“You wouldn’t ask why the rose that grew from the concrete had damaged petals. On the contrary, we would all celebrate its tenacity… its will to reach the sun.” — Tupac Shakur At Eva’s, we see that resilience every day. For more than three decades, our community has carried forward Eva Smith’s belief that young people deserve safety, dignity, and opportunity. A safe bed tonight matters deeply. But long-term security also includes education, employment, and belonging to ensure a [...]

After five years of relocations, transitions, and unwavering commitment from our staff, Eva’s Satellite has returned home. As of May 1, young people moved into the newly renovated and reimagined shelter at 25 Canterbury Place, the permanent home of Eva’s Satellite. After closing in 2021 for major repairs, the site has undergone a complete transformation and is now ready to provide safe shelter and 24-7 wrap-around support to up to 33 youth aged 16–24. See photos of the [...]

For the first time, Eva’s Finance team stepped directly into programming by delivering a youth-focused tax clinic this spring—empowering 21 young people with practical, personalized financial guidance.  The Finance team provided one-on-one support to youth residents, walking them through the often-intimidating process of filing their taxes. The clinic aimed to demystify a crucial life task, while reinforcing a deeper understanding of financial responsibility.  “Filing taxes can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before.  It is [...]

Oloruntoyin learned at an early age to be independent.   “My mother died when I was 11 and my dad trained us that we were on our own after that. We had a group of about seven of us who were always thinking of strategies to be something better,” said the Eva’s Satellite overnight youth worker.   “My youth made me realize that I can help other youth survive and make good decisions about what they’re facing.”  He was [...]

Get ready for another unforgettable day on the greens as we gear up for the 2025 Eva’s Golf Classic, taking place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the stunning Glencairn Golf Club. This annual signature fundraising event is more than just a round of golf—it's a powerful opportunity to drive real change for youth experiencing homelessness.   Bringing together leaders from the construction and real estate industries, along with corporations, foundations, community groups, and individuals, the Eva’s Golf Classic raises [...]

Homelessness is a difficult burden for any young person, but for Black youth, the challenges are compounded by systemic racism and discrimination. These added pressures not only limit access to stable work, housing, and education but also take a toll on their mental health, often leaving Black youth without the culturally relevant support they need to thrive.  At Eva’s, we are breaking down these barriers by addressing the unique mental health needs of Black youth through culturally [...]

Eva’s is proud to announce its involvement with the Shelter and Support Board Advocacy Coalition (SSBAC), an initiative dedicated to fostering systemic change and advancing the strategic goals of non-profit shelter and supportive housing organizations in Toronto. Our board chair, Aisha Francis, represents Eva’s in the critical work of this coalition and is actively contributing to shaping the sector's future. What is SSBAC? Formed in 2023 by Fred Victor’s Board, the SSBAC is a collaborative network made [...]

Mesha had just completed a successful first year as a fashion student at a local university. She was engaged in her studies and becoming more passionate about her photography hobby. The future looked bright—except that she had nowhere to live in the city as second year approached. “I don’t have financial support from my parents and OSAP could only take me so far. I was working 25 to 30 hours in my job, but finding the funds to pay [...]

Scotiabank has been a longstanding supporter of Eva’s Initiatives. The partnership has been instrumental in advancing our mission by supporting our emergency shelters, transitional housing, Print Shop training program, and independent life skills programs. Additionally, Scotiabank’s sponsorship of key fundraising events, such as Taste Matters and Home for Life, has been crucial in expanding our reach and impact. Scotiabank’s social impact initiative, ScotiaRISE, helps people reach their full potential by funding programs that support them to be resilient, adapt [...]

When Isaac arrived in Toronto from Uganda via Montreal, it was in the middle of a cold February night in 2023. “I was homeless for three days and four nights. I slept on my clothes on a bench at 129 Peter St. [a Toronto intake centre]. I was given numbers of shelters to call but they were full,” he said. At 3 a.m. on the fourth cold night, he called the city’s shelter intake centre again. When they [...]