The Salvation Army's New Hope Leslieville Shelter officially opened its doors on January 8. Located on the east side of Toronto, this new facility will be able to provide services for up to 60 people, offering emergency shelter, meals, supportive counselling, housing placement, follow-up services, employment referrals and rehabilitation support for men experiencing homelessness. New Hope Leslieville will replace The Salvation Army’s Hope Shelter on College Street after it closed its doors in 2015.
With recent extreme weather alerts issued by the City of Toronto and many shelters hitting capacity, the opening of New Hope Leslieville will help meet the increased need this winter and year round.
"Our goal is to help get residents to a warm and safe place, ensuring that they are getting the proper care they need," says Phil Clarke, assistant director at New Hope Leslieville. "This shelter uses the 'housing first' approach. We want to help get people housed and keep them housed."
Residents of New Hope Leslieville will also be receiving assistance from community partners such as the South Riverdale Community Health Centre. "We want to get our residents connected with resources that are already available, cater to the community’s needs as required and programming as needed," says Clarke. Even after residents leave, the facility offers follow-up services, giving individuals the support they need to ensure that they have a successful transition.
"Homelessness continues to be an increasing issue in the City of Toronto," says Major John Murray, territorial public relations and development secretary. "The Salvation Army's goal is not to only provide shelter to those experiencing homelessness, but to offer services and resources that help individuals break the cycle of poverty."
With recent extreme weather alerts issued by the City of Toronto and many shelters hitting capacity, the opening of New Hope Leslieville will help meet the increased need this winter and year round.
"Our goal is to help get residents to a warm and safe place, ensuring that they are getting the proper care they need," says Phil Clarke, assistant director at New Hope Leslieville. "This shelter uses the 'housing first' approach. We want to help get people housed and keep them housed."
Residents of New Hope Leslieville will also be receiving assistance from community partners such as the South Riverdale Community Health Centre. "We want to get our residents connected with resources that are already available, cater to the community’s needs as required and programming as needed," says Clarke. Even after residents leave, the facility offers follow-up services, giving individuals the support they need to ensure that they have a successful transition.
"Homelessness continues to be an increasing issue in the City of Toronto," says Major John Murray, territorial public relations and development secretary. "The Salvation Army's goal is not to only provide shelter to those experiencing homelessness, but to offer services and resources that help individuals break the cycle of poverty."
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