Toronto’s Homeless Connect brings free services to thousands at TMU
On October 26, the Mattamy Athletic Centre opened its doors for Homeless Connect Toronto’s annual One-Stop-Shop. (Photo: Rachel Lachmansingh/Homeless Connect Toronto)
Over 1,000 Toronto residents without stable housing accessed vital services at Homeless Connect Toronto’s 12th annual One-Stop-Shop on October 26.
Since 2013, Homeless Connect Toronto has been coordinating these events for individuals at-risk-of and experiencing homelessness in the city. They also help connect people to resources year-round by offering peer support and access to services that extend beyond these community events.
For the 12th year, the event transformed TMU’s Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC) into a community hub. More than 80 groups set up services under one roof, including social agencies, health care providers, community organizations and local businesses.
“Hosting Homeless Connect Toronto at the MAC is something my team looks forward to each year,” says Dan Berger, general manager of the MAC. “It’s an incredible opportunity to open our doors to the community and provide a space where people can access essential services and support.”
Free services in one place
Guests could access services that are often hard to reach when facing homelessness. The event offered:
- Winter clothing and jackets
- Flu shots and dental exams
- Vision screening and haircuts
- Hot meals
- Social services and housing support
Each floor TMU's space focused on different needs. The second floor had clothing, including warm winter jackets. The third floor offered health-care services. The fourth floor served lunch.
The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of volunteers including many students from TMU. (Photo: Rachel Lachmansingh/Homeless Connect Toronto)
Guests could browse for clothing including much needed winter jackets for the colder months ahead. (Photo: Rachel Lachmansingh/Homeless Connect Toronto)
Community support in action
“TMU Athletics is proud to contribute to this important initiative, our student-athletes and staff volunteer their time to help make the event a success and to give back to the broader community,” says Nick Asquini, director of athletics at TMU.
MPP for Toronto Centre Kristyn Wong-Tam (left) and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow attended the event, emphasizing the importance of supporting Toronto’s unhoused community. (Photo: Rachel Lachmansingh/Homeless Connect Toronto)
Supporting those living through Toronto’s housing crisis
Toronto faces both a housing crisis and growing homelessness. Events like this help bridge the gap.
“By bringing vital services together in one place, we make it easier for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to get the help they need—free of charge. None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers, community members, sponsors, donors and partners,” says Melody Li, executive director of Homeless Connect Toronto.
To date, Homeless Connect Toronto has served nearly 10,000 people and provided nearly 45,000 direct services.
Guests connected on the fourth floor of the MAC for lunch. (Photo: Rachel Lachmansingh/Homeless Connect Toronto)
Guests had the opportunity to receive services that can be difficult for vulnerable populations to reach, as they often face mobility, financial and health challenges. (Photo: Rachel Lachmansingh/Homeless Connect Toronto)
To learn more, visit the Homeless Connect Toronto website (external link) for information about future events and how to help.