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 [...]
At Eva’s, we know that meaningful change starts with bold leadership, and we’re beyond thrilled to celebrate Shequita, our Senior Director of Equity, for receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This prestigious honour recognizes Shequita’s incredible contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion and her unwavering commitment to addressing gender-based violence. She was nominated by Senator Paulette Senior, a trailblazer dedicated to breaking down systemic barriers and empowering women, girls, and gender-diverse communities. For Shequita, this recognition is deeply [...]
After six years of dedicated leadership, our Executive Director, Louise Smith, will be stepping down on March 14, 2025, to take on the role of CEO at Ronald McDonald House Toronto. While we are sad to see Louise go, we are incredibly grateful for her leadership and the impact she has had on Eva’s. Under Louise’s guidance, Eva’s has navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and developed a new strategic plan that reaffirms our commitment to youth. She [...]
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 [...]
Financial setbacks mean something different for youth experiencing homelessness. A new savings program at Eva’s Phoenix and Youth Belong aims to help youth become more financially literate and save for their future. It’s delivered as part of Eva’s life skills programming and integrated into case management. “When we meet with a young person, savings is part of the whole picture we look at to help them figure out their next steps,” said Annik Scholz, Team lead for Eva’s Youth [...]
On August 15 and 16, 2024, over 70 volunteers from The Home Depot Canada gathered at Eva’s Place to breathe new life into the 30-year-old emergency shelter. With dedication and energy, they transformed the space where countless youth have found support and safety over the years. This Community Build marks the latest milestone in a 17-year partnership between Eva’s and The Home Depot Canada Foundation, bringing much-needed improvements to the well-loved facility. The volunteers who participated included associates from [...]
Susan Nalwoga, Ubuntu Bites program participant and Leanne Rabinowitz, Eva's Health and Wellness Team Lead As Eva’s Health and Wellness Team Lead, Leanne Rabinowitz understands the importance of culturally appropriate food. “A huge issue for newcomers is shelters not providing food they’re familiar with. It can cause digestive upset, but they also miss the soul nourishing part of eating,” said Leanne. Ubuntu Bites, a new program that brings together youth staying at Eva’s shelters with African asylum [...]
