women’s Helpline Call 1-866-863-0511
Free, anonymous and confidential telephone and TTY crisis telephone line to all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse.
We provide crisis counselling, safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals accessible 24/7/365.
TTY: 1.866.863.7868
COAST (Available 24/7) Call (905)972-8338
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) answers the crisis line 24-7. We try to pick up every call, but occasionally all our lines are busy. Please leave a brief message and we will call you back, usually within 10 minutes.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (employees) Call 1-800-663-1142
(McMaster employees) 24 hour counselling services through Homewood Health provided by Human Resources Services
Hope for Wellness Learn More
The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Phone and chat counselling is available in English and French. On request, phone counselling is also available in:
- Cree
- Ojibway
- Inuktitut