From Emergency Shelter to Stability at The Salvation Army Maxwell Meighen Centre

Fleeing Iran for the freedom of a new country felt like a breath of fresh air for Abdul.

He arrived in Canada as a landed refugee 30 years ago and is now a proud Canadian citizen living in Toronto’s east end. Friendly, grateful, and quick to share a laugh, Abdul lives in a shared house with roommates and enjoys a simple and happy life.

When he first arrived, however, things weren’t easy. Abdul was grappling with the aftermath of a nervous breakdown he suffered in Iran.

“If you go outside of the house, they’re very controlling,” he says of the situation in Iran. “They know your personal life, and they watch you.”

Seeking safety and a fresh start, Abdul joined his two brothers already living in Toronto. He immediately found work, becoming a mechanic in his brother’s car repair shop. He stayed in that job for years until a back injury made it impossible to continue.

Since then, Abdul has received Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments, but the limited income has made stable housing difficult. In January 2023, he moved into The Salvation Army’s Maxwell Meighen Centre, a 264-bed emergency shelter for men in downtown Toronto, where he lived for nine months.

The multi-care facility in downtown Toronto has been serving people experiencing homelessness for over 110 years. It provides essential services, including meals, housing support, addiction services, mental health care through Inner City Health Associates, chaplaincy, and case management—all under one roof.

“They treated me good, and they respected me. All of the departments treated me good,” Abdul says of the staff.

One of those individuals is Dwayne Harmer, a community follow-up worker who supports Abdul in his transition back to independent living.

“He’s in a better place now—he’s got a quiet space of his own and a stronger connection with his family,” says Dwayne. “He’s very confident. I’m grateful to have observed him overcoming big barriers and realizing his own goals. He is also trusting enough not to hesitate to ask for help.”

Today, thanks to the support of The Salvation Army, Abdul lives in a shared home where he has his own room. Dwayne helps with budgeting and ensuring Abdul goes to his doctor’s appointments.

Abdul frequently visits his brother for coffee and enjoys watching sports with his housemates.

Reflecting on the assistance The Salvation Army provides, Dwayne adds, “This team is available to get you the help you need. Every one of us is here to support clients from the moment they walk through the doors.”

Donations to The Salvation Army make success stories possible for people like Abdul. Visit www.SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and make a transformative difference today.From Emergency Shelter to Stability at The Salvation Army Maxwell Meighen Centre