Red Door Community of Hope Campaign

We’re so thrilled to announce that we now have the keys to our new Family Shelter! After almost 6 years since the crisis we faced, and the launch of our Save the Red Door Campaign which garnered over 50,000 signatures from the community, we can finally say that our doors will soon be open again on Booth Avenue! Read more in our latest newsletter: https://qoo.ly/382ymn

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected progress towards opening our new family shelter. Since mid-March, the pandemic has slowed work at the site. However, we are ready to complete the leaseholder improvements and fit-out of the new shelter as soon as possible. Our goal is to create a safe, warm environment that supports the dignity of future residents. Although these are uncertain times, we anticipate working at the site of our new family shelter soon. Follow our blog to be the first to know: https://qoo.ly/3648zr #wearereddoor #communityofhope

CBC News has been highlighting the crisis of intimate partner violence in Canada, including the overwhelming demand for beds in VAW (Violence Against Women) shelters. Last year, 84 of the 200 families at the Red Door came to us escaping intimate partner violence. Safety is paramount and so our new family shelter will have a modern entry system equivalent to that required of a VAW shelter. In addition, we continue to operate our 50-bed VAW shelter which is currently occupied by 16 moms and 30 kids, and 4 single women. For more on the issue: https://qoo.ly/34uxea

Our interim family shelter on Gerrard St. E. remains open while preparations continue for the upcoming move to our new building. Today there are 109 people living at our family shelter, representing 26 families with a total of 72 children. Our family shelter is full. Family homelessness disproportionately affects women and children, and this International Women’s Day we are highlighting the United Nation’s Generation Equality campaign. The campaign theme I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights speaks to the rights of women to have freedom from gender-based violence; the right to equal pay and opportunities in the workplace, and the right to a safe, affordable home. For more about the campaign: https://qoo.ly/34r799

On February 22nd the President of Harhay Developments, the company building our new family shelter, braved the cold and attended our inaugural Coldest Night of the Year walk fundraiser. Together with his family, Chris Harhay walked the 5k route through the heart of Leslieville and past the new family shelter which is due to open soon. The Harhay family raised over $4,400 and Harhay Developments generously supported the event as our Lead Sponsor. In total, 225 people of all ages walked and raised over $92,000 so we can serve over 350 homeless women and families this year. Chris is pictured here at the walk with his family. Thank you to the Harhay family for your participation! For more about the event: https://qoo.ly/34m8n6

Our Operations Management team is busy making plans for service delivery and facilities management at our new family shelter. Once open, we will be providing emergency shelter and support services for over 100 children and adults each night, including cooked meals. This picture shows our Operations Management team who were photographed during their recent visit to the new building as part of their preparation work. We are looking forward to providing a safe, modern sanctuary for homeless families in crisis. Left to right: Wanda Lougheed, Director of Client Services, Tanya Lord, Family Shelter Site Manager, Jovi Mauricio, Family Shelter Business Coordinator. For more information: https://qoo.ly/349jiq