housing

Stop Encampment Evictions

People without housing need serious engagement from all levels of government. Please write to the Premier, Prime Minister and Mayor. A handwritten letter or card carries a lot of weight… Read More »Stop Encampment Evictions

Bishop of Toronto speaks to the housing crisis at Holy Trinity tomorrow

TORONTO, Nov. 17, 2020 /CNW/ – The Right Reverend Andrew Asbil, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, will hold a press conference on Wednesday, November 18th at 11:30 a.m.,… Read More »Bishop of Toronto speaks to the housing crisis at Holy Trinity tomorrow

Toronto Homeless Memorial-August 2020

Once a month we mourn the lives of those who passed away on the street. These deaths are always preventable and more needs to be done to promote social justice… Read More »Toronto Homeless Memorial-August 2020

STAR: Homeless memorial records 995th name as city committee debates new housing action plan

Toronto Star: Homeless memorial records 995th name as city committee debates new housing action plan Darlene Stimson spoke with anger and grief, standing at the base of the church steps,… Read More »STAR: Homeless memorial records 995th name as city committee debates new housing action plan

“When the veil is the thinnest…”

Cathy Crowe,
Street Nurse, Author

Thank you for inviting me to this place I have spent a lot of time in.

I’d like to read something by someone you all may know – Brian Burch:

We know what heaven is like: “In my father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (John 14:2). And we know what Toronto is like. In our city are many heating grates; in our city are many file folders full of names of our sisters and brothers seeking a home. In the midst of our city are many trying to bring to life in the present heaven’s promise. This is done through protests and petitions. It is done through opening up sanctuary spaces for temporary resting places. It is done by squatting empty buildings. And it is done by those that weave together funds from various sources to develop new housing.”

This was by then Rev. Brian Burch in a homily given in 2005. Brian tells me he is now a grassroots co-op activist – which I think is a fantastic title.

Church of the Holy Trinity is woven through my memoirs, A Knapsack Full of Dreams.

That likely won’t surprise many of you. I’ve spent a lot of time here.

At memorial for dead homeless, ‘it’s a lot of John Does’

With her forehead resting in her right hand, Rachel Robinson quietly wept as her friend was included among the names of the dead read out at Toronto’s Church of the… Read More »At memorial for dead homeless, ‘it’s a lot of John Does’

Feb 12 Homeless memorial

Please join us at the Homeless Memorial for an hour of remembrance and advocacy. This outside vigil will be followed by a solemn procession to City Hall to tell Mayor… Read More »Feb 12 Homeless memorial

National Housing Strategy Update

by Michael Shapcott

On the second Tuesday of every month, two dozen or more people gather at the south doors of Holy Trinity for a memorial to remember, by name, those who have died on Toronto’s streets. The homeless memorial, which has close to 1,000 names, offers a small measure of dignity to people who have died without housing. Each month, the small gathering renews its call for a National Housing Strategy to end homelessness in Toronto and across Canada. Over the years, our quiet remembrance has reverberated in Parliament and in other halls of power.