Real Life Stories: Angel
Angel knew from a child she was different, and others saw it too, but they couldn’t figure out what was “wrong” with her, she says. She was assigned male at birth, but that didn’t feel right to her. Growing up trans in a Roma Gypsy community was also difficult; there was no support for Angel when…
Read MoreWanda’s Arts Awards 2019: 3rd place winners
Ivan from Strachan House Kate from Strachan House Sara from Strachan House
Read MoreWanda’s Arts Awards 2019: Geoff (2nd place winner)
Nominated every year since the beginning of the Wanda’s Arts Awards in 2015, Geoff describes his current art state as having “six fingers in six different pies.” Currently Geoff is working on multiple art pieces that make up three different series: a collection of self-portraits inspired by his interest in subatomic physics; a sequence of…
Read MoreWanda’s Arts Awards 2019: Dey (2nd place winner)
It has been over 40 years since Dey first began her pottery. A wheel sits in the middle of her apartment, surrounded by various handmade cups, bowls and plates. While Dey still works on her wheel regularly and visits the pottery studio to create ceramics, it’s her drawing and painting that has changed the most….
Read MoreWanda’s Arts Awards 2019: Tesfa (2nd place winner)
Growing up in Jamaica, Tesfa remembers painting on the walls in their home. Worried about what the landlord would say, his mother handed him soapy water and rags, and he would scrub the walls clean again only to paint them over again a few days later. “I couldn’t bear to see the walls too clean…
Read MoreWanda’s Arts Awards 2019: Valentina (2nd place winner)
When outreach workers found Valentina living in a tent in a North York park, she was surrounded by $7,000 worth of leather scrolls, each of them covered in handwritten Bible verses. She describes herself as “awakening, recovering on the other side.” For her, creating those scrolls is what made her healthy again. “The process of…
Read MoreWanda’s Arts Awards 2019: Tony (1st place winner)
A Homes First resident for nearly 10 years and a previous winner of Wanda’s Arts Awards, Tony is working on creating unique paintings that are more three-dimensional and immersive. “I’m persistent at it and I’m thinking that I learned something skill-wise in the last couple years.” Despite his colourful and sophisticated paintings, Tony hasn’t been…
Read MoreWanda’s Arts Awards 2019: James (1st place winner)
James always dreamed of being an artist. His preferred mediums are drawing and painting, though he does do sculpture work occasionally. He attended university in Uganda, majoring in photography, painting and product design, but was unable to finish when his family couldn’t afford his tuition anymore. After that, James tried to leave his artistic talents…
Read MoreWanda’s Arts Awards 2019: Clarissa (1st place winner)
Growing up, Clarissa would always watch her mother sew. She would make clothes for her and her dolls, and when they had a wedding to attend, Clarissa would visit the store with her mother and pick out the fabric for her new dress. By six, Clarissa was able to hand stitch things, though it still…
Read MoreWanda’s Arts Awards 2019: Erika (1st place winner)
A year has passed since Erika’s last nomination, and for her, “it was a really great year.” Erika received her first Wanda’s Arts Award nomination last year. A single mother of two, she came to Canada five years ago, and over the past few years, has been actively participating in art shows. While her traditional…
Read MoreReal Life Stories: Colin
Colin moved into Jarvis House over five years ago, and though it’s been a positive experience, his journey hasn’t been easy. After years of battling homelessness, securing housing has given Colin the opportunity to unleash his artistic ability. Now, through poetry and photography, Colin is learning to heal. Born in London England, Colin moved to…
Read MoreNational Volunteer Week: Mel & Chewy
Melanie found Therapeutic Paws of Canada, an organization of volunteers and their pets that provide therapeutic supports, after spending some time as a patient in a hospital. Melanie took her dog Chewy to be evaluated and a few months after passing 12 tests, they began volunteering at Homes First’s Kennedy shelter. Now over a year…
Read MoreNational Volunteer Week: Sweekruti
University can be rough. Classes are overwhelming and the stress makes you feel nostalgic for the good old days where the hardest math you learned was fractions. For Sweekruti, volunteering to run an after-school program helps bring her back to simpler times. “Kids see me as one of them so I get along with them.”…
Read MoreNational Volunteer Week: Catherine
Homes First has seen a lot of changes over the years, but in the Homes First Human Resources department, the one thing that hasn’t changed is Catherine. Catherine came to Homes First in 2015. She had recently moved into the downtown area from the west end and since retiring in 2012, wanted to give…
Read MoreNational Volunteer Week: Tova
Tova has always found art therapeutic for herself, a way to deal with the stresses of her own life and career as a lawyer. So when an opportunity came to volunteer at her local Homes First community to lead weekly art workshops, she found it a perfect fit. “I really wanted to get involved in…
Read MoreNational Volunteer Week: Andrei
Andrei knows what going to bed hungry feels like – he grew up under the Romanian dictatorship. When he was part of the Occupy Toronto movement, he slept in a tent in St. James Park, and interacted with the homeless individuals who came for the free meals that were handed out. But for him, being…
Read MoreReal Life Stories: Wendy
Wendy has been a resident of Bellevue, one of the 13 housing sites operated by Homes First, for over 20 years. She is admired and respected by staff, residents and volunteers for her kindness, determination and for her years of service on the Homes First Board of Directors. Born in Pickering, Wendy’s mother passed away…
Read MoreReal Life Stories: Sherry aka Wanda
Sherry grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba as Sheryl Anne Noonan. Sherry was always a kind, gentle soul with a great talent for the visual arts. At the age of 26 she had a nervous breakdown and struggled with mental health from that point on. She was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. At the time she was…
Read MoreReal Life Stories: Kyla
Always one with itchy feet, Kyla spent her life moving from city to city across Canada. By the time she was 27, she had lived in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Interested in constitutional law, Kyla decided to pursue a law degree at the University of British Colombia. While at school, she developed severe blood…
Read MoreReal Life Stories: Edward
After 20 years struggling to survive on the streets, Edward now lives at Jarvis House, a Homes First property serving 24 older men, many battling alcoholism. “This is the longest I’ve ever stayed anywhere,” Edward says as he shows me around the living room he shares with three other men, all former Seaton House residents like…
Read MoreReal Life Stories: Tony and Terry
Walk down King St. on Saturday night and you probably hear Terry busking with his blues harp or guitar. At fourteen, Terry picked up a guitar for the first time. Not long after, he also picked up a drug habit. Both have been with him since. While the drugs landed him in jail and on…
Read MoreWanda's Arts Awards Winners 2018
We had many great artists nominated this year, but two came out on top! Congratulations to Erika and Allison! Erika’s journey with art began in her early years at school in the Czech Republic, where her adoptive mother enrolled her in painting and drawing classes. She attended a private school with a focus on art,…
Read MoreHomes First Charity Intelligence Rating
Homes First recently updated its profile with Charity Intelligence Canada, a charity that conducts independent research on other charities to help donors make informed decisions and have the most significant impact. Charity Intelligence analyses charities based on management and operations, financial transparency, and the social impact of the charities programs. Charity Intelligence Canada assesses both…
Read MoreBecause We Care: Scarborough Toyota Raises $25,000
Scarborough Toyota actively engages their community through philanthropy. In 2018, the Scarbrough Toyota ‘Because We Care’ campaign raised $25,000 for Homes First Foundation. The Because We Care Campaign is a community partnership between charities, Scarborough Toyota, and customers who can donate $100 to a select list of charities when purchasing a vehicle in July and…
Read MoreVolunteer Transforms Storeroom and Himself
For National Volunteer Appreciation Week 2018 we shared part of Andreas’s story with you. Now we’d like to share his extraordinary journey with you in more detail. His story, like so many other Homes First residents, is one of bad luck and incredible resilience. Andreas began helping shelter staff with deliveries while still in residence….
Read MoreYour Support Helps Homeless Find A Home
Our mission and philosophy begin with home. Housing the homeless is not just about providing shelter, it’s about providing a supportive community. Building community isn’t cheap, and Homes First Foundation relies on individual donors to help cover the costs of Homes First Society programs. You don’t have to be wealthy to have a practical, everyday…
Read MoreHelping The Homeless Find The Quiet Within
This summer, Homes First has partnered with Street to Trail, a non-profit organization that provides hiking trips and outdoor adventures to people who are homeless. Street to Trail’s mission is to help people rediscover their inner sense of worth using the healing power of the natural world. Homes First residents partake in monthly hiking excursions…
Read MoreFrom Resident To Volunteer: Andreas
It was through bad luck that Andreas found himself homeless. He was happy in his home with two dogs when the ceiling caved in because of mold. Health problems followed and soon, he was forced to leave his place. Luckily, he found Homes First’s St. Clair shelter. Due to the time it took for Andreas…
Read MoreLiberty Village Cares: Volunteer Week 2018
Jagger Long and his neighbours wanted to give back, but going through a volunteer application process can get daunting or frustrating for some. So they began running clothing drives and food donations for the homeless and Syrian refugees. While they enjoyed helping however they could, they didn’t expect things to grow as rapidly as they…
Read MoreHomes First News Winter 2018
Check out what’s been happening at Homes First with our Winter 2018 News! Click here to download the newsletter in full!
Read MoreHomes For Dinner 2017
Homes First – Homes for Dinner Guess who’s coming to dinner? That’s exactly what you’ll be wondering when you take part in Homes For Dinner, a night of mystery dinner parties happening all over Toronto on Saturday, November 18; all in support of raising funds aimed at helping Toronto’s homeless. Your ticket gets you…
Read MoreThe Healing Power of Art
Our creative endeavours connect us to a drive as old as the human spirit, but we also bring to our arts and crafts certain motives which belong to us as individuals. For Chester, Homes First resident and two-time Wanda’s Arts Award winner, a love of drawing began with the influence of his young grandson….
Read MoreResident Testimonial
First I must say many thanks for the services that you provided me with when I needed you most. Secondly I must say that you sent an Angel by the name of Anneisha McLean to assist me in my deepest time of sadness. If you ask me she is one of your biggest…
Read MoreInspiring and Courageous: Meet Bernadette
Bernadette has lost a lot to addiction, including daily access to the most important part of her life: her son. He lives with her parents in another town. Yet through sheer grit and determination – and your help – Bernadette is getting things back in order. “My child is a miracle,” she says, tearing up….
Read MoreGreen with Joy
Pratheesh Nair, Homes First volunteer, shares his experiences of participating in our very first parade together. Read on! March 19, 2017, Sunday, Toronto: The slightly chilly yet reluctantly sunny morning of Sunday, the 19th day of March, brought with it some color (read green, lots of green) and merry bagpipe music. For those who do not…
Read MoreHomes First in the St. Patrick’s Parade
Is that the leprechaun and where’s the pot of gold? Great news! Homes First will be celebrating in Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and you can join us. The parade is an amazing annual carnival that attracts 500,000 people a year in Toronto. It is widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world…
Read MoreBe the Change: Thank You Flight Centre Travel Group Volunteers!
“Glad to be giving back because it doesn’t always have to be Christmas to do that” said Knoxanne Wignall when she got to roll up her sleeves with her colleagues to feed residents at Strachan House. One of the 16 properties operated by Homes First, providing housing to the homeless. “Isolation is one of the…
Read MoreJoin us! Live Reading "Streets to Script"
Celebrating voices of recovery! Please join us. Share the dreams and hopes of Homes First residents. In these pages are poems and reflective anecdotes written by our residents on topics such as homelessness, mental health, forgiveness, family and recovery. This anthology is the voice of our community. Streets to Script is the culmination of Homes First’s year-long…
Read MoreFebruary 2017 Resident's Newsletter
February Resident’s Newsletter is ready for you! Check out what’s been happening at Homes First – recap from the Mayor’s three hour visit to Kennedy Shelter. Click here to download it in full!
Read MoreDecember 2016 Resident's Newsletter
Holiday Resident’s Newsletter ready for you! Check out what’s been happening at Homes First – recap from the annual Showcase and up & close with resident Paula. Click here to download it in full!
Read MorePaula's Story
Paula only spent three months on what she calls “the circuit” — spending her days finding warm spots in Toronto, a city she spent most of her life in, and returning to different shelters each night by curfew so she would have a place to sleep. But for her, and many others, mere months can…
Read MoreGive a Holiday Hamper this Season!
Our Holiday Hamper Drive is a time to remember the ones often forgot over the holidays. Our residents rarely have any funds left over after paying rent, and especially during these months, it makes the world of a difference to be able to celebrate in small ways. Ensuring people living on tight budgets have the…
Read MoreOctober Resident's Newsletter
October Resident Newsletter ready for you! Our annual Showcase is coming up and we need your talent! The Diabetes Prevention Program cooking class was a success and do you know how to spot a bed bug? Check it out here…
Read MoreRed Roof Fall Newsletter
Homes First’s Fall newsletter ready for you! The Rotary Club and Tippet Foundation make a precedent setting gift to our Strachan property…art at Shuter with one of our amazing volunteers Ashley and Homes For Dinner is coming up! Check it out here.
Read MoreHomes First Art Fair!
Join us this Friday September 9th at the Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter St.) between 2-6pm
Read MoreAugust Resident's Newsletter
Check out the latest Resident’s Newsletter. August’s edition features the Summer Olympics, program updates – Homes First is having an Art Show – and a recipe for Breakfast of Champions. click here to read it now! Please NOTE: There has been a change to a program time – Writing & Storytelling Workshop When: Thursdays 6-7pm Where: 90…
Read MoreMeet our team of fabulous Volunteer Writers
Homes First is bursting with talented volunteers, staff and residents these days! Take a moment to learn more about the little family of Volunteer Writers we have been collecting over the year. They dedicate free time every month to interview, discover and write about the organization and the many notable experiences that take place. Thank…
Read MoreRotary Club and Tippet Foundation make precedent setting gift for Toronto’s Homeless
You can’t do much if you are homeless. Without a permanent address, it’s hard to feel like you are part of a community, find a physician, a job, or count on three meals a day. Established in 1983, Homes First dedicates their efforts to help those with the fewest housing options. Homes First owns and/or…
Read MoreAnnouncement at the Homes First Society and Homes First Foundation AGMs
June 2016, It was announced at the Homes First Foundation AGM that Chantal Desloges, previous Foundation Secretary, will become the new Chair of the Foundation Board. Chantal Desloges was appointed to this position, and it carries a one year term until the annual general meeting of 2016 that will take place in June 2017. Chantal…
Read MoreJuly All Staff Meeting – Service Awards
Yesterday all Homes First Society staff congregated at the Charbonnel Lounge on the U of T campus for the All Staff meeting. Twice yearly, the team meets up to celebrate successes, learn more about one other, and explore topics that will benefit the type of work we do. This years’ focus was on resiliency and…
Read MoreJuly Resident's Newsletter
July’s Residents Newsletter hot off the press – Happy Canada Day, eh! view/dowload here
Read MoreDAS Canada is being recognized as a Great Place to Work®
For Release: April 22, 2016 DAS Canada is being recognized as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Canada. This list and related stories appeared in a special national report on Friday April 22, 2016 in The Globe and Mail. Being a great place to work is one of the core values at DAS…
Read MoreIt's National Volunteer Week
Meet Catherine – our amazing volunteer administrator! “[Volunteering] takes you out of your own sphere and gives you an easy opportunity to learn about other issues and other ways of living and other people and how other people deal with things,” Catherine says. “I always find that I get more than I give.” read…
Read MoreApril Resident Newsletter
Hot off the press! Lots of exciting topics this month; Earth Day, World Health Day, an interview with a newer staff member at Homes First and information on rent-geared-to-income. Download a copy here…
Read MoreNew Blog Post – "Intersections of Stone and Glass"
On a mild March evening, nearly eight-hundred names were featured in chilling procession as an engaged audience held candles in vigil below. Rebecca Houston’s installation, Stone and Glass: We are all transient, part of the ongoing Myseum Intersections festival, highlighted the scourge of homeless deaths in our city and mourned the victims of a tragedy…
Read MoreNewest Blog Post – "More Than Housing"
Homes First has recently taken on an impressive team of bloggers who are going to explore our mission, vision and help illustrate the daily life inside our organization. Our first post comes to you from one of our special members, Marcus Bankuti, who has been assisting with Homes First’s Resident Newsletters for almost a year…
Read MoreFoundation Board Director Salima Rawji is awarded MetroNext's Emerging Leader
Salima Rawji who as Director of Development at Build Toronto combines her community interests with her real estate development expertise to collaborate and drive forward well-designed projects that support business dynamics while providing livable, animated spaces. Salima shows her commitment to community through service on the boards of the Homes First Foundation and CivicAction and has also acted as chair…
Read MoreMarch Resident Newsletter
Latest March Residnet newsletter available! It’s a jam-packed edition this month – everything from tax tips to St.Patricks day to an update on our Diabetes Prevention program. Get all these in the newsletter by clicking here.
Read MoreFebruary Resident Newsletter
Read our February Resident Newsletter. February is Black History Month and a winter kale soup recipe. Yummm! Read more here
Read MoreJanuary 2016 Residents Newsletter
Check out the latest news within Homes First! Pictures from out and about Homes First properties…recipes and more! Click here to download the latest!
Read MoreDecember Residents Newsletter
Check out the latest news within Homes First! Pictures from the HomesFirst Showcase and exciting new events for December…see more here
Read MoreNovember Resident Newsletter
Check out the latest news within Homes First! A new date for the Showcase, Residents Survey results and On the Go recipes… Click Here to read!
Read MoreHomes For Dinner Blog
We have a Homes for Dinner blog (specific to the event) – check it out here! In its third year, Homes For Dinner is one of the coolest and most unique fundraising events to ever hit Toronto. This city-wide celebration of community spirit offers guests an element of mystery and adventure, as they buy tickets…
Read MoreNew Blog Post: Summer in the City
Jackie Mlotek talks about some of the risks and realities of experiencing homelessness in the hotter weather, with some tips on what you can do to help. Summer in the City Experiencing homelessness, in its many variations, is always a difficult experience. In the summer there are realities that often go unconsidered by…
Read MoreSoftchoice Volunteers Green Homes First
Softchoice volunteers headed to Meegwetch to give our gardens a little tender love and care! Thank you so much for spending the day tending to our green spaces and giving our residents a lovely place for relaxation! Volunteer with Homes First today!
Read MoreLet’s stop pretending we can’t end poverty
By Mark Sarner, Toronto Star Poverty. Why don’t we end it once and for all? The assumption is that we can’t afford to. Are we sure? What would it cost exactly? Answer: about $16 billion a year in today’s dollars. Big money. Yet nowhere near as much as it is costing us now to…
Read MoreRain or shine, we've got pride!
Homes First residents, staff and volunteers braved the weather this past weekend to celebrate Pride! We joined in the fun and flew our rainbow flag even in the downpour!
Read MoreThe potential and pitfalls of redevelopment plans
Some argue that redevelopment of public housing allows some to use housing vouchers to rent private units or get out of dangerous environments. But other housing experts claim that displacement can be detrimental. “Relocation often destroys the social networks that low-income families depend upon for survival, and it can take years to rebuild those networks…
Read MoreTie One On Raises $55,000
Tie One On 2015 was the best yet! We imagined that we might raise $40,000. In fact, when we added up all the donations & sales…we raised $55,000! How fantastic is that?! Here is a great piece about Danika (the woman who spoke so openly) and the Wanda’s Arts Awards. This is the best testimonial for…
Read MoreChester – Wanda's Arts Award nominee
Chester’s room is spotless and everything in it clearly has its place, including the many meticulous pencil drawings he’s methodically taped to his walls. Chester picked up a pencil a mere four months ago, inspired by the drawings gifted to him by his two-year-old grandson, his pride and joy. Moved by the free-flow of his…
Read MoreGiving hours, flowers, and expertise
With her fiery red hair and a personality to match, it’s not hard to believe that Fran Perkins was once named the Toronto Sun’s mover and shaker woman of the month. Full of life, passion and goodwill, Fran dedicated her accomplished career in public health to bettering our society. With a firm belief that having…
Read MoreQuilting up Comfort
Twice a week, you can find the Etobicoke Quilter’s Guild sorting supplies and sewing away at their local community centre. The group makes over 140 unique comfort quilts each year, which they then donate to people of all ages in shelters and hospices across Toronto. Homes First is fortunate to be a recipient of the…
Read MoreCinthya serves our seniors
When Cinthya Narvaez came to Canada 14 years ago, she barely spoke English. Thanks to the support of family and friends, Cinthya overcame the barriers of adjusting to life in a foreign country and learning a new language. Grateful to everyone who helped further her education, Cinthya now gives her time to educate and help…
Read MoreOff the streets and into his community
For thirty years, James struggled with manic depression and alcoholism. He’d take odd jobs to make ends meet, but when they became scarce he’d lose his housing and hit the hostels. Eventually, James succumbed to battle fatigue and, unable to fight anymore, ended up on the streets. Fast forward to today: James now has a…
Read MoreMeditation Master Gloria
Every Monday since September, volunteer Gloria has brought a little serenity to Meegwetch. She leads a meditation group that is open to all residents in the common area. Each session starts with a guided seated meditation where Gloria leads residents through a calm setting, such as sitting quietly at the bottom of the ocean and…
Read MoreRocking for the Homeless
Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar will be rocking the stage at Tie One On on May 13, 2015 to help house Toronto’s homeless. If you love music that rouses your soul and features Toronto’s top talent, join us at Tie One On! Tickets on sale now! What’s Tie One On? Toronto is one of the…
Read More25% of homeless live in suburbs
Did you know 25% of our homeless population live in the suburbs? This large chunk of the homeless population are often ‘hidden’ and struggle to find the resources they need. Check out Metro Morning’s segment with Wellesley Institute’s Kwame McKenzie to learn how we should address this. http://ow.ly/L26Xn
Read More$5000 raised to house Toronto’s homeless
A sincere thanks to Rotaract Club of Toronto for hosting a wonderfully fun event and raising $5,000 to help house Toronto’s homeless! We greatly appreciate your support and can’t wait to attend next year! Interested in having a fundraiser on our behalf? Let us know what you’re planning and we’ll see how we can help!
Read MoreFriday the 13th brings good luck
Our luck is changing this Friday the 13th! Join us for Rotaract‘s exciting event! All proceeds generously go towards Homes First and housing Toronto’s homeless. We’re so grateful to this wonderful partner for choosing us as their charity to support! Learn more and get your tickets today!
Read MoreConnect with Homes First
It’s easier than ever to stay linked in with Homes First. Let’s connect! http://bit.ly/hflkdin
Read MoreUnderwear Show for Homes First Feb 20!
Join us this Feb 20th for the longest running all female stand-up comedy show in Toronto’s “The Underwear Show”, all in support of Savards Women Shelter. The show will be at 10:00pm at the Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St W. Tickets can be bought here. Mary-Janes of Comedy are breaking tradition and including some top…
Read MoreStorage Facility Helping Homeless Get Off the Streets
Imagine having to carry your belongings with you at all times. You would not be able to go to a doctor’s appointment or job interview, fill out a housing application, or even use a restroom without risking the loss of all your possessions. There’s an innovative initiative providing an alternative for people living on the…
Read MoreResidents lead Substance Use Awareness Day
Seven residents helped put on a fantastic substance use awareness day at our Scarborough Shelter. People affected by substance use were able to access great resources as community members set up information booths and made presentations. Residents screened the film they made in the Spring, Between the Lines, about how stigma affects drug users. Haven’t…
Read MoreAffordable housing must support needs of clients
Homes First ED Patricia Mueller speaks on Global Toronto, voicing concerns that affordable social housing must also support the needs of clients who are coping with mental health, addictions and deep poverty. Full Global TV broadcast available.
Read MoreCity procures 20 rooms in 2 hotels to use as extra shelter space
The city will procure up to 20 hotel rooms to house homeless people at a cost of as much as $100,000 a month if the beds are used. The city’s Housing Services said this will only occur when shelters go beyond 90 per cent capacity. The beds will be in two hotels – one on…
Read MoreAs temps plummet, danger rises for the homeless
As temperatures drop, the outdoors becomes increasingly dangerous for those without safe shelter or a home. A man was found unconscious inside a bus shelter at Yonge and Dundas this morning. Dressed only in a t-shirt and jeans, he passed away shortly afterwards at the nearby hospital. Help us continue to provide safe shelter and…
Read MoreHoliday Supper Hits Record Attendance
In lieu of family, residents joined together to share in a Christmas feast. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the turkey was plentiful, the potatoes mashed, and the gravy was flowing. This Christmas, we had record attendance at the holiday meals and donated food hampers and gifts brought a little comfort and a…
Read MoreRepeal the Safe Streets Act
Yesterday marked the 15th anniversary of the Safe Streets Act, a law that has had a negative impact on the safety and wellbeing of people who are homeless or street-involved. Because homeless people have to do things in public spaces that housed individuals do not (e.g., sleeping, eating and drinking, making money), the SSA has…
Read MoreAnn's Story: A home to host Christmas dinner
Ann lives alone with just her cat for company. She struggles with her health, a painful past and stigma. I see Ann a few times a week. We’re in the same building. Her apartment is on the 9th floor. My office is on the 11th. One day last month, while riding the elevator together, Ann mentioned…
Read MoreA different Christmas for Mildred
Last Christmas, all of Mildred’s dreams came true. She was a few months shy of graduation from George Brown College, had a great apartment in Toronto, was dating the man of her dreams and, to top it off, he was traveling with her to the Dominican Republic to meet her entire family. Mildred celebrated last…
Read MoreStudents interview Homes First residents
On Nov 17, Bishop Morrocco Secondary School students headed to Homes First to interview residents and staff about poverty. Tasked with making a film about social justice for their multimedia class, these bright young students posed thoughtful questions and asked “What can we, as teenagers, do to alleviate poverty?” We’re excited to see the finished…
Read MoreWendy remembers…
“They were true heroes,” long-time Homes First resident Wendy reflected. This Remembrance Day, Wendy takes time to pay tribute to her grandfather and great uncle. They both served in World War II, a point of great pride in her family. Her grandpa was in the 48th Highlanders of Canada regiment and stationed in London, England….
Read MoreSOLD-OUT – 40 Homes for Dinner
40 Homes for Dinner is officially sold-out! You can still get involved this year though – here’s how. What is 40 Homes for Dinner? On Friday, Nov. 7th, Homes First and local celebrities will host the second annual40 Homes for Dinner, a city-wide dinner party event that celebrates the importance of “home” while raising funds to help the more than…
Read MoreFree ZipCar anyone?
Want a free ZipCar membership? There’s a tweet for that! Join us on twitter and tell us why homelessness is an important issue to you! And don’t forget to follow us!http://ow.ly/Dzarw ZipCar is a proud sponsor of 40 Homes For Dinner. On Friday, Nov. 7th, Homes First and local celebrities will host the second annual40 Homes…
Read MoreCouncillor Kristyn Wong-Tam hosts for a cause near to her heart
We’re thrilled that Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam has decided to join 40 Homes for Dinner as a host this year! Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam has an extensive career investing in the City of Toronto through both the public and private sectors. Her contributions have led to the development and support of numerous social planning programs, business ventures,…
Read MoreHosts for 40 Homes for Dinner live!
As a successful entrepreneur, fund manager, business partner, philanthropist and board member, Moez Kassam brings a wealth of experience and creative energy to all that he does. His passion for food knows no bounds, often traveling great distances for a single meal and documenting it all in a food-focused Instagram account with a following in…
Read MoreHome Free?
In 2005, Utah set out to fix a problem that’s often thought of as unfixable: chronic homelessness. The state had almost two thousand chronically homeless people. Most of them had mental-health or substance-abuse issues, or both. At the time, the standard approach was to try to make homeless people “housing ready”: first, you got people…
Read MoreMartha's Story
“Homes First helped me get back to a normal healthy life. When I started living here, I started to be happy. I can’t go back…” – Martha, a resident at Shuter In the warmer weather you’ll find Martha with her hands in the dirt. She was first to join the rooftop garden program last summer…
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