Kwame lost a parent in childhood, and his surviving parent turned to addiction. Placed in foster care, he faced instability and trauma. As an adult, these scars led to homelessness, with Kwame sleeping in parks and on rooftops. At Fred Victor, he found support and hope. The community there offered understanding, and through photography, Kwame processed his trauma.
He says, “Fred Victor helped me find stability and rebuild my life.”
Our Impact
Our Impact
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is to improve the health, income, and housing stability of people experiencing poverty and homelessness. Our vision is for healthy and thriving communities where every person has a home and access to opportunity.
Key Statistics:
- 15,000+ people experience homelessness in Toronto on any given night.
- The cost of homelessness to Canadians is estimated at $10 billion annually.
- There is a 9-15 year waitlist for affordable housing.
- 9,000 people stay in Toronto’s shelter system every night.
We strive to support each and every person 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.
Our Approach
Fred Victor’s approach to addressing homelessness is grounded in the principles of Housing First and client-centered support. We believe that secure and stable housing is the foundation upon which people can rebuild their lives. Our strategy encompasses rapid housing placement, tailored support services, and connecting people to opportunities for personal and economic growth.
1. Housing First Principles:
Prioritize Permanent Housing: We prioritize securing permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness without preconditions. This approach improves overall well-being and stability.
2. Rapid Housing Placement:
Quick and Stable Housing: We work to quickly secure safe and stable housing, enabling people to address other issues more effectively.
3. Client-Centred Support Services:
Tailored Support: We provide tailored support services that focus on each person’s unique needs. This personalized approach helps address the specific challenges people face on their journey to stability.
4. Access to Opportunities:
Education and Employment: We connect people to educational and employment opportunities, helping them achieve financial independence and personal growth.
Community Engagement: We foster community integration through various engagement activities, reducing social isolation and building a supportive community network.
By combining these elements, Fred Victor ensures that every person we serve has the opportunity to improve their circumstances and achieve lasting stability. Our integrated model addresses the multifaceted nature of homelessness, providing comprehensive support that empowers people to rebuild their lives.
Overview of Programs
Shelters
Emergency shelters, respite sites, specialized shelters, transitional shelters and warming centres.
Housing
Affordable, supportive, transitional and permanent.
Homelessness Prevention & Outreach
Bridging Housing & Community Stabilization program.
Health
Food security, mental health support, supervised consumption and harm reduction support.
Employment & Training Services
Job training and employment readiness.
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 15,000 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.
Shelter Services
- Provided shelter to 2,067 people, a 21% increase compared to last year.
- 1,912 people moved from homelessness into housing, a 49% increase compared to last year.
- Fred Victor operated 801 shelter beds in F26, with shelters reaching 100% capacity every night.
Homelessness Prevention and Outreach
- 1,630 people supported through housing, homelessness prevention, outreach, crisis intervention and community stabilization services, a 21% increase from last year.
- 28,333 in-person and virtual client service sessions provided.
- 361 people housed.
- 355 housing losses prevented.
- $166,397 invested in direct housing stabilization and eviction-prevention supports, helping address rent arrears, unit conditions and other issues that can put housing at risk.
Impact on Housing
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 place to live.
Housing Services
- 877 people live in stable, permanent Fred Victor housing, a 7% increase from last year.
- 696 units of permanent, transitional, supportive and affordable housing.
- 95.6% occupancy rate as of December 31, 2025.
- 94.2% success rate among households maintaining stable housing over 24 months.
- 166 people supported in moving from shelter to permanent housing.
- 355 people prevented from losing their existing housing.
Impact on Health
We provide appropriate and effective health services – addressing substance use, mental health challenges, physical injuries, food insecurity, social isolation, and other health-related issues.
Health and Wellness Programs
- Provided safe consumption and harm reduction support through 27,121 site visits and saved 339 lives by reversing overdoses.
- Served 371,985 meals.
- 143,137 lbs of food rescued.
- 4,000 people provided with predictable, nutritious food access.
- 2,000 local residents engaged in food skills programs and workshops, building food skills, reducing social isolation and strengthening community resilience.
- Managed 150 community gardens across Toronto.
- Provided mental health support to 2,981 people, a 64% increase from the previous year.
- 60,000+ referrals to wrap-around supports.
- 1,300 people diverted from the criminal justice system to mental health services, a 9% increase from last year.
- 50% reduction in emergency room visits by Dunn House tenants during the first year of the program.
- 79% decrease in hospital bed nights by Dunn House tenants during the first year of the program.
Impact on Income
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.
Employment and Training Programs
- 385 people received industry certifications and training to improve employability and income potential, a 62% increase from last year.
- 47,000 hours of training provided.
- 4,000 people attended workshops and information sessions.
- 138 people secured paid employment.
- 98% participant satisfaction with workshops and employment services
Impact on Community
Community Engagement
- 940 volunteers contributed 8,200 volunteer hours providing vital support to people experiencing homelessness
Taste of Regent Park
- 10 weeks of weekly summer programming.
- 345 average attendees each week, a 30% increase from last year.
- 6,968 Market Bucks sold, a 33% increase.
- 457 volunteer hours contributed.
- 48 community vendors supported, with $32,130 reimbursed to participating community food vendors.
Allocation of Resources
Read Full Impact Report here.
Learnings and Response
Learn how Fred Victor is acting on client feedback by strengthening crisis response, providing clearer transition support after programs, and expanding food security initiatives to better meet community needs. Read now.
Kwame's Story
Nora's Story
After her father passed away, Nora faced homelessness with just days to find a new place. She had exhausted her resources caring for him, and her job as a copywriter couldn't sustain her nomadic existence. Nora turned to Fred Victor Women’s Hostel despite her fears about shelters.
Upon arrival, she was met with compassion and support. The staff recognized her potential and guided her to Women’s Transition to Housing. In just six weeks, Nora transitioned to stable housing, overcoming depression and rediscovering her strength. Nora says, “Fred Victor showed me that with the right support, we can rebuild our lives and find hope again. I’m grateful every day for the path that led me to a safe, permanent home.”
Upon arrival, she was met with compassion and support. The staff recognized her potential and guided her to Women’s Transition to Housing. In just six weeks, Nora transitioned to stable housing, overcoming depression and rediscovering her strength. Nora says, “Fred Victor showed me that with the right support, we can rebuild our lives and find hope again. I’m grateful every day for the path that led me to a safe, permanent home.”
Carlos's Story
Carlos left everything behind to immigrate to Canada, seeking a brighter future. The language barrier limited him to low-paying jobs, and the pandemic cost him his job and home. He found himself on the streets of Toronto, feeling invisible and desperate. One freezing night, he sought refuge at Fred Victor’s 24/7 Drop-In. The compassionate staff listened to his story, provided warmth and nourishment, and helped him overcome language barriers and access support. Fred Victor found him affordable housing, allowing Carlos to rebuild his life. He returned to full-time work in construction, grateful for the stability and support that rekindled his dreams. Carlos says, “Fred Victor helped me find hope and rebuild my life.”
Issabelle's Story
Isabelle left an abusive relationship and found herself homeless, couch-surfing until she lost her job. The instability made it impossible to maintain steady employment, and she ended up on the streets. Fred Victor’s Women’s Drop-In provided her with warmth, safety, and nourishment. The staff recognized her trauma and guided her to stable housing.
Isabelle says, “Fred Victor gave me the support I needed to heal and rebuild my life.”
Isabelle says, “Fred Victor gave me the support I needed to heal and rebuild my life.”