Emergency Shelter Services
Who we are
At Street Haven at the Crossroads, our Emergency Shelter Housing Program provides a safe haven and critical support for women experiencing homelessness in Toronto. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our low-barrier emergency shelter offers immediate access to safety, warmth, and care for up to 50 women each night.
We understand that the women we serve often face complex and overlapping challenges, including homelessness, substance use, mental health concerns, trauma, and experiences of gender-based violence. That’s why our program is rooted in a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, ensuring that each woman is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Women arriving at Street Haven’s Emergency Shelter receive:
- A safe, clean, and welcoming place to sleep
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Access to showers, hygiene products, and basic clothing
- On-site support workers and crisis intervention
- Referrals to medical care, mental health services, and addiction recovery programs
- Pathways to transitional housing and long-term stability
Our shelter acts not just as a place of refuge, but as a critical first step toward recovery, healing, and empowerment. We work collaboratively with each woman to help her navigate her unique journey — whether that means finding permanent housing, reconnecting with health supports, or simply taking the next right step forward.
If you or someone you know needs emergency shelter, or if you’re looking to support our mission, we welcome you to learn more about how Street Haven is helping women move from crisis to confidence.
Services
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For women in Toronto navigating trauma, housing instability, or substance use challenges, loneliness isn't just a feeling. It's a barrier to recovery. At Street Haven, we know that coming together isn't just a campaign message; it's the foundation of healing.
Our mental health services are built to break that barrier down, offering trauma-informed psychotherapy, individual and group counselling, and a whole-person approach that addresses mental, emotional, physical, and social wellbeing. We meet women exactly where they are, without judgment.
We all have a role to play. Let's come together for the women in our community who need it most.
For more information about Street Haven’s mental health services, visit our website at: https://streethaven.org/services/mental-health-services/
#MentalHealthWeek2026 #ComeTogetherToronto #StreetHaven #MentalHealthMatters #TraumaInformedCare #CMHA #EndTheStigma #WomensHealth #TorontoNonProfit
This is a rare opportunity for our community and neighbours to step inside 87 Pembroke Street, Toronto's first emergency women's shelter and a hidden gem of the Garden District. For over 60 years, this heritage home has provided care, dignity and community to women in crisis, and we'd love to share its stories with you.
Join us for a guided tour and explore:
• How this historic Toronto home became a cornerstone of the city's shelter system
• The role activists and advocates played in shaping this work
• The original architecture of the home, from the staircases and room layout to the former carriageway now used as a rear entrance
Whether you're passionate about heritage architecture, Toronto history or women's advocacy, this is a visit you won't forget. No registration is needed!
Guided tours run Saturday & Sunday at:
🕚 11:00 am | 11:30 am | 1:00 pm | 2:00 pm | 3:00 pm
📍 87 Pembroke Street, Toronto
🗓️ Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, May 24, 2026
Visit the Doors Open Toronto website to learn more and explore all participating sites: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/
To all our neighbours, donors, and followers, we'd love to see you there. Share this with your community and help spread the word!
#DoorsOpenToronto #StreetHaven #Toronto #WomensHistory #TorontoHistory #HeritageTO #GardenDistrict #WomensShelter
Akosua is our Housing Case Manager and a Harm Reduction advocate, and lately, she's been everywhere. From the Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective Toronto to the HIV Legal Network & Drug Strategy Network of Ontario's press conferences, and even on the Jim Richards Show; she's been having important conversations and making sure harm reduction stays at the top of the agenda.
What makes Akosua's voice so powerful? She's not just talking about this from the outside. She's lived it. Akosua has personally accessed safe consumption sites and knows firsthand the difference they and harm reduction practices make. That lived experience is exactly what she brings to every conversation. And one more staff member who lives and breathes our mission.
All our staff are trained in harm reduction with the guiding principles of non-judgement, safer supply and use, respect and dignity, autonomy and choice, and what sets us apart from others- ‘we meet women where they’re at’. That’s the Street Haven way.
We are so proud of Akosua and grateful for her advocacy.
#HarmReduction #TraumaInformedCare #SafeConsumption #FrontlineWorkers #HousingAdvocacy #TorontoCommunity #HarmReductionWork #HarmReductionSavesLives #SaveOurSitesOntario
Street Haven is seeking a compassionate and skilled Social Worker to join our trauma-informed addictions treatment team, dedicated to supporting women on their recovery journey.
We are actively seeking candidates with demonstrated experience serving and representing racialized women to better reflect the lived experiences of the women we serve.
What You'll Do:
- Provide individual supportive counselling and talk therapy
- Deliver case management, advocacy, and referrals
- Apply trauma-informed, harm reduction, and strengths-based frameworks
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team for holistic care
- Support access to housing, healthcare, legal services & community resources
If you're driven by purpose, equity, and meaningful connection, we want to hear from you.
Application Deadline: Friday, May 8, 2026
Full job description and application available on our website: https://streethaven.org/job-opening/
#NowHiring #SocialWork #Hiring #MentalHealth #AddictionsTreatment #TraumaInformed #WomensServices #AntiOppression #SocialJustice #JobOpportunity
"Street Haven holds a very special place in my heart, and I wanted to share why. During a very difficult period in my life, when I was experiencing homelessness, Street Haven was there for me in ways I will never forget. At a time when I felt vulnerable and uncertain, it provided not only a safe place to stay, but also compassion, dignity, and hope.
Beyond shelter, Street Haven offered meals, health and wellness support, counselling, advocacy, and guidance toward stability and independence.
The staff treated me with genuine kindness and respect, reminding me that I mattered and that my circumstances did not define my worth. That support played a meaningful role in helping me regain stability and move forward.
It truly means a great deal to me to be able to consider Street Haven in this way, and I am deeply grateful for the lasting impact the organization has had on my life."
— Marsha, former Street Haven client
Marsha, your words are a gift to our entire team. Thank you for sharing your journey and for reminding us of the lasting impact of compassionate care.
#StreetHaven #WomenSupportingWomen #EndHomelessness #Gratitude #Hope #CompassionateCare #TorontoNonprofit
We're currently looking for new or gently used running shoes for our shelter clients. Women's size 7-11 preferred.
Donations can be dropped off at 87 Pembroke. Please call (416) 771-6087 to arrange a drop off time.
#StreetHaven #WomenSupportingWomen #Community #GivingBack






