The Salvation Army Opens New 90-Bed Shelter for Seniors Facing Homelessness

Mauricio Urtecho, Director of the Islington Seniors' Shelter
by The Salvation Army in Canada
Categories: Divisional News
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By: June Li

Last month, The Salvation Army opened its doors to a new senior shelter in North Etobicoke. Though renovations are still underway, the shelter currently has 45 shelter beds available for seniors experiencing homelessness.  With roughly 20 to 22 percent of people accessing emergency shelters being 55 years of age or older, this shelter will help to fill a much-needed gap.

In addition to the on-site clinic that will be available after renovations, The Salvation Army will be partnering with community health centres, care providers and clinics in the community to meet any health needs an individual might have. “While we are able to provide some level of care and programs according to their needs as seniors, our goal is to concentrate more on the population, to be able to provide better programs and better supports for seniors, specifically,” says Bradley Harris, Executive Director of The Salvation Army’s Toronto Housing and Homeless Supports.

  • Each room will be equipped with a private bathroom
  • Kitchen – Today’s lunch was a delicious chili!
  • Mauricio Urtecho, Director of the Islington Seniors’ Shelter gives Jeff Robertson, Spokesperson for The Salvation Army a tour of the rooms available at the shelter

“Our caseworkers will work with them on a case-by-case, individual-by-individual basis, so we make sure we’re meeting their needs,” says Harris.

Though the shelter is providing a warm bed, fresh meals daily, spiritual care and medical assistance, Harris explains that their focus will be on the client’s needs beyond the shelter. Whether it is helping them find sustainable housing, securing long-term care, or reconnecting them with their loved ones, The Salvation Army is there to walk alongside their clients throughout their whole journey.

As of the first week of January, the shelter has reached its capacity of 45 residents. The shelter’s renovations are projected to be completed in 2019 and will house a total of 90 beds.

  • Large room that will be converted into shelter rooms in 2019
  • Room on second floor to be converted into a shelter room in 2019

To learn more about The Salvation Army’s Housing and Homeless Supports, please visit their website here.