Homelessness is a complex problem that demands a response from governments, service providers, service recipients and the community at large. Fred Victor’s commitment to ending homelessness is illustrated through our leadership in the ZeroTO collective impact initiative.

We also strive to support each and every person that is on a journey out of homelessness. Whether it is providing safe and affordable housing units, addressing issues around mental health and addiction, or connecting individuals and families to other support services, we are there to provide tangible solutions that lead to positive outcomes.

This is the impact we have on a day-to-day basis in the fight to end homelessness in Toronto:

Impact on Homelessness

In Toronto, there are over 7,400 people who are homeless on any given night. Our shelters are more than just a place to sleep – they offer necessities such as laundry facilities and hygiene supplies to all who come through the door. They also provide support related to health care, information and referral, housing access, and advocacy.

• 767 people found refuge at the Edward Village Hotel – with 65 housed by staff
• 11,380 people were supported at the 24-hour Emergency Respite centre
• 398 people were supported at the 72-bed Bethlehem United Shelter – with 51 housed
• 73 women stayed at the Fatima House with 10 residents moving on to housing
• 72 residents in the Women’s Transition to Housing program – with 35 moving on to housing
• 54 pets were cared for at the Bethlehem United Shelter
• 41 senior women stayed at Mary Sheffield House with 11 residents moving on to housing

Impact on Housing

In 2021, the City of Toronto reported nearly 80,000 active applications on the subsidized housing waitlist. The lack of affordable housing in the city has contributed to increased emergency shelter use and the overall homelessness crisis. Fred Victor is a leader in helping people secure and maintain a safe place to live.

• 42,252 contacts made (in person and virtual) with Housing Access and Support Services clients
• 230 people secured housing through Housing Access and Support Services
• 450+ residents live in Fred Victor’s Permanent Housing
• 100% of Housing Access & Support Services clients retained their accommodation over the last 24 months
• 86 new units of supportive housing to be operated by Fred Victor at 4626 Kingston Rd.
• 42 individuals in the Transitional Housing Program at 145 Queen St. East
• 31 adults and six children achieved housing stability through 1 Step Up Support

Impact on Health

According to City data, 216 people experiencing homelessness died in Toronto last year. We provide appropriate and effective health services – addressing substance use, mental health challenges, physical injuries, food insecurity, social isolation and other health-related issues.

• 231,722 community meals served at Moss Park and Regent Park
• 101,523 information and referral contacts at the 145 Queen St. E. Drop-In Program
• 10,504 attendees at 400+ health promotion groups, including suicide intervention
• 1,466 people served by Consumption and Treatment Services – with 976 overdoses reversed
• 1,270 people received Mental Health and Addictions Case Management support
• 1,035 clients diverted out of the criminal justice system to mental health services
• 92 youth experiencing psychosis received support through the Early Intervention program

Impact on Income

According to Statistics Canada, 200,000 jobs were lost in January 2022 due to COVID-19 shutdowns related to the Omicron variant. Financial stability is integral to securing and maintaining a safe place to live – which is why Fred Victor continues to support people in finding meaningful and sustainable employment.

Our Employment & Training Services team found creative ways to build engagement with participants online. They also incorporated digital skill-building, and a virtual Code of Conduct to ensure a positive learning environment for all.

• 4,118 times people accessed Employment and Training Services
• 306 new clients registered with Employment and Training Services
• 148 people found work or started formal education through Employment and Training Services
• 62 people got on-the-job training as Peer Outreach workers on the Keep Cool Team
• 24 women enrolled in the Women’s Bakery program
• 20 people completed hospitality skills training through our Career Directions program

Impact on Community

Many of the residents we serve have histories of poverty, homelessness, and trauma – and face multiple barriers including food insecurity and social isolation. Fred Victor strives to address these challenges by creating opportunities for people to connect and contribute to positive change in their community.

• 11,104 volunteer hours contributed by 369 volunteers across all programs and services
• 259 participants in advocacy programs
• 200+ individuals and families in Regent Park with allotment garden to grow their own food
• 93 corporate teams provided 188 hours of volunteer support
• 77 volunteers contributed 8062 hours to the Community Meal program
• 73 children and youth in Steps to Success
• 16 community partner agencies and groups provided access to allotment gardens