Thursday, November 28, 2013

How to help Toronto's homeless this holiday season

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release

How to help Toronto's homeless this holiday season

If you are looking for a way to help the homeless this holiday season, consider taking advice from the community agencies that serve them. The City surveyed agencies that run shelters, drop-ins and other services for homeless people to ask them what would bring cheer to their clients during the holidays.

"These organizations serve our city's most vulnerable people so the need is for everything from TTC tokens to vouchers for food and entertainment, clothing and toiletries," says Phillip Abrahams, General Manager of Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, the division that co-ordinates funding and services for homeless people in Toronto. "Many agencies are also looking for volunteers to help out over the holidays."

More information about the 2013 Holiday Wish List is available at www.toronto.ca/housing.

The website lists the agencies that responded to the survey, the items their clients need, volunteer opportunities, holiday events and contact information.

The most common items on the wish lists are winter clothing, toiletries and gift certificates for groceries – things that may seem like everyday items but can really make a difference to someone in need.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Patricia Anderson, Manager, Partnership Development and Support, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, 416-397-4328, panders@toronto.ca

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