Homes First

About Homes First

There are over 5,000 people in Toronto without a safe stable place to live. Hundreds live “rough” – in ravines, stairwells or on the street. Hundreds more suffer with mental illness and addictions. This forgotten slice of our population, people who have been street-involved for several years and who have nowhere else to go, is where Homes First comes in. We provide Housing First. We were the first and remain one of the largest providers of homes for people with the fewest options in Toronto.

Homes come in many shapes and sizes but each is a safe, stable refuge and allows us to connect to others. Everyone needs a home. With a home people can be part of a community, obtain ID, register for social services and keep in touch with family and friends. With a home people gain respect, dignity and the ability to care for themselves and others.

The vast majority of homeless people – even those with severe mental health and/or substance use issues – can successfully stay housed and off the street with appropriate housing and supports.

Homes First works with others to advocate for fair and equitable funding for social housing providers and the creation and adoption of a national housing strategy.

Website	http://www.homesfirst.on.ca
Employees	51-200 employees View all Homes First employees
Industry	Non-profit Organization Management
Location	90 Shuter Street, 2nd & 11th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K6, CA
Founded	1983
Keywords	Affordable Housing, Homelessness, Housing First

Get verified email of Homes First employees

Homes First Alternatives

The Convergence Project

Philanthropy

APRAESPI

Philanthropy

Giving What We Can

Philanthropy

Camp Opportunity of Maryland

Philanthropy

Elder Care Services, Inc.

Philanthropy

Vanguard Charitable

philanthropy

The Saint Paul Foundation

Philanthropy

Nourish the Children

philanthropy

Frequently Asked Questions about Homes First

Who are the decision makers in Homes First?

The decision makers in Homes First are Dana Hansen, Gary Muirhead, Jamie Facciolo, etc. Click to Find Homes First decision makers emails.

What services does Homes First provide to support individuals experiencing homelessness?

Homes First offers a range of services designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness, including emergency shelter, supportive housing, and transitional housing programs. Our goal is to provide safe and stable living environments while offering access to essential services such as mental health support, addiction recovery programs, and life skills training. We believe in a 'Housing First' approach, which prioritizes providing permanent housing as a primary strategy for addressing homelessness.

How does the Housing First model work?

The Housing First model is an evidence-based approach that prioritizes providing individuals experiencing homelessness with permanent housing without preconditions such as sobriety or employment. Once housed, individuals can access supportive services tailored to their needs, which can include mental health care, job training, and social services. This model has been shown to significantly improve housing stability and overall well-being for those who have experienced homelessness.

Can I donate to Homes First, and how will my contributions be used?

Yes, you can donate to Homes First! Contributions are vital in helping us provide essential services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Donations are used to fund our housing programs, emergency shelters, and supportive services, ensuring that we can continue to offer safe and stable housing solutions. You can make a one-time donation or set up a recurring monthly contribution through our website.

What types of affordable housing does Homes First offer?

Homes First provides various types of affordable housing, including supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelters. Our supportive housing units are designed for individuals who require additional assistance, offering on-site support services. Transitional housing is available for those moving from homelessness to permanent housing, providing a stable environment while they work towards independence. Our emergency shelters offer immediate refuge for those in crisis.

How can I get involved with Homes First as a volunteer?

We welcome volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. You can get involved by participating in our various volunteer opportunities, which may include serving meals, assisting in our shelters, or helping with administrative tasks. To learn more about current volunteer opportunities and the application process, please visit the 'Get Involved' section on our website.

What resources are available for individuals facing homelessness in Toronto?

In addition to the services provided by Homes First, there are various resources available for individuals facing homelessness in Toronto. These include emergency shelters, food banks, mental health services, and social support programs. Local organizations and community centers also offer outreach services to connect individuals with the resources they need. For a comprehensive list of available services, we recommend visiting the City of Toronto's website or contacting local community organizations.