The Drop Inn program for the hungry and homeless
A project partnership of NUC-TUCT and Toronto North Support Services
Newtonbrook United Church (NUC) and Taiwanese United Church in Toronto (TUCT) believe that every Canadian deserves to eat proper nutritious meals and to receive community support and that, at present; too may people go without nutritious meals because they do not have enough income to pay rent and are on the street cut off from support of any kind. The mission of this Drop Inn is to provide a warm, caring, safe environment where our guests can enjoy a hot nourishing lunch, have the opportunity to be with others and receive support and assistance.
BREAKING NEWS: in the future there will be a Family Physician and a Psychiatrist who will be present at the Drop Inn on a weekly basis to offer medical services to the Guests.
BREAKING NEWS: in the future there will be a Family Physician and a Psychiatrist who will be present at the Drop Inn on a weekly basis to offer medical services to the Guests.
Anyone who is hungry, tired or in need of support is welcome to attend the Drop Inn program, which takes place every Wednesday throughout the year from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm in the auditorium at Newtonbrook United Church, 53 Cummer Avenue, in North York, near Yonge and Finch. Most of the guests are homeless, some have a room but little food; all need support.
The NUC-TUCT Drop Inn and hot-meal support program offers:
- a safe place to be and rest
- a breakfast buffet
- a hot nutritious full-course noon meal
- a telephone, newspaper, books, games, music and people to talk to
- an opportunity to meet with outreach workers from Toronto North Support Services and other agencies, providing counseling, housing and health-care support
- nursing care, health clinics
- replacement identification
- a clothing room
- a shower (installed thanks to SCPI funding)
- a legal clinic representative
- a breakfast buffet
- a hot nutritious full-course noon meal
- a telephone, newspaper, books, games, music and people to talk to
- an opportunity to meet with outreach workers from Toronto North Support Services and other agencies, providing counseling, housing and health-care support
- nursing care, health clinics
- replacement identification
- a clothing room
- a shower (installed thanks to SCPI funding)
- a legal clinic representative
The Drop Inn program relies on the support of the City of Toronto Public Health, Community Care Access Centre, Willowdale Community Legal Services, individuals and groups in the community including schools and faith groups, as well as local businesses, corporations and foundations.
Additional resources for the homeless and hungry include:
Additional resources for the homeless and hungry include:
- The Street Helpline at 416- 392-3777 provides critical assistance for people who are living on the streets and are in need of counseling, guidance, shelter or housing. The call is free from any pay phone when the caller dials 0-416-392-3777.
- Toronto North Support Services which provides outreach and support to people in their homes and communities so that they can make the changes that they believe will positively impact their quality of life.
- Operation Springboard, an Ontario charity working to help people fulfill their potential and participate fully in their communities by assisting persons involved in the justice system, individuals with developmental disabilities, those needing employment and the homeless.
- The North York Harvest Food Bank works towards the relief of hunger in communities throughout northern Toronto
- The Toronto Drop-In Network, an active coalition of 45+ drop-in centres working with people who are homeless, marginally housed or socially isolated in Toronto. The Network includes drop-ins of all sizes and diverse philosophies serving men, women, youth, seniors and families.
- Toronto North Support Services which provides outreach and support to people in their homes and communities so that they can make the changes that they believe will positively impact their quality of life.
- Operation Springboard, an Ontario charity working to help people fulfill their potential and participate fully in their communities by assisting persons involved in the justice system, individuals with developmental disabilities, those needing employment and the homeless.
- The North York Harvest Food Bank works towards the relief of hunger in communities throughout northern Toronto
- The Toronto Drop-In Network, an active coalition of 45+ drop-in centres working with people who are homeless, marginally housed or socially isolated in Toronto. The Network includes drop-ins of all sizes and diverse philosophies serving men, women, youth, seniors and families.
Some vital statistics of the Drop Inn program include that:
- as many as 122 guests have been served on a single Wednesday
- the annual cost of the program is $17,000
- the Drop Inn program relies on donations
- no donations are used to cover administration costs
- the annual cost of the program is $17,000
- the Drop Inn program relies on donations
- no donations are used to cover administration costs
Additional guests and volunteers are always welcome at the Drop Inn.
“When I was hungry, you gave me food to eat.
When I was thirsty, you gave me your cup to drink.
Whatsoever you do to the least of these of my children, that you do unto me.
Now enter the house of my Father.” ~ Mother Teresa
When I was thirsty, you gave me your cup to drink.
Whatsoever you do to the least of these of my children, that you do unto me.
Now enter the house of my Father.” ~ Mother Teresa