Spring 2022 Newsletter
April 4, 2022 — See what's happening and new in the spring newsletter! Read the newsletter.
Blog
Spring has Sprung!
Street Health is searching for a new Executive Director
February 23, 2022 — Recruitment Search Executive Director Street Health is a not-for-profit organization in downtown east Toronto that works to improve the health and wellbeing of people who are homeless and under-housed by addressing the social determinants of health through our innovative nursing, mental health, harm reduction, overdose prevention, safer supply, outreach, identification replacement programs and through our advocacy, education, and...
Elimination of violence against women who use drugs- A global campaign
January 27, 2022 — Non-binary people, as well as trans and cis women, experience higher rates of violence than women in the general public. Drug-using, non-binary people and trans and cis women notably face barriers when attempting to access health and social services due to stigma and discrimination. In response to this injustice, Street Health offers a drop-in program that addresses the precarious...
We are recruiting a new member to sit on Street Health's Board of Directors
January 27, 2022 — We Are Recruiting a New Board Member Position- Treasurer Street Health is a community-based agency providing innovative physical and mental health programs and advocacy to homeless and insecurely housed men and women in downtown Toronto for over 35 years. Street Health...
You have symptoms and are concerned you may have COVID-19. Now what?
January 5, 2022 — As Ontarians begin the new year under the threat of COVID-19 and the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, there is still confusion when it comes to testing and knowing when to isolate. As a result, The Ontario Ministry of Health has released a diagram to help people make informed decisions when it comes to their health and the health of those...
CNOY 2022
December 24, 2021 — The crisp chill in the air signals the return of our favorite winter walkathon, Coldest Night of the Year! Street Health is pleased to host this national fundraising event at the Toronto Sherbourne location. This year, we will be hosting a virtual walk, fundraisers are able to self-organize either with friends or individually, walking any day in February on a...
Caring for Vulnerable populations
December 15, 2021 — Six graduate students from the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the University of Toronto recently concluded a two-month community placement with Street Health. The goal was to integrate the student’s theoretical knowledge into real-world experience and create a list of best practices for healthcare and social workers when aiding people who are experiencing homelessness and/or using substances. Students worked...
Make a meaningful gift this holiday season
December 3, 2021 — Are you looking for a special gift? Check out Street Health's Greeting Cards - https://streethealth.bigcartel.com/ With your donation of $25, $50 or $100 to identification access and safe storage, personal care/hygiene and winter warmth items, or Overdose Prevention Site (OPS), You can have a personalized card sent to your special gift recipient.You and your recipient will feel great knowing that you...
Winter 2021/2022 Newsletter
November 12, 2021 — Winter is coming ..... and Street Health's Winter Newsletter is here. Are you wondering how to stay active and connected this winter? Street Health has an answer - Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) - February 26, 2022. This event is a chance to be active with your family and friends and raise some funds to support much needed community...
Fall 2021 Newsletter
September 17, 2021 — Street Health's Fall Newsletter provides our most recent updates - read our Lessons from COVID and more! https://www.streethealth.ca/downloads/fall-2021-newsletter.pdf
COVID Lessons #4
September 2, 2021 — Community is Our Super Power - As Ontario prepares for the delta variant this fall and winter, we know that public health protocols and vaccines need to be ongoing priorities. We also need to actively address the mental health impact that, for many, is a reality of the loss of community networks and connections to others. In the homeless and...
T-shirt fundraiser
August 16, 2021 — Get the t-shirts that promote harm reduction! Help recognize International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) and support Street Health's Overdose Prevention Site (OPS). Purchase a t-shirt - here. These t-shirt were designed by volunteer Phuong Nguyen and OPS Worker Verity Eaton. Many thanks to Phuong for spearheading this campaign with all proceeds to the OPS. Get your t-shirt now!...
COVID Lessons #3
August 13, 2021 — Technology is everywhere; but for many it is nowhere. Of the many lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most important is how our communities must provide alternatives to technology-reliant information and services if we are committed to ensuring access and providing help to individuals who are experiencing homelessness. We may take for granted all the ways that...
COVID Lessons #2
August 6, 2021 — At Street Health, we are looking to the fall, planning and remaining hopeful that Ontario’s reopening will be successful. This moment seems like a good time to reflect on some of the lessons and reminders we have observed during this pandemic. We do this while holding in our minds and hearts the tragic number of individuals who have died from...
COVID Lessons #1
July 30, 2021 — After months of following public health protocols and thanks to the strong, continuing vaccination efforts, many of us are wondering, “is the end of the Covid-19 pandemic in sight?” If not the end, hopefully we are arriving at a new normal, which is seeing restrictions lifted, even though face masking in enclosed, crowded spaces and hand washing vigilance must continue,...
2020-2021 Annual Report
July 2, 2021 — 2020-2021 was a challenging and busy time at Street Health. With service adaptations and following health protocols staff were able to provide much needed face-to-face services, providing current information and referral, personal care and hygiene and essential seasonal supplies for more than 36,000 client contacts. Learn more about the services and outcomes of the last year in our Annual Report...
Overdose Awareness
June 18, 2021 — A protest, memorial and circle took place this week at Toronto City Hall to mark and remember the more than 6,000 individuals across Canada who died due to the toxic drug supply in 2020. Street Health’s Harm Reduction Worker, Ben Ward attended and took these photos including the one of circle dancer Dan Secord from the New Credit First Nation....
NORS
June 10, 2021 — The Works, Toronto Public Health is a partner agency with Street Health. This week they shared resources from NORS - the National Overdose Response Service. "Please see the new promotional posters for the National Overdose Response Service (Formerly the Grenfell Overdose Prevention Line). NORS is a particularly important service for folks who use drugs alone and have access to a...
Community Care Partnership
May 13, 2021 — The Harm Reduction Community Care Project was developed out of the previous Cabbage Town Clean-Up Project. This new project is funded by the City of Toronto Downtown East Strategy to clean up discarded harm reduction supplies in the Downtown Eastside. The project is being led by PASAN and partnered with Street Health, Dixon Hall, and Regent Park CHC. If you...
Spring 2021 Newsletter
April 1, 2021 — Street Health is partners with TransPride Toronto and the Bad Date Coalition for a new Drop-In for non-binary people, trans and cis women who are homeless and/or street involved. The Drop-In staff (above) are completing their training and sessions begin in April. Learn more about this new service, other new partnerships and get an update on the Safe Opioid Supply...
Health Bus stop each Wednesday at Drop-In
February 11, 2021 — The Rotary Club of Toronto Health Bus, which offers support with Nurses from Sherbourne Health Centre and Outreach Workers from Street Health, now has a weekly stop at the Wednesday night Drop-In at St. Luke's Church (Sherbourne and Carlton). The bus is located right in front of the drop-in entrance from 5-7 pm and clients are encouraged to make use...
Out of the Cold
December 16, 2020 — Street Health is a proud partner of this new community program at St. Luke's United Church (Carlton & Sherbourne). Each Wednesday Street Health Outreach Workers are part of the team providing information about harm reducation and community services at this one-stop, drop-in meal. All are welcome.
Top Impact Charity
November 20, 2020 — Street Health is honoured to be named a Top Impact Charity by Charity Intelligence. "This recognition helps bring attention to the critical need for services for those experiencing homelessness," states Kapri Rabin, Executive Director. "We are currently seeing over 150 people each day and these indiviudals need everything from nursing to identification to mental health supports." Hear more from Kapri...
COVID-era Ticketing in Inner-City Toronto
November 4, 2020 — Street Health, with the support of Health Canada – Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), has captured a snap shot of the impact police ticketing is having on those living in encampments due to COVID-19. A survey was conducted with 105 individuals and a synopsis of the findings is available - https://www.streethealth.ca/about/research
Recruiting Board of Director Members
October 30, 2020 — Street Health is currently recruiting new members to participate on the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is a volunteer community board. If you are interested in community health initiatives, governance and making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable community members, joining the Street Health Board of Directors could be an opportunity for you. Click here for...
Fall 2020 Newsletter
October 22, 2020 — Street Health's fall newsletter provides an introduction to the new Safer Opioid Supply (SOS) pilot program. As well, it includes a HUGE thank you to everyone who has contributed to maintaining Street Health's services during COVID-19.
Update for Students and Volunteers
September 11, 2020 — Street Health LOVES the enthusiasm, skills and energy, student placements and nurse volunteers bring to our organization. We know your hands-on learning is a vital part of gaining the insight and knowledge that supports those who will work with individuals who are experiencing stigma and marginalization. Unfortunately due to Covid-19, service changes and space constraints/renovations we are currently unable to...
Weathered Exhibit
August 14, 2020 — Street Health is pleased to be part of Twenty/Twenty Arts' Weathered project. The exhibit captures the stories and memories of those who have lost a friend or loved one due to overdose. Click here - Weathered Exhibit
No One Should Weather the Storm Alone
June 26, 2020 — Help Create Overdose Awareness - Miranda was a strong advocate for harm reduction. She wanted to see a reality in which people have access to what they need to live their lives to the fullest without stigma, shame, and judgment. She believed in justice, safety, and community. I wear her slippers and remind myself to do what I can to...
2019-2020 Annual Report
June 16, 2020 — Street Health’s 2019-2020 Annual Report is now available - click here
Anti-Black Racism, a Public Health Crisis
June 8, 2020 — Street Health shares in the collective grief and outrage of the murder of George Floyd, the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet and the many other Black people who have died due to policing in our city and other cities across North America. Systemic racism, colonialism and violence are issues that continue to impact many members of our community in multiple...
In Memory of Rediet
May 14, 2020 — Rediet Tekeste Street Health Crisis Intervention Worker - Rediet helped many Street Health clients find resources and contributed in several staff roles at Street Health and other community agencies. She was a wonderful colleague and friend to many. We mourn her sudden and unexpected death. Rediet will be fondly remembered by the Street Health staff and clients. Memorial page -...
May Updates and Thanks
May 1, 2020 — From Kapri Rabin, Executive Director As we look forward to welcoming spring and have settled into a new “normal”, I want to thank our staff, board and supporters for the ways you have demonstrated concern for those who are homeless since COVID-19 began. As this situation continues to evolve, we recognize the tremendous contributions made by all frontline workers and...
COVID Update, Our Sincere Thanks and Holiday Weekend Reminder >>>
April 9, 2020 — Thanks to our donors, friends, advocates, board and staff, since the COVID-19 emergency began Street Health has been continuing to deliver vital community healthcare services. We are see 100-150 people each day. The initial client contact point has been moved outside our building at 338 Dundas St. E and a plexiglass shield has been installed. This area also offers a...
Spring Newsletter
March 20, 2020 — Street Health's Spring Newsletter is hot off the press! Check out what is happening with our OPS Update, housing support for clients and celebrating our AMAZING Supporters ....Click here
OPS Evaluation Report
January 20, 2020 — PLEASE JOIN US: Press Conference & OPS Evaluation Report launch on Tuesday, January 21st at 10am Location: St. Stephen’s Community House – 91 Bellevue Ave (in the gym) With remarks by: Dr. Eileen De Villa - Medical Officer of Health, Toronto Public Health Dr. Ahmed Bayoumi - Scientist, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions and Physician, St. Michael’s...
Winter Newsletter
December 6, 2019 — Brrr - it's cold out! You can warm up by walking with Street Health on February 22, 2020 for Coldest Night of the Year! For more info about what's been happening at Street Health, please check out our Winter 2019 Newsletter our recent "Lost IDs Left Around Toronto" ad campaign how you can help: Coldest Night of the Year 2020...
OPS Report Released
November 22, 2019 — Findings from Evaluation of the Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) at Street Health Released. Click here to read the full Press Release from the official launch of this Evaluation Report on January 21, 2020. Press coverage included: Toronto Star 680 News Findings from the report include major health and social impacts for clients: 1) Reduced overdose related harms because staff are onsite...
Reducing Risk
November 8, 2019 — Street Health’s clients are providing the inspiration for eye-catching stickers with messages promoting safer drug use and safer sex practices. Thanks to funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Facilitators Monica and Natalie meet weekly with ten community members. The group discuss specific HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, provide input for the creation of a new sticker each month, and...
Faceless IDs Left Around Toronto
October 29, 2019 — FACELESS IDs LEFT AROUND TORONTO HIGHLIGHT GROWING NEED FOR DOCUMENT STORAGE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS... When a person who is homeless or under-housed loses their ID, they can lose access to other essential service - including housing, health care, income supports, childcare services, or even voting in an election. Last week we left "faceless" IDs across the city...
Fall Newsletter
October 10, 2019 — The fall newsletter features insights from the 2019 Client Survey and an update on the Overdose Prevention Site (OPS). It also highlights a donor's perspective and how local community members are inspiring eye-catching harm reduction stickers like this one: Click here to read more in the fall newsletter.
Our ED's Response to OPS Concerns
September 6, 2019 — When Street Health opened our Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) in June 2018, the intersection of Dundas & Sherbourne had among the highest number of 9-1-1 calls for overdose in the entire city. Even with the opening of the OPS at Street Health, the community centred around this intersection continues to be in a crisis. The lack of emergency shelter...
Executive Director's Notice - Fencing at Street Health
July 28, 2019 — July 26, 2019 It is with reluctance that Street Health has agreed to erect a fence to prevent access onto our property when we are closed. This was a very difficult decision and taken in response to a great deal of pressure. Some neighbours are concerned about people congregating on Street Health property after hours and on the weekends,...
Good News and Not-So-Good News
July 26, 2019 — Street Health Harm Reducation Worker, Monica (left) and Rediet, Crisis Intervention Worker Good news - Three times in the last six months, Street Health’s weekly Harm Reduction Drop-In has offerred free Hepatitis-C testing, thanks to our partners from VIRCAN. More than 70 clients have been tested for this viral infection, which someone can carry without even knowing it. A...
Support. Don't Punish.
July 19, 2019 — 'Support. Don’t Punish' is a global campaign to raise awareness of the harms caused by the criminalization of people who use drugs. The campaign was created in 2013, in acknowledgement of the need to change laws and policies that impede access to harm reduction interventions, and to promote respect for the human rights of people who use drugs. Street Health...
The Power of Connection
July 12, 2019 — Street Health developed, and is now leading, the Community Harm Reduction Response Team (CHRRT) with funding from the federal government’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP). Members from eight partnering organizations graduated from our intensive 12-week Harm Reduction training program. All of them are now better equipped to assist their regular clients who have addiction issues, as someone who deeply...
Looking Back, Looking Forward
June 28, 2019 — In 2018-19 Street Health had more than 60,500 client visits - a 26% increase. Read more in the Annual Report.
Annual General Meeting, 2019
June 21, 2019 — AGMs are boring !! You know that & we know it too. So we've purposely set this one up to NOT be boring. (1) The area where we work is gentrifying, our provincial healthcare system is "under new management", the opioid crisis is killing people...we want to share our new 3-year Strategic Plan (2) We opened our Street...
OPS Donors Keep Doors Open
May 17, 2019 — Street Health’s OPS Doors are OPEN - thanks to donors like the Moffat Foundation who recently provided a major gift. Thank you Craig Moffat for your leadership and vision. Thank you to all OPS donors who are helping Street Health maintain this vital community, life-saving service: The Moffat Foundation John and Marie Levitt Foundation at Toronto Foundation Toronto Overdose...
People Before Politics
May 2, 2019 — People Before Politics was the timely theme of the Harm Reducation International Conference in Porto, Portugal. Street Health staff members: Mary Kay MacVicar, Harm Reducation Coordinator; Frank Coburn, Peer Instructor & Mentor; Kelly White, OPS Coordinator and Jessica Hales, Nurse Practioner attended...thanks to funding from Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) Community Harm Reducation Team Peer Program Graduates Amanda Gratton...
Community response to maintain Street Health’s OPS
April 26, 2019 — The Ontario Government doesn’t believe that a life-saving Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) is necessary at Sherbourne and Dundas, Toronto. In fact this location is at the epicenter of 911 drug overdose calls. Drug overdoses now surpass automobile accidents as the leading cause of death in Canada. OPS service is essential healthcare that saves lives and warrants Ministry of Health...
Life Saving Donation for our Life Saving Service
April 18, 2019 — Thanks to this life-saving donation from the Toronto Overdose Prevention Society, we can continue serving clients at our Overdose Prevention Site for one more month. Government funding cuts have cast a shadow of uncertainty over an already deadly, steadily worsening overdose crisis --read the Press Release from the Toronto Overdose Prevention Society, Donation (April 18, 2019) On the...
Take Action - Letters of Support
April 16, 2019 — -click for larger map If you live in the area bounded by the map above, we share a community and Street Health needs your support. Take action to help us keep the pressure on every level of the government to reverse the Province’s decision to shut down our Overdose Prevention Site. Please make use of our easy-to-print templates (below) to...
Spring 2019 Newsletter
April 11, 2019 — Hear what a local student learned about Street Health's Overdose Prevention Site (OPS), Add your voice to oppose cuts to OPS funding, Learn about innovative additions to Street Health services, And why Street Health donors were walking on Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY)! All inside Street Health's Spring 2019 Newsletter.
Voices of Concern and Support
April 5, 2019 — Following the March 29th shocking announcement of cuts to Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS) at Street Health and St. Stephen’s Community House, many individuals and groups have added their voices to tell the provincial government to restore funding for these are lifesaving services. Read statement from local City Counsillor Kristyn Wong Tam, Toronto Centre City Councillor Joe Cressy also expressed concerns...
Take Action; Save Lives
April 2, 2019 — Join Street Health to demand that the provincial government restore funding for Overdose Prevention Sites in Toronto. Supervised-consumption sites are safe spaces where people can inject pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of trained health professionals. In the absense of these safe sites, people may use in unsafe places & some of those people may die. Some of those people may die....
Thank you walkers, sponsors and volunteers!
February 28, 2019 — Street Health’s first fundraising walk, as part of the Coldest Night Of the Year (CNOY), was informative, cold and a success – thank to our wonderful group of walkers, sponsors and volunteers! Here is some of the feedback we received: “… what an amazing experience this walk was and many of us had never walked in this part of...
Walk with Street Health
February 15, 2019 — Saturday, February 23 - walk with Street Health staff and volunteers. Get your family and friends to sponsor you (every donor of $20+ receives a charitable receipt). Join our Coldest Night Of The Year fundraising walk leaving from St. Luke's United Church (Carlton & Sherbourne) at 5 pm. You will learn about Street Health's services in the community. Then join us...
Team Polar Bears are ready, are you?
January 17, 2019 — In 2016, nine year old Gareth asked his family and friends to make donations to Street Health instead of giving him a birthday gift. On February 23, 2019 Gareth and his family - Team Polar Bears - will be walking 5KM to help create awareness and raise funds for Street Health in the Coldest Night of the Year. The community support Street Health receives is...
We Need To Do More - Remembering Crystal Papineau
January 11, 2019 — This week Crystal Papineau died while trying to find clothing to stay warm. Her death highlights the constant struggle faced by those who lack housing. Crystal’s death is not about the design of used clothing collection bins, it is about the lack of emergency shelter and affordable housing in Toronto. Kapri Rabin, Executive Director of Street Health was among those...
Coldest Night Of The Year (CNOY)
December 28, 2018 — Looking for a fun and meaningful way to: spend some time with your family and friends? keep your New Year’s resolution to get active? help people who are homeless? February 23, 2019, 5-8 PM Walkers collect pledges from their family, friends and colleagues. (Adults are asked to raise $150; those 11-17 years of age are asked to raise $75). On Feb. 23 you...
Thank You, Thank You!
December 24, 2018 — Generosity and holiday spirit abound as old and new friends dropped by with donations of longjohns, sleeping bags, personal care, yummy festive treats and finanical gifts to share a happy holiday with Street Health's clients. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made a contirbution to Street Health this holiday season. Your kindness and continuing support are greatly appreciated. Happy holidays and best wishes for...
Winter 2018 Newsletter
December 10, 2018 — Hollyday, Graduate of the Community Harm Reduction Peer Program, shares her experience and reflections on the program; Street Health included in Charity Intelligence 2018 Top 100 Charities and much more - Winter 2018 Newsletter
Harm Reducation Response Team
November 30, 2018 — Street Health and eight partnering organizations celebrate the graduation of 15 Individuals who have successfully completed an intensive 12 week Harm Reduction training program. All of these partner organizations realized that they had regular clients who have addiction issues but no one on their staff who deeply understood those issues. Now, they will have qualified advocates...
Giving Tuesday
November 23, 2018 — November 27, 2018 Drop off your donation of new, unused personal care and winter warmth supplies at: The Ontario Restaurant, 383 Dundas Street East These health promoting items are distributed free of charge to clients - where and when they are needed. Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the Ontario Restaurant and $1 from each meal will be donated to Street...
OPS - OPEN HOUSE
November 19, 2018 — Street Health OPS staff MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26th 5:00 - 6:30 pm In Toronto, we have already lost many clients as a result of the opioid overdose crisis. As an emergency measure Street Health opened an Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) in June 2018. The site provides a safe and hygienic space for people to consume drugs and functions...
Violent Assaults - Community Alert
November 11, 2018 — VIOLENT ASSAULTS - ALERTStreet Health was recently advised of violent assaults happening in the Dundas/Sherbourne area.Since posting warnings at our offices, several clients have also come forward as victims.One client was a petite senior citizen who was punched in the face; the attacker is now armed w/ a knife; some victims have been sent to hospital to get stitches;...
303 Candles: March and Vigil
October 11, 2018 — 303 CANDLES FOR THE 303 PEOPLE WHO DIED OF OPIOID OVERDOSE IN 2017 MONDAY, OCTOBER 15 6 - 8 PM March will begin at Regent Park CHC, 465 Dundas St. E Stop at Street Health, 338 Dundas St. E End at Moss Park OPS, 134 Sherboourne St. Three hundred and three...
Gone Fishin
October 5, 2018 — Individuals who are homeless or don’t have secure housing, face unrelenting daily pressures. For most an opportunity to relax, enjoy themselves and experience different surroundings is not possible. Thanks to a grant from Aviva Community Fund and support from our local Sam’s Convenience Store, clients enjoyed a fall day of fishing and relaxing in Orillia. “Peaceful”, “fun” and “didn’t have...
Back to Class
September 28, 2018 — This fall has been “back to class” time for 20 individuals from 10 Toronto agencies who are participating in the Community Harm Reduction Teams Peer Training Program. Participants will complete 12 weeks of in-depth life skills and harm reduction training, before they return to jobs at their home agencies. Street Health is proud to be leading this federally-funded project which...
Fall Newsletter, 2018
September 14, 2018 — We have devoted the cover page of our Fall Newsletter to a discussion about our onsite Overdose Prevention Site (OPS), written by Kelly White, the site coordinator. It is both timely and essential that we pinpoint the narrative around the need for safe-injection sites to focus on the fact that people are dying. Right here in Toronto, 307...
Extreme Heat & Increased Risks
September 6, 2018 — Yesterday, Toronto saw temperatures reach a sweltering 34°C (40 with the humidex), marking the hottest September 5th since 1945. With reduced access to air conditioned spaces, homeless Torontonians may suffer from dehydration, painful cramps, fatigue, and even heat stroke which can be life-threatening if not treated. High temperatures and humid conditions can exacerbate existing medical conditions such as heart...
MLSE Cares
August 30, 2018 — Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Culinary Director Chris Zielinski (right) was recently awarded the MLSE Cares Award for his extraordinary contributions to our community. In addition to the award, Chris is supporting Street Health with a $5K grant from the MLSE Foundation. Our thanks for this generous donation. Chris and colleague Kendra Kerr (left) visited us to meet the...
Annual General Meeting, Tuesday June 12th, 5:30 pm
June 4, 2018 — Please Join Us for Street Health’s Annual General Meeting Tuesday June 12, 2018 @ 5:30 p.m. 338 Dundas St. East This year, after the formal meeting, we will be featuring a short presentation by well-known Harm Reduction Worker/Advocate Frank Coburn “Working With People Who Use Drugs In A Supervised Setting” Catered refreshments will be served. Please...
Growth, Strength & Branching Out
March 3, 2018 — “Things aren’t always what you see” When Street Health and Red Dress Productions asked community members to share their thoughts, memories and connections to the Regent Park neighbourhood, some recurring themes emerged: gestures of human kindness, community, welcoming and elements of nature. Participants created drawings of trees which artist Anna Camilleri incorporated into the final design. Now clients and community...
Community Art Workshops
January 19, 2018 — Drop-In Art Workshops: When we renovated our Clinical space to make it wheelchair accessible, we also re-paved the walkway and installed a new metal gate. However, the gate is tall grey imposing & very “institutional” in appearance. To make our front entrance more welcoming, we’ve enlisted the help of Toronto-based art collective Red Dress Productions to create a community collaborative...
Shelter Crisis, Open the Armoury
January 4, 2018 — The Canadian Press: Toronto looking into opening armoury to help deal with homeless seeking shelter The City of Toronto’s shelter system is in crisis. Street Health and other front-line agencies and advocacy groups have been working collectively and relentlessly to advocate for the city’s immediate response to this worsening homelessness and shelter crisis. We have been pressing...
Deputation, A Shelter Crisis
November 28, 2017 — At Street Health, we see first-hand the people who fall through the cracks of Toronto’s overcrowded shelter system. Clients come in who couldn’t find a bed the night before, who were assaulted in a shelter, who have contracted an infectious disease or been exposed to a bed bug infestation. Even though winter is looming, many people would rather sleep...
2017 Client Survey - Results
November 10, 2017 — 2017 Client Survey: in January 2017, more than 200 clients participated in our client-satisfaction survey about their experiences using one or more of Street Health's services. Their feedback & suggestions will guide future service delivery & were featured in our Fall 2017 Newsletter. Highlights: With an average of 13,000 client visits per year, our Nursing Team helps an increasingly elderly...
Media and the Message
October 17, 2017 — Advocacy -working to raise awareness, identify solutions and create systemic change around the issues our clients face- is at the core of the work that we do. Advocacy work can take the form of conducting client research, giving deputations to Toronto city council, organizing press conferences, marching in the street with like-minded community members. It can also include inviting...
Every Picture Tells A Story
September 15, 2017 — The images we had on our old website were so outdated that they had become uncompelling. When we recently refreshed our website design, we were strongly encouraged to update our visual image as well. Without a budget for photography, this update was added to our "wait & wish" list! Wanda, one of our Registered Nurses, mentioned this to...
20 Years of Service
June 30, 2017 — One exceptional individual has been delivering frontline support since the start of Street Health’s Community Health Program and in 2017; this year he is being recognized for 20 years of service. In the summer of 1997, years before mental health awareness was recognized as an integral part of healthcare, Maurice Adongo was one of two Outreach Workers assisting the growing...
Spring 2017 Newsletter
May 9, 2017 — As spring 2017 brings a return to warmer temperatures, we present our newest Street Health newsletter. This edition features: a statement or our Mission, Vision and Values...guiding principles that inform our attitude & approach to delivering responsive client-centred care Client Satisfaction Survey: our internal Quality Improvement Committee interviewed over 200 clients to ask "How Are We Doing" a special...
Ugly Sweaters for a Good Cause
February 22, 2017 — In downtown Toronto, homelessness can sometimes be very visible. People sleeping on the streets in freezing temperatures; people sitting on the sidewalk asking for your spare change; people lining up in long queues to seek shelter or a warm meal. These scenes of despair can be heartbreaking, but can also inspire heart-felt responses. Last year, during the holiday season, Shirin...
30 Donor Stories – Giving Tuesday – November 29, 2016
November 29, 2016 — Donors may have a specific time of year or donation amount that they contribute to the charities they support. In recent years, the concept of an official day of giving – GivingTuesday – has been promoted in more than 70 countries. It is a movement to encourage people to give in their local community, rally for favourite causes and think...
30 Donor Stories – Giving At the Community Level
November 29, 2016 — As a registered nurse, Mary’s decades of practice included working in the surgical unit, emergency department, renal dialysis and the renal transplant units before she moved into management. She now oversees the Women’s and Children’s Program as part of St. Michael’s Hospital’s Inner City Health Program. “St. Mike’s has one of the most diverse patient populations of any hospital in...
30 Donor Stories – I Have Been Able to Build My Life…
November 29, 2016 — Street Health relies on, and remains grateful to, all of our donors and supporters. Some learn about us through friends or colleagues, some through newspapers or social media. Some are motivated by their faith, by their families, or by a loved-one who has passed away. Whether donors give once a year, once a month or prefer to remain anonymous –...
30 Donor Stories – Health Without Barriers; Care Without Borders
November 25, 2016 — In November 2014, Street Health got a call from a curious and passionate Toronto Star reporter named Carol Goar. We weren’t sure how Carol became interested in Street Health or the population we serve, but we did recognize a kindred spirit. She came for a visit, met some of our staff and clients, learned about our services and the urgent...
30 Donor Stories – Inspired Student Becomes an Inspiring Teacher
November 25, 2016 — We noticed while gathering this series of 30 donor stories that many Street Health supporters were inspired to start contributing from an early age. Dianne is one such donor who looks back on her experience in high school as a time that continues to guide her actions. “Each week, a group of students from my school had the opportunity to...
30 Donor Stories – Creating Opportunity with My Giving
November 25, 2016 — 30 Donor Stories – Creating Opportunity with My Giving Many Street Health donors want their donations to help in creating a more just society. “I want to help those who haven’t had the same advantages or have been overlooked and need help,” states Tom, a Street Health donor from Oakville who has been giving for over seven years. “I remember some...
30 Donor Stories – Caring For Those in Need
November 24, 2016 — A commitment to social justice is a driving force for many people. For Cathy, a desire to do good for others is among her earliest memories. Her support for Street Health began while working as a film editor on a documentary about homelessness and youth. Realizing that homelessness can impact individuals who are any age, orientation or background, she wanted...
30 Donor Stories – Better to Give Than To Receive
November 23, 2016 — Barb Craig worked as a Registered Nurse here at Street health for over a decade, retiring in 2007. That year, a Toronto Star profile described her well, “A lot of her clients call her “Mom” because she gives them special attention and help. She takes them to doctor’s appointments, or visits them at their homes, in rooming houses, subsidized apartments...
30 Donor Stories – Always in My Heart and Mind « What's Up at Street Health
November 22, 2016 — For some Street Health donors, their motivation to give a gift is connected to their religious beliefs.Street Health receives contributions from a variety of faith organizations and also from specific segments of religious communities. These donations often come with hand-written notes and highlight how caring for those in need is truly a universal belief. Pastor Jim has been a Street...
30 Donor Stories – Filling the Gap
November 21, 2016 — Individuals can sometimes experience homelessness due to circumstances that are unpredictable and out of their control, unforeseen events which then compound into a downward spiral.Working in the justice system, Paula represents vulnerable clients who experience great difficulty in accessing services. “Being able to access healthcare is a basic human need that most of us take for granted. In my work...
30 Donor Stories – A Special History of Giving
November 18, 2016 — The giving history of some special donors goes back to Street Health’s earliest days. When Michael Jewell and David Mintz began their catering business, their service focused on Toronto’s film industry. The 1990s were a time when many American productions filmed in Canada and also a time when the Canadian film industry was beginning to grow. “As our business grew,...
30 Donor Stories – Much Needed (and Appreciated) Donations
November 18, 2016 — Donors with long and evolving connections to Street Health enrich what we can offer to clients, and add stability to our ability to do so. One such donor group is Fairlawn Avenue United Church whose Outreach Committee has been providing support for 11 years. “Our committee used to organize an Outreach Fair so our congregation could talk with representatives from...
30 Donor Stories – Urgent Need; Simple Dignity
November 18, 2016 — Sometimes an opportunity to help others is both immediate and direct. It is responding to an urgent need with compassion and action. “For me, social media is a great way to understand how other people live, it keeps me aware, offers a diversity of experience. I’m able to use it to connect my friends and family to these stories as...
30 Donor Stories – Marking a Special Moment
November 17, 2016 — Connecting with new donors is an ongoing focus for Street Health and we are happy to share the following story from Alex and Meghan whose first-time donation to Street Health coincided with an important moment in their lives! Before moving to Toronto, Meghan volunteered at a drop-in centre in Guelph where she learned that needs of homeless people are...
30 Donor Stories – A Gift That Gives Again
November 16, 2016 — What birthday gift continues to give even after the song is sung, the candles are blown out and the cake is enjoyed? The gift of knowing that your birthday was marked by a donation to Street Health – that you’ve become part of a care group who are helping provide services to individuals who are homeless and under-housed throughout the...
30 Donor Stories – Remembering Lois
November 15, 2016 — Street Health has the great fortune of receiving support from many long-standing donor groups. In fact, several groups have supported Street Health since the very beginning. One such contributor is the congregation from Lemonville United Church. Our connection with Lemonville dates back to Betty Jordan, who was one of the first nurse volunteers at Street Health. “Betty was a passionate...
30 Donor Stories – Community Partners Provide Compassion and Supplies
November 14, 2016 — 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of Street Health’s work in the community. This work has been possible in part thanks to longtime relationships with supporters and donors who help ensure Street Health has the resources to meet our clients’ needs. One such relationship is with the Tzu Chi Foundation Canada, Toronto Branch. The Toronto Tzu Chi Foundation grew out of...
30 Donor Stories – Workplace Culture of Philanthropy
November 11, 2016 — Making a charitable contribution through payroll deduction is a way of donating many employers offer. While people may be familiar with workplace payroll deduction giving for annual United Way campaigns, smaller employers may also offer this option to their staff. This is especially true in workplaces that are committed to developing an internal community of philanthropy – encouraging staff to...
30 Donor Stories – Thank You, Anonymous
November 11, 2016 — “Street Health is fortunate to have a base of regular donors,” recognizes Kapri Rabin, Executive Director. “This support is vital to everything we are able to do in the community. Some of our donors prefer to remain anonymous and we respect that request. We want all of our donors to know that they are an important part of all we...
30 Donor Stories – St. Lawrence Shares Supper and Support
November 11, 2016 — Once a month, on a Monday evening, The St. Lawrence Supper Club meets at a local restaurant to hear thought-provoking talks about our community, our city, or our world. Each speaker is chosen to inspire the mind, raise awareness of issues that affect us all, and strengthen community relations and commitment. The Supper Club has become a symbol of the community connection in the St. Lawrence...
30 Donor Stories – Advocate and Donor
November 10, 2016 — Non-profit organizations like Street Health, and the people we serve, benefit when individuals who provide a wide range of contributions including volunteering their time, talents and skills. Street Health’s Board of Directors are community volunteers – people with a keen interest in what the organization is working to accomplish. They contribute in many ways and, along the way, commit themselves...
30 Donor Stories – Challenging Stereotypes, Providing Care
November 8, 2016 — Kimberley chose nursing as her profession because helping people was important to her. With the support and encouragement of her family, Kimberley attended a university in northern Ontario and, during her final year, was one of six students who visited remote aboriginal communities to provide healthcare. This experience, like other experiences since that time, encouraged Kimberley to look beyond her...
30 Donor Stories – Collective Action Provides Community Support
November 8, 2016 — In recent years, group donations have become an increasingly popular activity. These may be formally organized by service agencies with a specific fundraising priority or as informal as colleagues, friends or neighbours gathering donations at a birthday party. The way that these donations are gathered is as varied and imaginative as those who choose to undertake the activity. For one...
30 Donor Stories – Memorial Gifts Have a Lasting Impact
November 7, 2016 — For many of us, there are times and situations when making a donation has special significance. Gifts that recognize the end of an individual’s life are a way many chose to remember a family member, relative or friend who has passed away. The end of life is a sad occasion for family and friends. Marking this occasion by making a...
30 Donor Stories – Monthly Donors, Helping Out When You Can
November 4, 2016 — While downtown receiving a series of medical treatments at St. Michael’s Hospital, Dorothy was struck by the number of people she saw sleeping on the streets. “Over the course of my appointments, I often saw people who appeared to be homeless or have nowhere to go. I also saw individuals who, like me, were at the hospital receiving healthcare and...
30 Donor Stories – Investing in Health and Wellbeing
November 4, 2016 — “I’ve been a long-time supporter of Street Health simply because every time I go out on the street I see the persistent need,” remarks Geoff who has supported Street Health since 2003. “I give to Street Health knowing the organization is helping people deal with their problems so they can move on with their lives.” Geoff makes a donation several...
30 Donor Stories – Engage and Change
November 4, 2016 — The way that people choose to contribute to social causes can change from one generation to the next. While older donors have a strong commitment to making charitable contributions, some younger ones also prefer to add a hands-on volunteering component to how they give. Members of the “millennial” generation, who may have been doing volunteer work since they were in...
30 Donor Stories – Socks With A “Sole”
November 2, 2016 — “Family … Like branches on a tree, our lives may grow in different directions but our roots will stay as one!!” – Anonymous Family donations are a great way to inspire younger generations to maintain a family value of making a difference in your community. Street Health is fortunate to receive donations from a family that takes this...
30 Donor Stories – A Lasting Impression
November 2, 2016 — In a world that bombards us with “urgent” images and messages, the first impressions we form can be very powerful. Sometimes these are merely a passing interest, other times they bring us to an even deeper understanding and commitment to helping others. I first heard about Street Health while volunteering with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church’s Out of the Cold, a...
30 Donor Stories – Raising Awareness & Donations
November 1, 2016 — For us at Street Health, it is inspiring to include school groups and students among our supporters. Our Nursing and Community Mental Health staff welcome the opportunity to make presentations which often lead to contributions that are needed for our clients. This past year, teacher Charlotte Fleming invited our Clinical Manager, Joyce Rankin, to present to The Bishop Strachan...
30 Days – 30 Donor Stories
October 22, 2016 — During the month of November, and as part of Street Health’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, we are presenting stories from 30 of our donors & supporters. Each day, a donor’s story will be posted right here on our blog. Facebook and Twitter posts will also link to them. We invite you to click, comment and share the inspiring accounts that you...
Press Release: Barrier Free Client-Centred Care
October 5, 2016 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Toronto’s homeless and under-housed population gets boost from new, accessible nursing and community mental health clinic space. Street Health’s accessible coach house creates barrier free, client centred care for homeless and under housed people. Toronto – On Wednesday September 28, 2016, Street Health welcomed clients, community partners, funders and supporters to an Open House...
Street Health – Press Release
September 27, 2016 — MEDIA ADVISORY September 27, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Enhanced Level of Care for Toronto’s Homeless and Under-housed: Official opening of Street Health’s accessible Coach House WHAT – On Wednesday, September 28 at 2:30 P.M. Street Health will officially open its newly accessible Coach House. Street Health provides nursing, community mental health, identification replacement, ID safe-storage, harm reduction and peer programs...
Street Health OPEN HOUSE !
September 16, 2016 — Through the summer of 2016, we renovated the inside of an adjacent building in our backyard to make it wheelchair accessible. We also installed an upgraded medical exam room & accessible counselling space. We are proud of this new space for how it will improve client care, and would like to invite the community to come see what we’ve...
Peaceful, Sunny Fun
July 22, 2016 — For some SH clients, living on a fixed (and meager) income usually leaves little left over for expenses like healthy food, transportation, medications, an air conditioner…not to mention social or recreational activities. Living in poverty leaves you with fewer resources, fewer choices, and fewer opportunities. To address a subtler side to the social determinants of health, we took a group...
Street Health 30th Annual General Meeting
June 7, 2016 — Dear Friends, We invite you and your community stakeholders to the Street Health 30th Anniversary AGM Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 338 Dundas St. East 5:30 – 7:00 pm Our agenda for this meeting: 5:30 Annual Meeting 6:00 Presentation: Stepping Through History: 30 Years of Street Health (1986-2016) 6:30 Dinner We ask that you RSVP if you plan to...
Nurse Practitioner; Expanded Service
May 5, 2016 — Our nursing team now includes a Nurse Practitioner (NP). In addition to the existing primary care that our Registered Nurses provide, this NP position can also write prescriptions, make referrals and order diagnostic lab tests. This expanded scope gives clients more comprehensive care and responds to the varied, changing and aging needs of our clients. Toronto’s homeless population includes newcomers,...
Street Health 30th Anniversary -Birthday Party
March 14, 2016 — Join us as we celebrate: Street Health’s 30th Anniversary Birthday Party When: Thursday, March 17, 2016 (Doors open at 11:30am – 1pm) Where: All Saints Church (Dundas/Sherbourne) A hot catered lunch; dessert; music; time with friends… This is a FREE event, with special thanks to our generous sponsors at:
Community-Based Research Award
January 26, 2016 — In November 2015, Street Health’s Harm Reduction Coordinator Mary Kay MacVicar, along with Regent Park CHC colleagues Sabin Mukkath and Josie Ricciardi were honoured with this distinction from The Ontario HIV Treatment Network.This award recognized their research and results from an evaluation of Street Health’s HIPS Program, which engages peer outreach workers to educate women who are involved in street-based...
SHOE PARTY 2015
December 11, 2015 — Street Health has recently received a large donation of new shoes. We received 100s of pairs of shoes, boots, dress shoes, sandals, running shoes, etc. Our objective is to get these shoes & boots to the clients and community members that we serve! Shoes for women & men, for winter & summer, for casual & dress, large sizes & small....
SEATON HOUSE and the “George St. Revitalization” Project
November 3, 2015 — Seaton House is the largest men’s homeless shelter in Canada, with a total of 674 beds in various program areas. The city of Toronto is planning to demolish it and ‘revitalize’ the street where it is located. The plan is to replace it with a 384-bed long-term care facility, with only 100 emergency shelter beds…reducing the number of beds by...
Bank Account Clinic
September 28, 2015 — Earlier this year, we learned that the Government of Canada is phasing out cheques in favour of direct deposit for all government payments. By April of 2016, anyone who receives a tax refund, GST rebate, the child tax benefit, CPP, Old Age Security or any other payment must have an active bank account and be set up for direct deposit....
Street Health Client Survey results
August 4, 2015 — In last Fall’s Street Health newsletter, we published the results of a thorough survey we conducted, to measure clients’ satisfaction with the services we provide, and to seek suggestions of what we could improve. We asked for opinions from clients with experience using at least one of our program areas, and received opinions from 166 people Sometimes the best...
Street Health 2015 AGM
June 8, 2015 — Dear Friends, As community members, colleagues, like-minded agencies and friends, we would like to invite you to the: Street Health Annual General Meeting, 2015 Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015 338 Dundas St. East 5:30 – 7:00 pm Our agenda for this meeting: 5:30 Annual Meeting 6:00 Presentation: Street Health’s Strategic Plan 2015-2018 6:30 Dinner We ask that you RSVP if you...
Nightingale Awards 2015
May 15, 2015 — Florence Nightingale, a Nurse from a prominent British family, was born in Florence, Italy, on May 12, 1820. During the Crimean War, she and a team of nurses improved the unsanitary conditions at a British base hospital, reducing the death count by two-thirds. She devoted her life to creating change in healthcare; her work and commitment sparked worldwide health care...
Spring Message from Street Health’s ED
April 28, 2015 — Spring is a time for renewal and at Street Health we are delighted that we have made it through this tragic and debilitating winter. In the first week of January 2015 the homeless community lost 4 lives in just 4 days. Street Health responded with advocacy efforts through the media and worked with community partners to further inform the general...
Street Health Birthday Party 2015
March 24, 2015 — COME TO THE STREET HEALTH BIRTHDAY PARTY We would like to invite the whole community to join us as we celebrate our 28th Anniversary. It will be a fun-filled afternoon with a catered hot lunch, music, Street Health hooded-sweatshirts, and cake! Thanks to Jewell Catering for providing the catering. We look forward to this event each year, and hope to...
The Lived Experience of Harm Reduction: a CBC Radio Interview
January 7, 2015 — Many people have little direct knowledge of what life is like for people who are homeless, who have a drug addiction, or for those who deal with both. Also, many know little about what services are available to help tackle these intersecting challenges. Mary Wiens, a specials producer at CBC Radio’s Metro Morning program came here to Street Health to discover...
HOLIDAY COMMUNITY LUNCH, 2014
December 5, 2014 — Our thanks to the generous folks at Janssen for sponsoring our December 3rd HOLIDAY COMMUNITY LUNCH, for the second year in a row. They brought a crew of volunteers, decorated the space, and helped serve a delicious turkey lunch to over 550 community members. Hosted at the All Saints Church (Dundas & Sherbourne), and catered by Jewell Catering, this...
National Housing Day, 2014
November 18, 2014 — November 21st is NATIONAL HOUSING DAY, a day to mark the importance of affordable housing as a key social determinant of health. Canada is the only G8 nation without a national housing strategy; having no plan hurts individuals & entire communities…the average age of death for homeless men is 45, for women it is 39! [Hwang,2000]. This year, we will...
NEW ID CLINIC IN THE BLOOR WEST AREA
September 5, 2014 — Sometimes the key that opens doors to needed services is simply having valid government ID. If you want to open a bank account, apply for housing, get income supports, cash a cheque, or see a doctor…you need ID. Street Health staff host ID Clinics to help people replace ID: once a week at the All Saints Church; once per month...
Project Water 2014
June 27, 2014 — We’re very grateful to our friends at Project Water for their generous donation of cases of water! On July 9th, 2014 (with delivery help from The Good Neighbours Club) we will receive bottled water that we can give to clients. Homeless people seldom have a cool place nearby where they can escape oppressive heat & humidity. The elderly and those...
COMMUNITY BARBEQUE 2014
June 2, 2014 — Each year, in the heart of summer, we host our Street Health Community BBQ Thursday, June 19th, 2014 Where: the parking lot at 338 Dundas St. East When: Thursday, June 19th, 11:30 Everyone’s invited: come join us for a hot dog, cold drink and fun times with friends ! sponsored by Enbridge and Pillers
Street Health AGM 2014
June 2, 2014 — Please join us for our 2014 Annual General Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2014 338 Dundas St. East 5:30 – 7:30 pm Evening’s Agenda 5:30pm Annual Meeting 6:00pm Presentation: Community Research in Action, the Street-Based Sex Worker’s Needs Assessment 6:30pm Dinner Please RSVP terry@streethealth.ca or call (416) 921-8668 ext. 225 We hope to see you...
STREET-BASED SEX WORKERS NEEDS ASSESSMENT
February 25, 2014 — Street Health and the Regent Park Community Health Centre have coordinated a cross-regional network comprised of women with sex work experience, health and social service providers, and law enforcement. In 2012 and 2013 the network received funding from the Evidence Exchange Network and used this funding to: i.) focus on harm reduction services for women and trans-women who engage in...
HOMELESSNESS, AND THE ABSENCE OF PRIVACY
October 12, 2013 — “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” For those of us who have secure homes, this famous quote is true. We experience it at the end of a long day, when we return from a long journey, and when we wake from a long and restful sleep. Arriving at home, we can kick off our shoes...
Annual General Meeting 2013
June 4, 2013 — PLEASE JOIN US AT OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WHERE: 338 Dundas St. East WHEN: Tuesday June 18th, 2013 5:30- 7:00pm 5:30-6:00 Meeting 6:00–6:15 Presentation 6:15-7:00 Refreshments RSVP:terry@streethealth.ca 416-921-8668x 225 We hope you can make it!
RECLAIM THE STREETS
May 24, 2013 — Again this year, Street Health is endorsing and will be attending the annual Reclaim the Streets rally and march to publicly demand an end to violence against women. Friday, May 24th, 2013 Regent Park Community Health Centre 465 Dundas Street East 5:30pm – Community Meal & Music 6:00pm –Rally 6:30pm –March to End Gender-Based Violence We have addressed...
LEFT OUT IN THE COLD
April 12, 2013 — For the past few months, there has been a growing debate in the city of Toronto. Homelessness and poverty advocates have been raising the alarm about an increasing crisis in our city’s shelter system. City officials, however, claim that the system is working well, that shelter beds are always available, and that anyone who says otherwise is simply exaggerating. Here...
Meet Our New Executive Director - Kapri Rabin
March 8, 2013 — KAPRI RABIN has over 20 years of progressive leadership experience working in non-profit organizations including community health centres, social services and hospitals. For the past 8 years she has worked as the Director of Health Services and the Director of Integration and Urban Health at Central Toronto Community Health Centre where she was responsible for developing and maintaining primary and...
Were Lessons Learned at L’Ecole?
December 11, 2012 — December 6, 2012 was the 23rd anniversary of the tragic Montreal Massacre. On that day, in 1989, a lone gunman entered a classroom at Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnique, separated the women from the men –telling the men to leave the room. He then opened fire on the women…because they were women, all the while violently yelling, “J’haïs les feministes” [I hate...
Help the Community Start Up
October 9, 2012 — In the centre of Cape Town, South Africa, the government has built a bridge to nowhere. Originally, conceived in the 1940s, the Freeshore Freeway project was repeatedly hampered by squabbling among different levels of government, clashing egos, and conflicting expert opinions on planning and design. Construction began in the 1960s but was halted (urban myths abound as to exactly why)...
Where History Becomes Legacy
August 24, 2012 — Fred Dunn, though he chose a life of relative obscurity, was one of Toronto’s most inspiring characters. Born April 4, 1923, Fred was a poet, peace activist, carpenter, long distance runner, and a friend to Street Health. With his stark red hair and beard, and his piercing blue eyes, “Uncle Fred” was known for many unique attributes. He was very...
The Schoolhouse Shelter, A Pioneer Lost
June 29, 2012 — In cities all around the developed world, it is recognized that low-income earners and their families usually live in the downtown core of those cities, and that wealthier citizens prefer the space, privacy, and relative quiet of the suburbs. However, in Toronto and other urban areas, there has been a reversal of this trend. One glance at the Toronto skyline...
Annual General Meeting -Tuesday June 19th, 6:30pm
June 1, 2012 — Once a year, the entire community is invited to join us and have their say about what we do here at Street Health. Clients, staff, board members, members of the neighbourhood, and staff from other agencies can all gather to speak and listen as we address the concerns of our community and the effectiveness of Street Health’s efforts to respond...
When the Mental Health System Fails…
June 1, 2012 — Mental health issues are not a form of weakness. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 20% of all Canadians personally experience some sort of mental health concern, regardless of age education or income. Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or mood disorders are real health issues; often those suffering will not seek treatment due to stigma and discrimination. Among homeless...
The Authenticity of Lived Experience
June 1, 2012 — We at Street Health are often contacted by members of the media for our opinions on important issues that affect our clients. As part of our mandate to assist in educating others about the impact that severe poverty has on our clients’ quality of life, we see this as an opportunity to clear up misconceptions, stereotypes, and prejudices that have...
You’re Invited To Our Big Summer Barbeque!
May 17, 2012 — COME TO THE STREET HEALTH COMMUNITY BBQ – JUNE 20th! Every summer, we invite the whole community to join us for a fun-filled afternoon of summer sun. Thanks to our sponsors at Enbridge and Pillers, we are happy to be able to do it again this year, so… Come enjoy a hot dog, cold drink and fun times with...
The Safer Stroll Project…How Can You Help?
May 17, 2012 — DONATE YOUR OLD CELL PHONE TODAY! Do you have an old cell phone sitting in a drawer at home? Is it functional? Do you have a charger for it? If so, please donate your old cell phone to Street Health. We will be giving the phones to clients who participate in the Safer Stroll Project. All cell phones, whether they...
From Struggles To Successes…
May 17, 2012 — In the spring of 2012, the Ve’ahavta Organization (a Toronto-based humanitarian relief agency) www.veahavta.org put out a call for submissions to their 11th Annual Creative Writing Contest. This contest invited people with past experience of living on or near the street to share tales of their struggles and successes. Marking 11 years of honouring the seldom heard voices of the...
You Can Help…By Setting the Record Straight
April 16, 2012 — From time to time, news reporters ask us to contribute to articles that shed light on the daily struggles that our clients endure. We are pleased to participate in these interviews as part of our mandate to assist in educating others about the impact that severe poverty has on the our clients’ quality of life. We also see this as...
The Safer Stroll Project, A Documentary
April 16, 2012 — Perhaps our first offense is to presume that we know what she’s going through. Even in our sophisticated, modern world, women remain vulnerable to the many forms, and many weapons, of gender inequality. Although women have the voice and the vote to create cultural change, imbalances still exist such as pay inequities, unequal responsibility for child-rearing and household maintenance, an...