Street Haven at the Crossroads

06/08/2026

Sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones. 💛

Last week, Medtronic surprised us with a visit and bags full of essentials for our clients. Socks, menstrual products, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Items that go a long way in making our clients feel seen and cared for.

We are so grateful to be part of a community that shows up like this. Thank you, Medtronic.

06/05/2026

After years of searching for a way forward, Kim took one brave step and it changed everything.

She found her footing at Grant House and grew stronger at 87 Pembroke, supported every step of the way by staff who believed in her before she could fully believe in herself. Today, she's thriving in Street Haven's supportive housing program, more confident, more grounded, and more herself than ever before.

The relationships she built along the way made all the difference. Through consistent encouragement and a community that truly saw her, Kim began to rediscover her own strength.

She also found painting as a personal outlet, a quiet practice that lets her express what words can't quite hold.

Kim greets each day as a second chance. And her story is a reminder of what becomes possible when the right support meets someone who's ready to rise.

Thank you, Kim, for your trust and for the light your story brings to so many. 💙

06/02/2026

The generosity of our community never ceases to inspire us. Every item you drop off sends a message to our clients that they are seen, valued, and supported.

Right now, we are actively collecting:

🛏️ Bedding: sheets, blankets, pillowcases

🛁 Towels: bath, hand, and face

In-kind donations like these have an immediate, tangible impact on the lives of the people we serve.

Donations can be dropped off anytime at 87 Pembroke Street.

Thank you for showing up for our community. 💙

06/01/2026

We're still thinking about Street Haven in Bloom 🌷✨

This evening was about YOU, our donors, staff, corporate partners, and event sponsors. Every single one of you makes this work possible. Gratitude doesn't even cover it.

Thank you for showing up, for giving, and for continuing to believe in our mission. Nights like this remind us why we do what we do.

A huge thank you to Mugagga Charles Mark for capturing the evening so beautifully.

Watch the full recap video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv8tyFR3PDs&t=3s

Street Haven In Bloom: Our First Staff and Donor Appreciation Socia...

05/27/2026

We are beyond grateful for the incredible support we received today from the Build Your Smile Dental Foundation🦷✨

Their team visited Grant House and conducted a comprehensive dental screening for our residents, identifying those in urgent need and enrolling them for regular check-ups. Every client also went home with a complimentary dental kit, and we were so touched to receive clothing donations as well.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Izchak Barzilay, who personally and so carefully screened every one of our residents, and to the rest of the incredible Build Your Smile team — Chris Scappatura, Mariela Gonzalez, and Cheryl Ferrer — for ensuring the event ran seamlessly from start to finish.

This is what community care looks like. We are so proud to partner with an organization that brings dignified, professional dental care to those who need it most.

05/26/2026

We did it! Our first official Doors Open Toronto and wow, you all showed UP! Thank you for making it unforgettable 💙🏠✨

05/25/2026

What an incredible weekend. 💛

This weekend marked our very first official Doors Open Toronto at 87 Pembroke and honestly? We're still feeling the love from it.

We got to share the story of our building, our shelter programs, and the legacy of our leader Peggy Ann Walpole with people from all corners of the city. Neighbours from down the street curious about what goes on at Pembroke. Long-time donors finally getting the chance to step inside. New faces discovering Street Haven for the very first time. All of them asking genuine questions, showing real care, and wanting to know how they can help.

That is what Doors Open is all about, opening our doors to the community and sharing our story.

A huge thank you to the shelter and housing team who ran countless tours throughout the day: Rahwa, Mimi, Jessica, Dera, and Debby. They represented our shelter with the same heart and dedication they bring to their work every single day. We couldn't be more proud.

Thank you to everyone who walked through our doors this weekend. We hope to see you again soon.

05/22/2026

Tomorrow, 87 Pembroke opens its doors as part of Doors Open Toronto, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome you in!

For over 60 years, 87 Pembroke Street has been a place of care and community for women in crisis. This weekend, we get to share that story with the city we love.

No registration needed. Guided tours run Saturday & Sunday, May 23–24 at 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.

We can't wait to see you there. 💛

05/21/2026

At Street Haven, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our community, and this month, we're happy to shine a light on Heidi Kenkel!

Every Monday evening, Heidi brings warmth, care, and connection to Grant House through cooking and baking sessions with our clients. From sharing delicious meals to creating meaningful conversations, she has helped foster a strong sense of community among residents. We're especially grateful for her support in preparing for Red Dress Day, and for introducing clients to traditional Indigenous dishes and cultural learning experiences.

Heidi, your punctuality, sincerity, and dedication do not go unnoticed. The joy you bring each week makes a real and lasting difference. Thank you. ✨

Feeling inspired to start volunteering? Street Haven is currently welcoming new volunteers!

We have open positions for people who want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of women experiencing homelessness in Toronto. Whether you can offer a few hours a week or want a regular commitment, we'd love to hear from you.

Visit https://streethaven.org/volunteer/ to learn more about our open volunteer positions and to apply.

05/20/2026

The Street Haven Spring Newsletter is out now!

From program updates to stories of resilience, this edition is a reflection of what's possible when compassionate people come together. Thank you for being part of the journey. Read on to see the impact your support has made. 💛

https://streethaven.org/news/