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About Good Shepherd
“The Good Shepherd” is well known on the streets of Toronto. But what makes us different? The answer varies for each person who walks through our doors.
For some, it’s a place to get a hot meal, clean clothes, and a safe, clean bed for the night; for others, it’s a place to go when you need someone to listen, someone to help. Regardless of the reason people seek help, every person is treated with care and respect. They matter!
For all of us, Good Shepherd is a place that promotes human dignity. A place where the invisible, the vulnerable, and the homeless– come first!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE:
AKLILU WENDAFEREW
In 1963, Good Shepherd Ministries opened its doors to offer food and shelter to people who didn’t have a place to stay or enough to eat.
The 60 years since then have been filled with stories of heartbreak, hope, human resilience – and growth. Today, people start by coming for a meal – then they find so much more.
Good Shepherd now walks every step of the way with people who struggle with housing. We offer eviction prevention, help finding housing, and follow-up support after housing. Good Shepherd helps Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We support homeless men who are working to overcome addictions. Together with our community partners, we offer healthcare services, including nursing, foot care, vision care, and more. All of this helps to end chronic homelessness. Our pastoral care is always available for those who request it. The list goes on!
What does it take to “welcome the stranger” for 60 years? It takes a community filled with generosity and compassion. Good Shepherd’s donors, volunteers, and co-workers bring our mission and vision to life.
Here’s to 60 years of hospitality and faith!
Good Shepherd Centre
The place where you can go when there’s no money left for food. A chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE (Drug and Alcohol Recovery Enrichment) Programs.
Barrett House
Toronto’s first supportive housing residence for people living with HIV and AIDS, dedicated to giving one-to-one attention to each of its residents.
St. Joseph’s Residence
Home and 24-hour support for seniors (55+) with a chronic history of homelessness. “I would be going from hostel to hostel if I wasn’t here,” says Brian, a St. Joseph’s resident.
MISSION
To be present to the homeless and most neglected members of our community. To offer a broad range of compassionate programs and services to enhance the quality of life while inspiring hope and promoting human dignity.
VISION
To alleviate the effects of poverty while striving to eliminate chronic homelessness within our community.
VALUES
HOSPITALITY: The overarching value as inspired by St. John of God is embedded in all we do as we create opportunities for transformation and welcome others with generosity and openness.
QUALITY: To provide excellence in service delivery.
RESPECT: To be lovingly present and open to others.
RESPONSIBILITY: To assume a duty of care for those who use our services.
SPIRITUALITY: Committed to those we serve through all situations in their lives, honouring all traditions, cultures, and religions as a sign of hope and hospitality.