Street Haven

About us

Our Mission

We are driven to provide integrated support for women as they move forward in their own journey.

Our Vision

We are building an inclusive community that empowers women to grow and thrive.

Our Values

  • We respect and value every voice.
  • We lead with empathy & compassion.
  • We champion inclusion.
  • We’re always adapting.
  • We advocate for all women.

Who We Are

Street Haven at the Crossroads offers women experiencing or at risk of homelessness a pathway to safety, stability, and personal empowerment. Through emergency shelter, supportive housing, addiction recovery programs, and skills training, they deliver integrated, compassionate services that help women rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Our History

2020s (Present)

Street Haven expanded during COVID, opened a hotel-based shelter, launched housing stabilization, and added trauma-informed psychotherapy and outreach. New provincial funding supported transitional housing. In 2025, Street Haven celebrates 60 years and purchases 93 Pembroke Street to deepen its historic downtown presence.

2010s

Street Haven maintained core programs and restructured its Learning Centre in 2019 into a Training Services program, focused on digital literacy, life skills, and employment readiness. This initiative reinforced confidence-building and pathways to education and employment for women facing systemic barriers.

2000s

Street Haven strengthened governance and policy frameworks. In 2006, founder Peggy Walpole passed away after 41 years of leadership. Her legacy shaped continued service expansion and strategic planning to support low-barrier programs for women recovering from trauma, homelessness, and addiction.

1990s

Street Haven expanded housing, acquired 91 Pembroke, and adopted a trauma-informed case management model in 1992. It strengthened continuity across services and improved individualized care. The Learning Centre moved to 67 Adelaide in 1997, offering basic literacy and skills training for women.

1980s

Walpole received the Order of Canada in 1980. Street Haven expanded housing, launched the Learning Centre in 1988, and relocated Grant House to Toronto. In 1989, it secured a 40-year lease at 607 St. Clair West to provide supportive housing for women.

1970s

Street Haven adopted a multi-service model and partnered with Correctional Services. In 1976, it opened Canada’s first women-specific residential addiction program, Grant House, named after Judith Grant. Walpole was recognized provincially for her leadership, including a medal of good citizenship in 1974.

1960s

Street Haven was founded in 1965 by nurse Peggy Walpole, who opened Toronto’s first emergency women’s shelter from her home. Her leadership established a multi-faith board and expanded services to 87 Pembroke, creating Canada’s first women-centred multi-service housing and recovery agency.

Our Founder

Peggy Ann Walpole

Peggy Ann Walpole worked as a nurse in the Emergency Room of St. Michael’s Hospital in the 1950’s. There she encountered many women who suffered from the debilitating effects of life on the street; violence, isolation, poverty and poor health. Peggy Ann was frustrated, knowing that once these women were treated and discharged, most had nowhere safe to go.

And so Peggy Ann founded Street Haven at the Crossroads in 1965, a drop-in centre where women could have a cup of coffee and access assistance, without judgement.

Next, she bought a stately old mansion on Pembroke Street and opened the first Emergency Shelter for homeless women in Toronto.  Over the years, Peggy Ann added supportive housing, residential and community addiction treatment and a learning centre to Street Haven`s roster of life-saving services. 

Peggy Ann devoted her life to our community’s most vulnerable women. She was awarded the Ontario Good Citizenship Medal and was appointed a member of the  Order of Canada. Peggy Ann Walpole died in 2006 but her legacy lives in the work we do at Street Haven, every day.

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  • Street Haven at the Crossroads provides personalized employment support to women with a range of interests and barriers. Our services focus on career exploration, skill development, and job readiness — empowering women to find meaningful, sustainable work as part of a holistic path to independence. 

The Employment Services Team at Street Haven is a part of the Training services program, which exclusively looks at offering support to clients in their employment journey. We offer pre and post employment services to the clients with one-on-one counselling to build a structured employment plan. Street Haven recognizes that as women, our clients have multiple barriers they face when it comes to looking for a job and aims to use systemic resources to bridge that gap. The support includes but is not limited to guiding clients about various certifications and licensing programs, helping craft resumes, cover letters and interview skills as per Canadian standards, and sharing job opportunities. 

#employment #supportingwomen #womenintheworkforce #skillbuilding #breakingbarriers #joboppurtunities
  • At Street Haven, our in-house Job Developer works closely with each client to build their confidence and readiness for the workforce. From attending hiring fairs and networking events to connecting with industry mentors, we provide hands-on support every step of the way.

Through both short-term Speed Mentoring sessions and our 12-Week Mentorship Program, clients are paired with professionals who guide them through real-world challenges and career growth.

Our Employment Team offers personalized coaching, including mock interviews, elevator pitch development, and workplace readiness tools—ensuring every woman is prepared, empowered, and supported in her journey toward sustainable employment. 

Your job is out there and we’ll help you find it.

#employmentservices #upskilling #careerdevelopment #networking #connecting #careerjourney #womenintheworkforce
  • AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
  • Today is an important day to acknowledge and remember the children who were forced to attend church-run and government-funded residential schools, as well as affected survivors and communities as they tell their stories and their history. Every year on September 30th the public commemoration of tragic past events and ongoing impacts of residential schools are vital to the reconciliation process.

Additionally, today is Orange Shirt Day. We encourage you to wear an orange shirt to not only raise awareness but also to bring to light the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on indigenous children, families, and communities. The colour orange serves as a symbol of remembrance for those who were lost, the loss of freedom and self-esteem that Indigenous children experienced and to remind us that #EveryChildMatters 🧡
  • Big gratitude to everyone who joined our Lunch & Learn at Street Haven at the Crossroads! ✨
 
Over a delicious lunch, women on their employment journey had the chance to:
💼 Get one-on-one resume reviews with amazing GreenShield volunteers
🎤 Join an inspiring talk with Junius Cheng on building a personal brand
📸 Take professional headshots
🎟 Win prizes in our fun raffle (including Toronto Island ferry tickets!)
 
A special thanks to the incredible @greenshield team for making this day possible—from resume, helping move furniture around, helping in the kitchen, and supporting keeping everything running smoothly. Your insights, warmth, and support made all the difference. 💙

#streethaven #careeradvice #industryinsights #sharetheexperience #connecting #learningfromoneanother #employment #growthmindset #upskill
  • New month, more opportunity. Here are the upcoming October Employment Workshops to look forward to.

Resume Building:
Learn how to create a strong, professional resume that highlights your skills, experience, and strengths to stand out to employers.
 
On-Ground Job Search:
A hands-on workshop where we practice applying for jobs in person. Participants will bring their resumes, visit vendors and stores, and practice how to submit applications, ask the right questions, and approach employers confidently.
 
Cover Letter Workshop:
Discover how to write an effective cover letter that complements your resume and shows employers why you’re the right fit for the job.
 
Canadian Workplace Culture:
Gain insights into workplace expectations, communication styles, and professional behaviours in Canada to help you adapt and succeed in your career.

Come join us as we learn, grow and strengthen the women in our community. 

#womenempowerment #workshop #participate #oppurtunitytogrow #personalgrowth #skillbuilding #careerjourney
Street Haven at the Crossroads provides personalized employment support to women with a range of interests and barriers. Our services focus on career exploration, skill development, and job readiness — empowering women to find meaningful, sustainable work as part of a holistic path to independence. 

The Employment Services Team at Street Haven is a part of the Training services program, which exclusively looks at offering support to clients in their employment journey. We offer pre and post employment services to the clients with one-on-one counselling to build a structured employment plan. Street Haven recognizes that as women, our clients have multiple barriers they face when it comes to looking for a job and aims to use systemic resources to bridge that gap. The support includes but is not limited to guiding clients about various certifications and licensing programs, helping craft resumes, cover letters and interview skills as per Canadian standards, and sharing job opportunities. 

#employment #supportingwomen #womenintheworkforce #skillbuilding #breakingbarriers #joboppurtunities
Street Haven at the Crossroads provides personalized employment support to women with a range of interests and barriers. Our services focus on career exploration, skill development, and job readiness — empowering women to find meaningful, sustainable work as part of a holistic path to independence. The Employment Services Team at Street Haven is a part of the Training services program, which exclusively looks at offering support to clients in their employment journey. We offer pre and post employment services to the clients with one-on-one counselling to build a structured employment plan. Street Haven recognizes that as women, our clients have multiple barriers they face when it comes to looking for a job and aims to use systemic resources to bridge that gap. The support includes but is not limited to guiding clients about various certifications and licensing programs, helping craft resumes, cover letters and interview skills as per Canadian standards, and sharing job opportunities. #employment #supportingwomen #womenintheworkforce #skillbuilding #breakingbarriers #joboppurtunities
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
At Street Haven, our in-house Job Developer works closely with each client to build their confidence and readiness for the workforce. From attending hiring fairs and networking events to connecting with industry mentors, we provide hands-on support every step of the way.

Through both short-term Speed Mentoring sessions and our 12-Week Mentorship Program, clients are paired with professionals who guide them through real-world challenges and career growth.

Our Employment Team offers personalized coaching, including mock interviews, elevator pitch development, and workplace readiness tools—ensuring every woman is prepared, empowered, and supported in her journey toward sustainable employment. 

Your job is out there and we’ll help you find it.

#employmentservices #upskilling #careerdevelopment #networking #connecting #careerjourney #womenintheworkforce
At Street Haven, our in-house Job Developer works closely with each client to build their confidence and readiness for the workforce. From attending hiring fairs and networking events to connecting with industry mentors, we provide hands-on support every step of the way. Through both short-term Speed Mentoring sessions and our 12-Week Mentorship Program, clients are paired with professionals who guide them through real-world challenges and career growth. Our Employment Team offers personalized coaching, including mock interviews, elevator pitch development, and workplace readiness tools—ensuring every woman is prepared, empowered, and supported in her journey toward sustainable employment. Your job is out there and we’ll help you find it. #employmentservices #upskilling #careerdevelopment #networking #connecting #careerjourney #womenintheworkforce
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. 

#GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
AGM 2025 was a chance to reflect on another year of growth, connection, and renewal at Street Haven. We gathered to share accomplishments, celebrate the women we serve, and look ahead to the work still to come. In true Street Haven spirit, even an unexpected fire alarm couldn’t shake us. Pausing to step outside and then reconvening reminded us that our community is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward together. Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers for all your support. #GROWTH #Streethaven #womensupportingwomen #agm #womenservices #Toronto
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Today is an important day to acknowledge and remember the children who were forced to attend church-run and government-funded residential schools, as well as affected survivors and communities as they tell their stories and their history. Every year on September 30th the public commemoration of tragic past events and ongoing impacts of residential schools are vital to the reconciliation process.

Additionally, today is Orange Shirt Day. We encourage you to wear an orange shirt to not only raise awareness but also to bring to light the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on indigenous children, families, and communities. The colour orange serves as a symbol of remembrance for those who were lost, the loss of freedom and self-esteem that Indigenous children experienced and to remind us that #EveryChildMatters 🧡
Today is an important day to acknowledge and remember the children who were forced to attend church-run and government-funded residential schools, as well as affected survivors and communities as they tell their stories and their history. Every year on September 30th the public commemoration of tragic past events and ongoing impacts of residential schools are vital to the reconciliation process.

Additionally, today is Orange Shirt Day. We encourage you to wear an orange shirt to not only raise awareness but also to bring to light the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on indigenous children, families, and communities. The colour orange serves as a symbol of remembrance for those who were lost, the loss of freedom and self-esteem that Indigenous children experienced and to remind us that #EveryChildMatters 🧡
Today is an important day to acknowledge and remember the children who were forced to attend church-run and government-funded residential schools, as well as affected survivors and communities as they tell their stories and their history. Every year on September 30th the public commemoration of tragic past events and ongoing impacts of residential schools are vital to the reconciliation process. Additionally, today is Orange Shirt Day. We encourage you to wear an orange shirt to not only raise awareness but also to bring to light the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on indigenous children, families, and communities. The colour orange serves as a symbol of remembrance for those who were lost, the loss of freedom and self-esteem that Indigenous children experienced and to remind us that #EveryChildMatters 🧡
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Big gratitude to everyone who joined our Lunch & Learn at Street Haven at the Crossroads! ✨
 
Over a delicious lunch, women on their employment journey had the chance to:
💼 Get one-on-one resume reviews with amazing GreenShield volunteers
🎤 Join an inspiring talk with Junius Cheng on building a personal brand
📸 Take professional headshots
🎟 Win prizes in our fun raffle (including Toronto Island ferry tickets!)
 
A special thanks to the incredible @greenshield team for making this day possible—from resume, helping move furniture around, helping in the kitchen, and supporting keeping everything running smoothly. Your insights, warmth, and support made all the difference. 💙

#streethaven #careeradvice #industryinsights #sharetheexperience #connecting #learningfromoneanother #employment #growthmindset #upskill
Big gratitude to everyone who joined our Lunch & Learn at Street Haven at the Crossroads! ✨
 
Over a delicious lunch, women on their employment journey had the chance to:
💼 Get one-on-one resume reviews with amazing GreenShield volunteers
🎤 Join an inspiring talk with Junius Cheng on building a personal brand
📸 Take professional headshots
🎟 Win prizes in our fun raffle (including Toronto Island ferry tickets!)
 
A special thanks to the incredible @greenshield team for making this day possible—from resume, helping move furniture around, helping in the kitchen, and supporting keeping everything running smoothly. Your insights, warmth, and support made all the difference. 💙

#streethaven #careeradvice #industryinsights #sharetheexperience #connecting #learningfromoneanother #employment #growthmindset #upskill
Big gratitude to everyone who joined our Lunch & Learn at Street Haven at the Crossroads! ✨ Over a delicious lunch, women on their employment journey had the chance to: 💼 Get one-on-one resume reviews with amazing GreenShield volunteers 🎤 Join an inspiring talk with Junius Cheng on building a personal brand 📸 Take professional headshots 🎟 Win prizes in our fun raffle (including Toronto Island ferry tickets!) A special thanks to the incredible @greenshield team for making this day possible—from resume, helping move furniture around, helping in the kitchen, and supporting keeping everything running smoothly. Your insights, warmth, and support made all the difference. 💙 #streethaven #careeradvice #industryinsights #sharetheexperience #connecting #learningfromoneanother #employment #growthmindset #upskill
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
New month, more opportunity. Here are the upcoming October Employment Workshops to look forward to.

Resume Building:
Learn how to create a strong, professional resume that highlights your skills, experience, and strengths to stand out to employers.
 
On-Ground Job Search:
A hands-on workshop where we practice applying for jobs in person. Participants will bring their resumes, visit vendors and stores, and practice how to submit applications, ask the right questions, and approach employers confidently.
 
Cover Letter Workshop:
Discover how to write an effective cover letter that complements your resume and shows employers why you’re the right fit for the job.
 
Canadian Workplace Culture:
Gain insights into workplace expectations, communication styles, and professional behaviours in Canada to help you adapt and succeed in your career.

Come join us as we learn, grow and strengthen the women in our community. 

#womenempowerment #workshop #participate #oppurtunitytogrow #personalgrowth #skillbuilding #careerjourney
New month, more opportunity. Here are the upcoming October Employment Workshops to look forward to. Resume Building: Learn how to create a strong, professional resume that highlights your skills, experience, and strengths to stand out to employers. On-Ground Job Search: A hands-on workshop where we practice applying for jobs in person. Participants will bring their resumes, visit vendors and stores, and practice how to submit applications, ask the right questions, and approach employers confidently. Cover Letter Workshop: Discover how to write an effective cover letter that complements your resume and shows employers why you’re the right fit for the job. Canadian Workplace Culture: Gain insights into workplace expectations, communication styles, and professional behaviours in Canada to help you adapt and succeed in your career. Come join us as we learn, grow and strengthen the women in our community. #womenempowerment #workshop #participate #oppurtunitytogrow #personalgrowth #skillbuilding #careerjourney
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/6