Dear Ignited by Books,

​

I hope this letter finds you well. With another winter happily behind us here at Fred Victor, we’re grateful that spring is in full swing! Last year, we celebrated our 130th anniversary and while so much has changed since Fred Victor was founded, I’m proud to say that one thing has stayed the same–Fred Victor has been a friend to all, and a partner that Toronto’s most vulnerable can rely on for community, friendship, and support.

​

I am also writing to say thank you. Without supporters like Ignited by Books — who care about providing safety and compassion for people experiencing homelessness in Toronto—nothing we do at Fred Victor would be possible.

Check out our spring newsletter. This time around, we wanted to showcase Fred’s Friends, our community of monthly supporters who have shown us, time and time again, how committed they are to building a thriving, inclusive Toronto. I hope you’ll take a moment to read what they have to say about what inspired them to become a Fred’s Friend and be part of the solution to put an end to homelessness in our city. You’ll also read about some of the people Fred Victor has been able to support in their journey out of homelessness thanks, to ongoing donor support.

​

I’m talking about people like Sandra, who now calls Fred Victor’s housing in Regent Park home. When we first met Sandra, she was grieving the loss of her partner. She was unwell, socially isolated, and for the first two years of living alone, she turned down offers of help, growing wary of anyone who reached out.

​

Still, Fred Victor’s amazing staff did not give up on Sandra, continuing to offer their assistance: a meal, a visit, even just a coffee and a chat. We know that a kind smile or a helping hand can make all the difference for someone like Sandra who is reluctant to seek help. Everybody needs friendship to thrive. Over time, Sandra came to trust her mental health case worker enough to accept support, eventually making an appointment with a geriatric psychiatrist.

Sandra was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was voluntarily admitted to a mental health care centre. There, she began treatment and medication, and for the first time since her partner’s passing, she started to rebuild her life.

Since she ended her treatment, Sandra continues regular visits with her physician, who keeps up with her medication. She worked with a housing case worker to prevent eviction, creating a payment plan, and applying to the City Housing Stabilization Fund to address her arrears.

​

In difficult times, we all need a friend to lean on. That’s exactly what Fred Victor is for people like Sandra— a friend. Thank you for making her story, and so many others, one of hope and recovery.

Today, Sandra is living a stable life and continues to attend support groups focused on mental health. And if things get difficult, she knows she can turn to Fred Victor for immediate support.

​

There is no single cause for homelessness in our city. Sandra’s story is just one example of how a series of unexpected events can leave someone homeless. No one expects to experience homelessness. Yet, every night, more than 12,000 people in Toronto are without a place to call home. Many are living with mental health challenges and a large number have been without stable housing for more than six months. We are dedicated to changing that reality and creating safe, stable environments for those in crisis— places where they can regain control of their lives and work toward a better future.

​

That’s where you come in. Donations help us provide shelter, food access, housing support, job training, and community mental health outreach. These are the types of services that will help achieve our vision of a Toronto where everyone has a place to call home. If you can see yourself making a donation today, or joining Fred’s Friends as a monthly donor, you will bring us that much closer to accomplishing our mission.

​

Make a donation today! - Secure Donation Form - Fred Victor

Thank you once again for everything you’ve done for Fred Victor, and for helping build a stronger, more inclusive future for our communities in Toronto. I very much look forward to staying in touch and keeping you up to date on the impact you’re making in our work.

With my warmest thanks and very best wishes,

Keith Hambly

CEO Fred Victor