Eva’s provides shelter, transitional housing, and health and well-being programming to help youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Toronto. Our expert staff help young people in need reach their potential and lead fulfilling, healthy lives.
Eva’s was founded in 1989 by Eva Smith, a Jamaican immigrant, advocate and activist. Eva’s consists of four sites located across Toronto that support youth between the ages of 16 to 24.
At Eva’s, we help young people move from crisis to stability with the ultimate goal of moving to independence. We work with each young person to develop an achievable action plan, attain their goals, and build strong community connections.
Our programs are open to all youth and are culturally responsive and trauma-informed to meet the unique needs of Black youth.
We use anti-Black racism and anti-oppression lenses to centre the needs and experiences of youth experiencing homelessness, placing intentional emphasis on serving Black youth who have been historically and continually underserved and marginalized across the social services spectrum.
Eva’s was recognized by Charity Intelligence as one of the Top 10 Impact: Canadian Youth Charities of 2022.
Our shelters
Eva’s provides shelter, transitional housing, and programming to help young people experiencing homelessness build brighter futures.
Eva’s Satellite
Temporary hotel shelter providing emergency and longer-term housing in response to COVID-19 physical distancing protocols.
Eva’s Phoenix
Transitional housing and employment training facility providing skills and support for employment, education, and housing.
YOUth Belong
Community-based housing for Black youth. Helping young people build skills while developing roots in their communities.
The program operates in scattered housing and Eva’s managed properties.
Our Namesake and Founder, Eva Smith
Our organization’s innovative approach to supporting youth experiencing homelessness started with our founder, Eva Maud Smith. Her legacy remains central to the work we do today.
Eva Maud Smith (1923-1993) was a Jamaican immigrant and Black community leader whose heart was drawn to our city’s young people, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Her trailblazing advocacy resulted in the opening of Eva’s Place in 1994.
How Eva’s Prevents and Reduces Youth Homelessness:
- Employment Training in high-demand fields, including print and digital communications, conducted on-site at our social enterprise Print Shop
- Educational Support to help youth access opportunities and achieve academic success (e.g. high school diploma, post-secondary studies)
- Independent Living Program that provides critical skill-building to help youth find and maintain housing and their health (e.g. cooking, financial literacy, conflict resolution)
- Harm reduction supports that help young people dealing with addictions and mental health concerns find safety, acceptance, and improved health
- Recreation Program that provides physical activity opportunities and engagement in sports, health and wellness, and arts and culture
Eva’s Guiding Principles
About Us
History
Board of Directors
Publications
Where Donations Go
Facts About Youth Homelessness
Who we serve
Eva’s Equity Journey
Show young people you believe in them.
You can help young people experiencing homelessness start the journey toward brighter futures.