After being released from jail, Karl found himself in an encampment under the Gardiner Expressway. That’s where he met Sarah and Russell – two Street Outreach Counsellors. His decision to speak with them changed his life.
Although hesitant at first, Karl ended up having a long talk with the counsellors. He told them about his substance use, his struggle to find work, and how he lost his ID and most of his belongings. Sarah and Russell helped Karl enter the shelter system.
Working with Sarah, Karl got all the necessary documentation to qualify for a home through the City’s Rapid Rehousing Initiative. A few weeks later, he secured a bachelor apartment in the community he grew up in. It was what he always wanted.
Karl got emotional when he signed his lease – grateful for the support he received. He commends the counsellors for listening to him and helping him find a place to call home. By opening up to Sarah and Russell, Karl opened the door to safe, stable housing.
Becoming homeless and having to live in a tent in Allan Gardens weighed heavily on Michael’s emotional and mental health. He was feeling anxious and stressed a lot.
When I met Gareth – a City of Toronto street outreach worker – he told me that his job was to find me housing that is suitable to my needs. Then, he told me that Homes First (a City-funded agency) had a really nice unit to show me. I am so grateful to Gareth, Streets to Homes, and Homes First for all of the work that they have done to get me this apartment. I’m in a really nice bachelor apartment that I now call home.
Michael
After losing his job and his housing on the same day, G.E. made his way to Seaton House for shelter. That’s where he connected with Laura – an Indigenous counsellor.
The purpose of the Indigenous counsellor and the Indigenous Case Management Support Program is to promote and provide culturally relevant services to the Indigenous residents at Seaton House. Working with Laura and Indigenous-led partner agencies like Anishnawbe Health Toronto and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, G.E. was able to access supports and services, and ultimately, secured permanent housing.
“I’m very grateful that I woke up today because it gives me a chance to have a better day than the day before.” After experiencing homelessness for several years, Jonathan looks ahead – filled with hope.
“I lost a lot when my dad passed away. I relied on him so much that when he died, I just let everything go. I basically had a nervous breakdown. I didn’t know how to deal with it, so I just walked out on life.”
“I was out in the street for two to three years before I went to the shelter. A friend of mine dragged me there because he was scared I was gonna freeze to death.” Jonathan ended up at the Scott Mission – and began his journey out of homelessness.
“They feed you. They clothe you. You have a bed. You have hot meals. And they’ll sit and talk to you and try to work out your problems. I’m so glad I went to that shelter because I really sense an improvement in my quality of life.
Jonathan
Since leaving the shelter, Jonathan has been stably housed for five years. He is a regular volunteer at the Fort York Food Bank – an organization that provides hot meals and groceries to low-income individuals and families in downtown Toronto.
“I had a spot for like four years where I was really unhappy. Now, I see people coming into the food bank and I see them leave smiling. How can you feel bad about that?” Thanks to Jonathan, more Torontonians will have a better day than the day before