We Are There When Others Cannot Be
What we are experiencing today is, for many people, the worst crisis in their lifetime. April 1st came and went and, for some, rent was due without the funds to cover it. The streets are nearly empty and so are cupboards and fridges as people, afraid to venture out, are going without or with less. Schools and parks are closed leaving children with parents, many of whom are working from home or not working at all. And those who are still ‘going in’ to work, they are often in roles that put them face-to-face with risk, face-to-face with a virus that doesn’t care and doesn’t discriminate. Are they working because they want to — “This is what I signed up for” — or because they have to? Either way, there they are, and society is more dependent on them than ever before. Haven Toronto is open, providing clients with access to vital supports while taking necessary precautions to protect clients and staff. Haven Toronto is serving free take-away meals at breakfast and lunch. Possibly the only meals clients will receive. The number of new clients, up almost 100 percent in less than two weeks, illustrates just how little support remains in the community. Haven Toronto continues to operate regular hours, seven days a week.
Clients are using Haven Toronto to shower, do laundry and as a mailing address. Without a home, you cannot get home delivery. Through the drop-in centre, clients are able to access support cheques critical to their survival and, equally important, letters from family and friends who are at a distance or distancing. Isolation has never felt for isolating. The increase in demand on Haven Toronto means an increase in costs, from staffing to food to PPE. It is for this reason that we ask you to donate. You can make a difference. If you have recently said, “We are fortunate” or “I am grateful”, now is the time to give. If you have the financial wherewithal, now is the time to give. If you are still earning a paycheque, now is the time to give. If not to us, then give to another organization doing terrific work, or to a community group or even an individual. There is a need like never before.
Your support and display of compassion will do us all, yourself included, a bit of good.
To DONATE NOW, please click here.
