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For over 60 years, Good Shepherd Ministries has brought the light of hope and the warmth of hospitality to Queen St. East. and welcomed people who are hungry, homeless, suffering.
Good Shepherd started small, with free hot meals and shelter beds. But in the decades since has seen tremendous growth.
People still come to Good Shepherd for meals and shelter. But now, people also come for help with housing issues. They connect with onsite medical care. They find support to recover from addictions. And more!
Poverty, addiction, and housing insecurity cast heavy shadows on our community. Yet, the warmth and light flowing from Good Shepherd’s doors, and the hospitality and services offered to those that are welcomed inside, are needed more than ever.
You, the supporters and volunteers of Good Shepherd, make it possible for the light of hope to shine in the darkness of poverty and homelessness.
IT STARTS WITH A desire to help
donate today to help provide A HOT MEAL, CLEAN CLOTHES AND A BED for people in need.
Shelter Support:
In 1995 Good Shepherd Centre provided 50 beds, but today in response to the shelter crisis GSM is providing 128 shelter beds for adult men ages 18 and older. Facilities include showers and all overnight guests are provided with towels and toiletries. Occupancy runs at 100% capacity throughout the year. All overnight guests are provided breakfast.
Meal Services:
Good Shepherd serves upward of 1,000 meals each day, making it one the largest free meal program in the City of Toronto. Meal guests include seniors, people living on disability payments, people living in poverty, and homeless men and women.
Groups of volunteers – corporate, faith-based community organizations, and schools help serve the daily meal from 2 – 4 pm. Experienced co-workers prepare meals using donated and purchased food.
History 1963 – 1999
- In 1963, the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd were invited by Archbishop Pocock to open a refuge for the poor and destitute.
- The Centre originally provided meals, shelter and clothing. Until 1980, the Centre was operated by just by Brothers and volunteers.
- In 1986, the Brothers opened Barrett House, the first residence in Toronto for people living with HIV/AIDS.
- From 1990 to 1993, the Centre underwent major renovations: roof raised and a floor added. Dorms redesigned into semi-private cubicles. Originally 50, soon after went up to 75.
- In 1994, the Provide-A-Meal program started. It was modelled after a program the Brothers started in Philadelphia. The Centre served 350 to 500 meals daily.
- In 1996, the Good Shepherd Refuge was renamed Good Shepherd Ministries. This same year the Centre added housing help and crisis counselling with the Resettlement Program.
- In 1997, the DARE Program opened to offer pre-treatment services to homeless men as they wait for treatment for addictions.
- In 1999, St. Joseph Residence for seniors opened to respond to the increasing number of fragile, chronically homeless seniors. It provides a homelike environment and round-the-clock care for nine seniors with a history of homelessness.
History 2000 – Present
- In 2000, the DARE Program started to offer post-treatment services and counselling for homeless men who have completed treatment for addictions, but who need additional support to build substance-free lives.
- In 2002, the Pastoral Care Program, a Health Care Coordinator, and a Drop-in Worker were added to the team.
- In 2004, Brother David received the Red Cross ‘Power of Humanity’ award presented by Queen Noor of Jordan for “creativity and vision in providing services for the homeless.”
- In 2009, Good Shepherd Centre underwent a major kitchen renovation funded by a generous bequest.
- In 2010, Good Shepherd Ministries partnered with the Royal Canadian Legion and Veterans Affairs Canada to provide services to homeless Veterans.
- In 2013, Good Shepherd established its own life skills program for Veterans – Veterans Living Better.
- In 2014, Good Shepherd Ministries Building at 412 Queen St. E. turned 100 years old. The building that houses Good Shepherd Centre dates back to 1914. It originally housed the Imperial Cinema, shops on the ground floor, and a dentist’s office.
- In 2015, Fusion of Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd with Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God.
- In 2017, 3-year Gambling Addiction pilot project started.
- In November 2019, a partnership was created with Helmets to Hardhats to support homeless Veterans.
- In March 2020, Dining room closed due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Bagged meals replace the dine-in meal Program.
- In October 2022, Eviction Prevention and Housing Support Follow Up Programs were added.
- In Summer 2023, Shelter dining room reopens for in-person dining.
