NewsA Place to Call Home: How Fred Victor Helps Families Thrive
Family Day is an opportunity to connect with loved ones, whether biological or chosen family. The time we share with family is precious – there’s simply nothing like coming home to the people we care about most.
The Reality for Families in Toronto’s Shelter System
For families living in Toronto’s shelter system, holidays like Family Day can feel bleak without a permanent place to call home. Last year, nearly 1,500 children stayed in Toronto shelters, with two-thirds of them being ten years old or younger.
Everyone deserves a home—children need a stable place to grow up, and parents need a safe environment to raise their children. That’s why Fred Victor provides affordable housing with tailored supports designed specifically for families, such as our Birchmount Green Supported Housing program.
Finding Stability and Community at Birchmount Green
Birchmount Green Supported Housing is a family housing initiative in Toronto designed to meet the needs of parents with children, as well as singles and couples with physical disabilities. Fred Victor is proud to manage and support 32 of the 220 units, providing essential resources to help residents stabilize their housing, access support services, and rebuild their lives.
Shirley and Jameela, two proud mothers who now call Birchmount Green home, know firsthand the challenges of finding stability and hope while trying to provide the best for their children.
Shirley arrived in Canada as a refugee, navigating an unfamiliar system while caring for her son with cerebral palsy and newborn twins. Just ten days after giving birth, she moved into a shelter, where she remained for ten months before securing housing. Jameela also spent years in the shelter system with her two children, enduring uncertainty while waiting for stable housing. Their stories reflect a harsh reality—many families spend years in the shelter system before finding a place to call home. With wait times for social housing ranging from eight to fifteen years, the journey to stability can be long and overwhelming.
Both Shirley and Jameela found hope through Fred Victor’s family housing program, and for many families, it is more than just a place to live—it is a community that feels like family. This supportive environment offers extensive programs and resources that foster social connections, build skills, and promote well-being for families adjusting to a new chapter in their lives.
For Shirley, the transition to permanent housing was transformative. As a newcomer to Canada, the additional support she received was invaluable, helping her access critical resources while adjusting to life outside the shelter system. The sense of community at Birchmount Green, combined with structured programs for families, provided a strong foundation for her and her children.
The variety of family-oriented programs quickly became a highlight for both Shirley and Jameela. Activities such as bingo, arts and crafts, holiday meals, and interactive wildlife workshops provide not only entertainment but also opportunities for learning and personal growth. Shirley’s children especially love bingo nights, always eager for their next chance to win. Jameela shares a similar sentiment, appreciating the joy these moments bring to her children and the sense of connection they foster.
Fred Victor’s family programs are designed to foster emotional growth and confidence, build resilience, enhance well-being, and support success at school, in life, and in fostering a sense of belonging.
The sense of belonging extends beyond just the children. For Jameela, the relationships she has built within the community have been invaluable. That’s what makes the programming at Birchmount Green so impactful—it’s a support system, a place where families uplift one another. Meeting other parents, sharing experiences, and knowing they are not alone in their journey brings comfort and strength. These shared experiences create bonds that ease the burdens of everyday life and offer much-needed encouragement.
For both mothers, the contrast between their past struggles and their present stability is striking. Jameela often reflects on how different life is now, where happiness has replaced uncertainty, and support is always available. The presence of dedicated staff, always ready to assist with any question or need, makes a significant impact. The Fred Victor team is committed to fostering a welcoming environment where families feel truly supported.
Expanding Supportive Housing for Families
Birchmount Green Supported Housing is a strong example of the impact stable housing and community programming can have, but there is still much work to be done. Right now, 1,500 children will spend Family Day in Toronto’s shelter system. To give more families the stability and resources they need to thrive, supportive housing must expand across the city.
No one should feel isolated or alone on Family Day—or ever. Family, in all its forms, plays a vital role in well-being. The combination of stable housing and accessible programming can make all the difference for people transitioning from homelessness to stability. With continued investment in supportive housing, more families can experience the security, belonging, and hope that Birchmount Green provides.
The programs at Birchmount Green reflect Fred Victor’s commitment to helping people rebuild their lives with the support they need to thrive. They demonstrate the power of community, the importance of accessible services, and the life-changing impact of stable housing.
If you’d like to support children and families in our family housing programs, please consider making a donation today.
