First Step to Home

Give homeless seniors the opportunity to get off the streets forever, because no one should have to grow old on the street.

Of the 30,000 people who stay in shelters every year, over 5,000 are men over the age of 50 and this number is  expected to grow dramatically as Toronto’s population ages. These men experience a number of severe challenges, Including chronic poverty, significant health issues and cognitive impairment.
 
The streets and parks of our city are no place to age. Living on the street adds 15 years to a person’s age—it is not uncommon to see a 50 year old man who looks 65 and has the health issues of a 75 year old. They are more likely to use our hospital’s emergency rooms and have serious and expensive health conditions that cost our health care system millions of dollars a year.

You can give these seniors a new life at First Step to Home.

The first program of its kind in Canada, First Step to Home converted a rundown hotel into affordable supportive housing with “wrap around” support including home making, on site health care and help with their daily meals.  28 homeless seniors, men, 55 years or older, who were living on the street,  now make First Step to Home their home and will stay as long as 4 years. When they leave, the seniors will be able to live independently in affordable housing in the community, look after their health, work or volunteer in the neighbourhood and be self sufficient, contributing members of society.
 

Make a gift today to help these seniors age with dignity in a healthy supportive new home.

Make an opportunity today. Give online  and select First Step to Home from the list of funds.

Learn more about the success of First Step to Home.

Learn more about how First Step to Home works.