1 in 5 adults in Toronto live in poverty. Without financial stability, it is extremely difficult for individuals and families to cover the rising cost of housing. This is why an integral component of Fred Victor’s work is to support people in finding meaningful and sustainable employment.
Through a variety of programs and services, we help people develop practical and transferable skills, establish networks, and connect to relevant resources and information. In addition to creating opportunities for hands-on training and work experience, we also strive to address individual issues that may act as a barrier to employment, including health and housing.
Our current employment-focused programs and services are:
Fred Victor is contracted by the City of Toronto each year to operate their Keep Cool initiative (formerly the Cooling Centres), which includes street outreach and the operation of 15 Cooling Centres this year.
Fred Victor began operating the original seven Cooling Centre in 2007 in collaboration with others many organizations. Through the collaboration, the Cooling Centres offered individuals who have experience of homeless or at-risk of homelessness a work opportunity to gain employment skills and a current employment opportunity to put on their resume. Many Fred Victor staff started their long journey with FV as Cooling Centre staff.
This year is our largest endeavour ever as we operate 15 Cooling Centres and conduct street outreach in the downtown core. This great initiative has given Employment and Training Services (ETS) the opportunity to offer on-call paid employment to 105 individuals who have experience of homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. Learn more.