We believe that the current structure in which homeless shelters in Toronto are governed is not providing a safe and inviting environment for those that require their use. Many of the homeless in Toronto have declared to feel unsafe, and in fact, more at risk (of rape, assault, or robbery) when spending the night in a shelter, because they are minimally supervised during sleep hours.

We hope to change this situation by adding a section to the Toronto Shelter Standards, specifically in regards to staff roles and safety, which would require shelter staff (purchase-of-service or emergency/free) to monitor the grounds during all hours. We would also change the training they are required to have, by having Crisis Prevention and Verbal De-Escalation move from recommended to mandatory currently, it is only mandatory for staff working with children.

Once sufficient support for our cause has been gathered, we plan to send in our report to the Mayor of Toronto, as well as members of Shelters, Housing, and Support, and the Advisory Committee on Homeless and Socially Isolated Persons. By doing this, we hope to see that homeless shelters in Toronto become a safer alternative than the streets until proper housing can be attained.

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/386849