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Every night, almost 9,000 people are homeless in the city of Toronto. Many of these people are chronically homeless, on the constant search for safe housing, and lack basic necessities such as food and water. I often witness the harsh conditions that homeless people live in; a life in stark contrast to my own and many of my close friends and family. They lack what we often take for granted: opportunity.
Opportunity is what drives us to be better at what we do, spurs new relationships and inspires us to discover who we are and what we can do in this life. Immigrant parents sacrifice their careers to give their children opportunities they never had. Partners commit time and energy for the opportunity to build a life together. I've had the opportunity to travel around the world and expand my horizons.
Yet there are many people who simply don't have the luxury to think about these kinds of opportunities. Without a stable foundation to explore the world and a safe place to sleep, life for them is measured differently. One day at a time. One meal at a time. One breath at time. The pandemic has only added uncertainty and winter is now around the corner. Those who are homeless often struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Black, indigenous and people of color also make up a disproportionate share of the homeless. These are good people who need a helping hand and support to explore their own opportunities. Most importantly, they need a stable place to live and productively build their lives. Fortunately, there are countless people working tirelessly to turn that into reality.
Homes First provides supportive housing, emergency shelter and support services to over 1,400 of the city’s most vulnerable people every day including seniors, families, single mothers, and those with complex physical, psychiatric and substance use challenges. Throughout the pandemic, Homes First has been on the front lines and has had a positive impact on thousands of people through its 10 emergency shelters, 14 housing sites and community programs. In 2020, Homes First provided:
- permanent, supportive housing to over 425 people (including families)
- 250,000+ nights of emergency shelter
- 12,500+ referrals and connections to community programs
- 800,000+ meals served
Despite this progress, there is much to be done. Almost 50% of homeless people are chronically homeless (homeless for 6 months or longer), 30% of homeless people live with mental health issues, and the cost of rent has skyrocketed in recent years. Each year, many people tragically die on the streets - on average, they don't make it to their 50th birthday. Homelessness is projected to escalate. Now, more than ever before, there is a need to provide deeply affordable and supportive housing across Toronto. These efforts also contribute to stronger communities and place a lower burden on society. Supportive housing is significantly more affordable than the cost of a hospital stay and jail cell. In recent years, Homes First opened new permanent and temporary shelters across the city to help refugees and those ravaged by the pandemic. While recognizing accomplishments to date, more work is needed to address this issue. This is where you can make a difference through contributions, volunteering or raising awareness. You can directly lift up those in greatest need and provide some of the same opportunities that we take for granted. Homes First welcomes your support.
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Thank you for visiting this page. If you are here, I encourage you to think more about homelessness and the housing crisis generally. Your support is critical to reducing homelessness and providing a safe, warm place for those in greatest need. Whether it be the price of coffee for a month, TV subscription or iPhone, I invite you to make a donation in an amount that is meaningful to you. I also challenge you to think about the opportunities in your life and the opportunities you can give to others.
Please share this page with your friends and family to raise awareness about this important issue facing our communities. Thank you for your support!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proceeds of your donation will go directly to Homes First and will help fund their housing initiatives and support services.
You can learn more about Homes First on their website at https://homesfirst.on.ca/.
Opportunity is what drives us to be better at what we do, spurs new relationships and inspires us to discover who we are and what we can do in this life. Immigrant parents sacrifice their careers to give their children opportunities they never had. Partners commit time and energy for the opportunity to build a life together. I've had the opportunity to travel around the world and expand my horizons.
Yet there are many people who simply don't have the luxury to think about these kinds of opportunities. Without a stable foundation to explore the world and a safe place to sleep, life for them is measured differently. One day at a time. One meal at a time. One breath at time. The pandemic has only added uncertainty and winter is now around the corner. Those who are homeless often struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Black, indigenous and people of color also make up a disproportionate share of the homeless. These are good people who need a helping hand and support to explore their own opportunities. Most importantly, they need a stable place to live and productively build their lives. Fortunately, there are countless people working tirelessly to turn that into reality.
Homes First provides supportive housing, emergency shelter and support services to over 1,400 of the city’s most vulnerable people every day including seniors, families, single mothers, and those with complex physical, psychiatric and substance use challenges. Throughout the pandemic, Homes First has been on the front lines and has had a positive impact on thousands of people through its 10 emergency shelters, 14 housing sites and community programs. In 2020, Homes First provided:
- permanent, supportive housing to over 425 people (including families)
- 250,000+ nights of emergency shelter
- 12,500+ referrals and connections to community programs
- 800,000+ meals served
Despite this progress, there is much to be done. Almost 50% of homeless people are chronically homeless (homeless for 6 months or longer), 30% of homeless people live with mental health issues, and the cost of rent has skyrocketed in recent years. Each year, many people tragically die on the streets - on average, they don't make it to their 50th birthday. Homelessness is projected to escalate. Now, more than ever before, there is a need to provide deeply affordable and supportive housing across Toronto. These efforts also contribute to stronger communities and place a lower burden on society. Supportive housing is significantly more affordable than the cost of a hospital stay and jail cell. In recent years, Homes First opened new permanent and temporary shelters across the city to help refugees and those ravaged by the pandemic. While recognizing accomplishments to date, more work is needed to address this issue. This is where you can make a difference through contributions, volunteering or raising awareness. You can directly lift up those in greatest need and provide some of the same opportunities that we take for granted. Homes First welcomes your support.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for visiting this page. If you are here, I encourage you to think more about homelessness and the housing crisis generally. Your support is critical to reducing homelessness and providing a safe, warm place for those in greatest need. Whether it be the price of coffee for a month, TV subscription or iPhone, I invite you to make a donation in an amount that is meaningful to you. I also challenge you to think about the opportunities in your life and the opportunities you can give to others.
Please share this page with your friends and family to raise awareness about this important issue facing our communities. Thank you for your support!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proceeds of your donation will go directly to Homes First and will help fund their housing initiatives and support services.
You can learn more about Homes First on their website at https://homesfirst.on.ca/.