A World Of Difference

Don didn’t feel safe at home. His birth country had been dealing with civil unrest, fuel shortages and terrorism. Now in his late sixties, he made the gut-wrenching decision to leave the only place he had ever known.

How bad must it be to leave everyone and everything, with just one bag holding your most important possessions?

As he set out for freedom, security and opportunity in Canada, he was understandably anxious but hopeful for better days ahead. The journey was long and lonesome. After arriving at one Canadian airport, and then another, he collected his suitcase and headed out to begin his new life.

Somewhere in the airport his wallet went missing. Was it lost or stolen? Either way, this was not the start he had hoped for.

With no funds, nowhere to live and no one to call for help, he was isolated, alone and homeless in the heart of Toronto. He lived on the street, exposed and vulnerable.

With that awful feeling of not being safe, again, he set out, again.

This time he went to Haven Toronto. He met support care workers and counsellors who helped him with hot meals, housing and more. He left with renewed hope for better days ahead.

When the world turns upside-down for people like Don, Haven Toronto is there to help.

The only drop-in centre in Canada for elder homeless men age 50-plus, Haven Toronto serves thousands of clients from over 60 countries. The centre is a safe, inviting space where elder men can access vital supports, make friends, and be part of a community. Haven Toronto is open every day all year including all major holidays.