There are over 10,000 people in Toronto who are homeless on any given night. There are many reasons why people become homeless – loss of employment, family break-up, family violence, mental illness, poor physical health, substance use, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse just to name a few. Eighty-five percent of those in Toronto experiencing outdoor homelessness are male, and 4,434 men, women and children are using emergency shelter system on an average night, 68% are male.
Because homeless men are among the most vulnerable residents in our city, the city is now gearing towards with a housing and services model that provides enhanced support to men experiencing homelessness. This means men can receive more personalized and focused support as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives. Services will also be delivered in a way that engages and enriches communities across the city.
The key driver of homelessness in Toronto is the economy and the housing market. Rental costs have increased dramatically over the past 10 years and a lack of affordable housing has increased to record high numbers. Although many of shelter users receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support, such social assistance rates are not enough to sustain an affordable housing. Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, unhealthy, unsafe, stressful, and distressing. Fortunately, there are few organizations that care for the well-being of these people. One of them is the Unity Kitchen.
The Unity Kitchen is a community service kitchen located in the Church of Holy Trinity which provides those who are facing homelessness in Toronto with fresh food and resources such as tents, jackets and sleeping bags. The kitchen operates out of the Trinity Square Café located within the Church. They are always in need of volunteers and people who are willing to donate food, hygiene kits, soaps, lotion, sanitizers, and winter clothes. To learn more how to get involved, please visit their website at www.holytrinity.to
