Since 1982, the Red Door has provided services for families and individuals who need safe and supportive emergency shelter.
In the early 80's there was only one other shelter operating in Toronto. Responding to the growing need for shelter space for homeless families, the Red Door was opened in the basement of the Woodgreen United Church by a group of volunteers. We have now grown to be one of the largest family shelters in the city, providing shelter and support to over 500 families every year.
Many people can find themselves in desperate need. These include women who are fleeing violence at home, families who are evicted, refugees, or young mothers who may have nowhere to go.
Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness
A dedicated and caring staff team addresses the particular needs of families in crisis. The services provided reduce the impact of homelessness by providing safe and supportive shelter to hundreds of families each year.
We help keep families together by providing services for the whole family.
We assist each family in establishing a stable life beyond the shelter.
Shelter and Basic Necessities 24-hour emergency housing
On-site medical assistance and referrals
Child care Healing and Strengthening
Counselling
Case management, safety planning, education Legal, immigration assistance, and advocacy
Youth educational programming, school liaison, workshops Parenting and life skills training
Extensive programming for children and youth
Transitional support and outreach Assistance to find housing
Moving program (provides donated furniture and moving assistance)
Weekly food bank
Ongoing caseworker support and accompaniment
Families come to the Shelter through a referral from agencies such as Children’s Aid Societies, Public Health Department, Police Services, other shelters, through word of mouth upon the advice of friends.
Within approximately three months most families are re-established back to independent living. Individual circumstances and needs determine the length of stay; some families stay overnight while others live at the Shelter for as long as six months.
Red Door Family Shelter is a non-profit registered charity serving the GTA with 156 beds in two locations. The City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario provide the basic operations funding. Donations and private fundraising allow us to present programs for our residents that go beyond food and shelter; programs that make life a little easier while at the Red Door and that offer tools to achieve long-term objectives.
