Ayah Victoria McKhail –
When John Donaghy first walked through the doors of Haven Toronto twenty years ago, he was hoping to find a reprieve from the daily struggles he encountered as a homeless person. While working as a cleaner at the time, he was battling alcoholism. His experience turned out to be momentous.
“There’s always been a palpable sense of camaraderie here, so I’ve developed many long-term friendships,” he says. “Also, former staff member Wayne Bright played a pivotal role in helping me secure housing, so I now have a wonderful place nearby to call home. Haven Toronto has completely transformed my life.”
In addition to helping clients navigate the city’s strained housing market to find a suitable place, staff strive to ensure a sustainable transition by negotiating with landlords to keep individuals housed.
“The lack of affordable housing disproportionately affects the people we work with, who are mostly seniors,” explains Robin Griller, executive director of Haven Toronto and St. Michael’s Homes. The latter provides continuous care programs and services for men, including 75 beds in four residential settings, out-patient counselling, and psychotherapy. The two Ontario charities are set to merge on April 1.
Haven Toronto, in the Garden District at 170 Jarvis Street, is a drop-in centre for men aged 50 and older. Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 365 days of the year, it supports men affected by poverty, homelessness and isolation. To address food insecurity, it daily provides breakfast, lunch and a snack to its clients. A clothing room offers wardrobe essentials from toques and coats to underwear and socks. An accessible washroom and showers are available, and laundry can be done on the premises. Social workers, nurses and dental hygienists are present, even barbers.
According to Natasha Wakaruk, director of finance and operations, treating each client holistically is a guiding principle. “We seek to honour each individual by taking the necessary time to learn about their lived experiences and the challenges they’ve been enduring, which can range from the loss of a job to illnesses, mental health concerns, and addictions. Also, many of our clients are victimized by younger men and are robbed. We genuinely care for them, and building trust is an ongoing process.”
This thoughtful approach is what retired executive director Bruno Scorsone sought to foster over the years. Currently serving as a consultant, he said, “The people we work with may not necessarily have family and friends to support them when they fall on tough times. We can’t ignore people in need, so demonstrating compassion is important.”
Paul Jewell, a carpenter currently sheltering in a tent, has benefitted from Haven Toronto’s programs and services. Several months ago, he began volunteering to demonstrate his gratitude: He mops up the second floor, tidies up, and assists with recycling.
Paul Jewell
“This place serves as a social club for many of us. You can do so much, like watch movies, use the computers, read, play pool and enjoy other recreational activities. Haven Toronto has given me a lot of hope.”
Hope is at the heart of Haven Toronto’s work, according to Jorge Guerrero, director of administration. “Our volunteers, students and donors also play an important role in making our work possible. The community’s support makes all the difference.”
Photos by Ayah Victoria McKhail
