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    File #431 – Toronto Friendship Centre

    0

    September 23, 2013

     

    “I remember people that came here and that gave me a cigarette.  Cigarette and coffee go a long way in the morning to build up your spirits.”

    Friendship Centre Tile

    The city forgets that in 1971 there was talk of tearing down the historic All Saints Church at Sherbourne and Dundas but instead it became a hub of social services, which eventually included the Toronto Friendship Centre.  The Toronto Friendship Centre ran a drop-in meal program out of All Saint’s Church from 1981 until December of 2013.  In December of 2013 when the city pulled its municipal funding, the program lost both its early morning hours and beloved staff who had worked there serving breakfasts and providing support to clients.  While the drop-in meal program is still open (currently run by Margaret’s Housing and Support Services) doors no longer open at 6am and fewer meals are served throughout the week. The DEPARTMENT hopes to return to this site soon to find out from service users how things have changed.

    The Toronto Friendship Centre had a rich history.  Most shelters discharge residents at 6 a.m.  Where do people go now for their early morning coffee?

    Memory Archive

    File #024 – St. Stephen’s Community House Corner Drop-In

    3

    September 21, 2013

    corner dropin_cupSQ

    “I come here, chill and have a coffee. Lunch is good.  When you need a place to get focused and get your wits together, a place like this can get you started.”

    The city forgets that St. Stephen’s Corner Drop-In serves breakfast to 250 people a day on an annual budget of $50 876.  The DEPARTMENT visited Corner Drop-In, a busy drop-in meal program in Kensington Market, to find out how some people in this city start their day.  Staff showed us where they work preparing meals in the kitchen, and we spent some time with regulars on the bench out front learning about more about the history of St. Stephen’s Corner Drop-In.

    The Corner Drop-In has a rich history.  What could the drop-in do with a bigger annual budget?

    Memory Archive