Haven on the Queensway has been helping those in need in the community for almost 15 years.
It could be a bummer for many this Christmas season.
A long-time agency that helps the needy and those down and out may soon be shutting its doors due to a lack of resources and huge demand for its services.
Haven on the Queensway, at 1533 The Queensway, is trying to raise $100,000 in 30 days so it can continue helping people.
“We are reaching out to you with an urgent plea,” wrote Haven’s executive director Roger Berg. “Without financial support Haven on the Queensway is facing the imminent possibility of having to cease our operations.”
Many programs like the Adopt-A-Family has operated from Haven on the Queensway helping many needy people at this time of the year.
The agency said they’re experiencing more people who are facing food insecurity and in the past 24 months and have seen an increase of clients from about 450 weekly to now over 1,000 people every week.
“The demand for our food assistance has surged significantly, reflecting the harsh reality faced by many who are struggling to put food on their tables,” Berg said.
The Daily Bread Food Bank in New Toronto has also complained about the large amounts receiving food in the community with many working people collecting food because they cannot make ends meet.
Haven on the Queensway supporters and volunteers on a fundraising Walk on one of the Coldest nights.
Berg said statistics reveal that one out of 10 Torontonians are using foodbanks for their meals.
“Closing our doors would be detrimental to our clients and community,” he noted. “We need your support more than ever before.”
The non-profit organization was formed in 2009 and has been providing food, clothing and other essential items to those in need in South Etobicoke.
He said Haven serves about 6,000 individuals a week across all its programs.
“That’s 51 per cent more than this time last year,” Haven said. “Just with our clothing closet, we’ve seen a request for clothing, a 300 per cent increase month over month.”
They had 150 requests for clothing in October alone as its gets cooler outside.
Haven on the Queensway provides clothing, food and other items for needy people in the community.
Clients are grateful to receive food, diapers, clothes, boots and coats for themselves and children as it gets cooler.
“In the last few months, demand for the food bank specifically has skyrocketed,” Berg said. “We’re confronted with the reality of growing operating costs and a significant shortfall in our financial donations.”
He said the demand for clothing has soared by 333%, jumping from an average of 30 new intakes to a staggering 130.
“While the food bank is most popular, Haven offers other programs that are also experiencing a surge in demand,” according to an online campaign.
Haven said one staffer recently encountered a mother standing before her with her baby, expressing the desperation of having nothing to feed her child.
“This heartbreaking reality is becoming more prevalent, and our community is facing a crisis,” the agency officials said.
The demand for food items has increased dramatically as the donations has decreased for Haven on the Queensway.
They said the number of people experiencing homelessness served by a Hope with Wheels program has risen by 120% over the past year alone.
“Our seniors rely on our deliveries of food and hygiene kits and look forward to our weekly friendly phone calls,” said Aretha Khaloo, Director of Operations. “The demand for these deliveries has surged, and we are now confronted with a long waitlist.”
Khaloo said there is also a first Care program for new parents with children under the age of two where they hand out diapers or formula until they run out.
And workers hit the road two or three times a week and feed people living on the streets.
“We try to provide them with some warm clothing, sleeping bags, as well as chilli, soup, sandwiches and hygiene kits,” explained Kaloo.
You can visit www.havenontheq.org/donate to make a donation or to find out more about ways to give. All donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable donation receipt.