Not too long ago, we experienced a horrible snow storm just days before Christmas. Heat, water, and electricity were out for days. Our rooms were cold and everything was left feeling sadly uncomfortable. Now, imagine that was your usual reality. Homelessness in Toronto is an unfortunate problem which hits even harder during the cold winter months. This means there are vulnerable people living out on the streets with only what they carry with them, fighting to make it through the inhospitable nights. This hits closer to home, too; according to Covenant House, an estimated 10,000 of homeless people in Toronto are youth under 25.
Now that the power is back on and we’ve returned to our comfortable routines, the increasing divide between social classes is even more apparent. However, it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to help out people who suffer during these below-zero nights, including shelters around the city which gladly take in willing volunteers to help them help others. The colder weather creates a higher volume of people taking refuge in these shelters, so volunteers are always appreciated. Here are just a few places you can visit to give back to the community and help out someone in need.
1. Horizons for Youth, located at 422 Gilbert Avenue, provides many volunteer opportunities for those eager to help homeless and at-risk youth. Volunteers contribute with anything from assisting with meals, to tutoring, to helping with fundraising events the shelter frequently hosts. Horizons for Youth also accepts donations of winter clothes and other things such as toys for children, towels, and linens.
2. Central Neighbourhood House, located at 349 Ontario Street, focuses on those with chronic homelessness and issues such as addiction and mental health problems. As their website states, volunteers help out with things like running errands, helping youth with their homework, and escorting seniors to medical appointments- three very important things that can’t be done without volunteers to do so. They also accept donations of grocery store gift cards, mattresses, TTC tokens, and winter clothing
3. Yonge Street Mission, found at 306 Gerrard Street E, holds a variety of events throughout the year and is always looking for volunteers to lend a hand. Their website provides a list of volunteer positions currently needing to be filled, ranging from casual one-time volunteering to set weekly or daily shifts. They also accept donations of items such as pajamas, socks, and gift cards.
4. The Toronto Friendship Center, located at 323 Dundas Street East (), provides everything from a community kitchen to healthcare access. Serving over 10,000 meals a week, they definitely require an abundance of hands around the table. Their volunteers are trained and an application process is required in order to do so, but the center also accepts friendly donations of things ranging from personal hygiene products to sleeping bags to winter clothing.
5. Sistering, found at 962 Bloor Street W, provides services to homeless women who are seeking a safe place to stay or grab a hot meal. Volunteers are always welcome to help out with this important mission, and their duties include working as program and kitchen volunteers, or helping out with events. Along with helping hands, they gladly accept donations of toiletries and gift cards.
As well as volunteering with shelters, you can also perform random actions of kindness to someone in need. If you see someone out in the cold during the winter, bring them a blanket or a bowl of soup. Help spread the word of drop-in shelters, as not everyone living on the street is aware of their location.

Photo courtesy of http://emilycopecardiff.files.wordpress.com
Although it’s difficult to believe, the official start of winter was only a few weeks ago. This means it’s only getting colder from here, and the challenges for the homeless are just beginning. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to give back to the community in some way and help out the less fortunate, and it’s something we all have the ability to do. We’re lucky enough to have warm food and shelter all year round- let’s find a way to make that happen for everyone else, too.