After leaving home abruptly, Amir had nowhere to sleep and could barely afford to eat. He worked in a warehouse every day but wasn’t making enough to get by. “It was one of the lowest pits of my life. My mental health was in tatters. I had moments of wanting to give up,” he said. When he was accepted into Eva’s Phoenix, he was ready to change his life. “I took every opportunity that was offered to me. In [...]
The youth we serve at Eva’s learn about systemic barriers. Youth experiencing homelessness are more likely to be Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomer, and/or immigrant youth. According to a 2021 Toronto Street Needs Assessment, 78% of youth experiencing homelessness identified as a member of a racialized group; 43% identified as Black By the time they reach Eva’s, youth have likely experienced direct racism and discrimination and have been affected by inequities in child welfare, education, employment, health care, justice, [...]
For many people, COVID-19 is no longer a daily concern. But in congregate living situations, like Eva’s shelter and two transitional housing locations, it is still very much a reality. In early 2022, the City of Toronto earmarked funding for every shelter in the city to create an infection, prevention and control (IPAC) lead position to oversee the risks and manage outbreaks of any transmissible virus or disease. “IPAC goes beyond COVID-19. We saw that with the introduction of [...]
During Black History Month, celebrations to recognize the history and contributions of Black Canadians have been taking place across the country. Inspired by a recent visit to Eva’s Place, Member of Parliament for Don Valley East, Michael Coteau, took a moment before the House of Commons proceedings to pay respect to our founder, Eva Smith. MP Coteau spoke about Eva and thanked her for her work as an advocate to address youth homelessness in the community. Eva’s staff, [...]
There’s nothing like a special meal to elevate an ordinary day. It can brighten a mood, bring people together and create lasting memories of important events. That’s why Eva’s Phoenix Foodservice Coordinator Leanne Rabinowitz makes sure there is often cause for celebration in her kitchen. “Life can be hard and stressful for all of us. Celebration is important,” she said. Whether it’s someone’s birthday, St. Patrick’s Day, Ramadan or International Pancake Day, Leanne often plans her menu around simple [...]
For young people experiencing homelessness, the holidays can be a challenging time of year. We are grateful to our front-line staff and our community of supporters who made it special by donating meals, holiday decorations, wellness and essential items, gift cards and hosting holiday parties and activities. These gifts and events provided the young people with opportunities to come together and share in the season’s celebrations. We are thrilled to announce that more than 1,400 donors raised over $950,000! [...]
When youth move into Eva’s Phoenix, they’re handed a key—and a support system designed to launch them into a fulfilling, independent life. For many, it’s the first time they’ve had either. The program houses 50 young people among 10 shared townhouse-style units. Each youth has their own bedroom and access to shared spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and study areas. “The youth are here for one year, and the focus is to help them develop the life skills they [...]
Many parents make difficult decisions to do what they see as best for their children. For Desran’s mother, that meant leaving him behind with his family in St. Vincent and moving to Canada to work and lay the groundwork for their new life. When he was finally able to join her at 15 years old, it was difficult for them to connect because they had lived apart for so many years. “We didn’t really have much communication,” he explains, [...]
About the Print shop Eva’s Print Shop is a full-service digital printer that supports youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness with training opportunities and meaningful work. You help prepare youth for employment in the graphic and print sectors when you print with us. Learn more here. About the Graphic Communications and Print Shop training program The Graphic Communication and Print Training Program is designed to provide youth experiencing homelessness and those at-risk youth with career preparation support and [...]
Leanne Rabinowitz, Food Services Coordinator, at Eva's Phoenix, and Eugene Silva, Chef, at Eva's Place, pose for a photo. Eugene Silva believes that food can fix almost anything. “Food feeds not only the body but the soul, too. You can think better and do better when your stomach is full,” said the head chef at Eva’s Place, our 25-bed emergency shelter in North York. He should know. Eugene has been cooking for our youth for over 25 years. He’s [...]
As a teen, Raiesa lived in a group home and experienced an abusive situation where she was given drugs and trafficked. “There would be days at a time that I would go missing and no one checked up on me,” she says. Thankfully, a guidance counsellor at Raiesa’s school stepped in and found her a place at Eva’s. “It changed my life,” says Raiesa. “Before, so many people were trying to take advantage of me. Eva’s was the exact [...]
In the summer of 2019, Angel was struggling to find work. Fresh out of foster care and uncertain about her future, she needed to get a job or enroll in school to stay in the semi-transitional housing where she was living. “I was really stressed about it, so my therapist suggested I apply for the Graphic Communication and Print Training program at Eva’s because I like to draw and paint,” said Angel. “They invited me for an interview and [...]
