The Up Your Life guide is a collection of more than 400 community resource listings, tips, and other helpful information for people living in York Region.

The guide is York Region’s go-to community resource navigator for local services in mental health, addictions, and developmental disabilities. It’s also a peer-based platform for people to share their stories and uplifting experiences to help others.

With listings for food banks and pantries, emergency shelters and housing, clothing and furniture and much more, the Up Your Life guide is designed to connect people in York Region who need support to vital local services and resources.

“Seeking support can present a serious challenge when you’re struggling, especially for those of us who are members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We sometimes require specialized services that are unique to our lived experiences, but are often hard to find.

I know firsthand what it’s like to feel isolated and excluded, as well as the frustration of scrolling through various websites and making phone calls to countless organizations hoping to find the right resources to help me cope. I wish I had known about the Up Your Life guide back then; it would have made a big difference. But what I know for sure today is this: Should I find myself struggling in the future, there’s a resource I can turn to that will help me find support. And now you know it, too. I hope it serves you well.” – J.R.

“The Up Your Life guide is a great resource.”

“I read about your guide in an article and I’m very inspired by your dedication, insights and advice.”

“I have families on my case load who could benefit from this resource.”

History and Background

  • York Region on a Limited Budget was inspired by a group of individuals who wondered how they could eat and live better, but do so inexpensively. A committee was formed by people who were living on limited incomes. They were given an opportunity to research options for stretching one’s budget. In 1997, York Region on a Limited Budget was published as a result of their work.
  • Since the initial production, Your Support Services Network (YSSN) undertook the task of updating and printing several revised editions of this booklet, often with the assistance of consumers. Ever growing in popularity, this booklet garnered the interest and generous support of valued community partners.
  • In 2017, YSSN received support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to update this guidebook so that it better reflects the changing and diverse population of York Region. YSSN partnered with community members and people with lived experiences, alongside a group of community partners, to revise this book so that it is  more inclusive and reflective of our community.
  • The 2021 edition had been revised to reflect changes to services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with new sections for youth, newcomers, abuse survivors, seniors, 2SLGBTQ+ folks, new mothers, First Nations, Metis and Inuit and other vulnerable groups.

York Region financial assistance programs

Previous Editions

2021 Edition

Digital Guide

An online digital version of the Up Your Life Guide will be available soon.

Place your order

Print copies of the guide are still available for a small charge. Call 905.898.6455 or toll free at 1.866.257.9776, or fill out the form below to reach us by email.

    Disclaimer: Although every reasonable effort is made to present clear and accurate information, being listed does not indicate that the service is recommended or endorsed by Your Support Services Network (YSSN) or Up Hub. As this information is created and maintained by a variety of sources, both internal and external, we recommend that you contact the organizations directly as information can change periodically without notice.