EVA'S BLOG

In 2016, while working at a youth shelter, social worker Breanna Phillip noticed their donation closet did not have products for Black hair care. “We got a lot of donations for hygiene products, and our closet was full of shampoos and conditioners, but the shampoos were not healthy for Black hair. There were never any products for braiding hair, nor leave-in conditioners, oils, alcohol-free gels, twisting creams, and other products that Black youth need.” “The issue of Black youth not [...]

It can be difficult for any young adult to know what career path to pursue. For the youth we serve at Eva’s, it’s even harder. As youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness, they may be processing trauma or dealing with social stigmas and discrimination associated with being Black, racialized, Indigenous and/or 2SLGBTQ+ – any and all of which makes it tough to plan for employment. That’s why we offer our 20-week Youth Succeeding in Employment Program (YSEP): to [...]

You won’t find a profession more connected to community than real estate practitioners. It’s their business to understand the health and wellbeing of the neighbourhoods they work in. And when it comes to giving back, they look for ways to help those communities thrive.  To honour their 66,000 members’ collective values, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) donates around $1 million to approximately 100 charities that elevate communities every year. Eva’s has been one of their recipients since [...]

It was a tip from a stranger that changed the course of Otto Pick’s life – and those of his descendants – forever.   Driving down a dusty road in his native Czech Republic, Otto gave a ride to a young man who was in rough shape. The year was 1939 and the man was Jewish, from Germany. On their short drive, he told Otto about the atrocities the Nazis were committing in his homeland. Also Jewish, Otto was naturally [...]

In June, we celebrated Chef Eugene Silva’s 25 years of working with Eva’s. Eugene works as the food coordinator at Eva’s Place. He creates a delicious menu providing three meals and two snacks for the young people staying with us each day. “I’m motivated by my passion for cooking and the ability that food has to make youth feel comfortable,” says Eugene. “It’s receiving a compliment about my food from a young person and knowing that I’m a big [...]

When Brianna lost her job in customer service, she wasn’t sure what to do next.   At 25, she qualified for the Youth Succeeding in Employment Program (YSEP) at Eva’s Phoenix – and the experience changed her life.    “Being a part of the program gave me a lot of skills to find a job, have a better resume and cover letter, do well in interviews and dress professionally. I also learned soft skills like conflict resolution and how to adapt [...]

There are lots of ways for high school students to achieve their required community service hours. Grade 10 students Jaden DaSilva and Beketa Million made theirs count by co-organizing a neighbourhood event that raised $1,800 for Eva’s last summer. It all started when Pamela Osorio-Kettle received a call from Eva’s fundraising team during the height of the pandemic. “They talked about the impact of COVID-19 on youth and the services that Eva’s provides. That conversation really stuck with me. [...]

He may not be a household name, but EW Bickle’s legacy looms large in Toronto. As a successful financial professional in the 1950s, he created a charitable foundation in his own name to help elevate the lives of Torontonians who didn’t share his good fortune. He also helped co-found the United Way and served as Chair of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute where, today, the EW Bickle Centre for Complex Continuing Care treats people of all ages who live with [...]

Eva’s Print Shop is a full-service digital printer and social enterprise that opens doors for youth experiencing homelessness. The Print Shop’s goals are to be a self-sustainable business providing a paid employment training course and employment opportunities for youth. The program also strives to foster a community of support through connections with businesses, schools, and other local organizations that use the Print Shop for services or to employ program graduates. “You can only build experience if you are given [...]

Systemic barriers are prevalent for youth experiencing homelessness. They experience disparities from access to quality resources, mental health supports, education, good jobs, and healthy living conditions. And for youth who are Black, Indigenous, racialized and/or 2SLGBTQ+, they also face more violence, police brutality, flawed justice systems, and micro and macro aggressions. Eva’s Harm Reduction program recognizes the resulting trauma from these barriers. Our staff’s main goal is to work with young people to make decisions with their best interests [...]

Every night, more than 6,000 young people experience homelessness across Canada. For the youth we serve, leaving home is not an impulsive decision. “There is an idea out there that youth can just go back home, but a lot of youth are leaving unsafe conditions,” says David Channer, Program Manager for YOUth Belong Scattered Sites. More than half of homeless youth report that violence in the home has contributed to their homelessness. And 58 per cent of homeless youth [...]

For youth experiencing homelessness, the journey from chaos and crisis to stability often starts at one of Eva’s emergency shelter sites. At both Eva’s Place and Eva’s Satellite Hotel, youth receive immediate programming support day and night from our expert staff. “The shelter is not the final destination for young people,” reflects Sophia Smith, Youth Support Worker. “It’s just where they’re at now.” Our emergency-based shelter programs offer a safe and reliable environment for youth in need. We meet [...]