St. Joseph’s Residence

As Canada’s population ages, so does its homeless population. Increasing numbers of frail seniors struggle to survive on the streets and in shelters.

It is often hard to find suitable housing for these seniors. Many suffer from mental illness and addictions. They may not have the social skills needed to live amicably in a traditional seniors’ residence. Most have next to no financial resources or social support.

St. Joseph’s Residence opened in July of 1999 in response to this need. It offers a caring and supportive home to nine seniors (55+) with a history of chronic homelessness. Priority is given to individuals who also have mental health issues, are living with an addiction, or suffer from chronic illness or disabilities.

St. Joseph’s Residence follows a communal living model. Residents have their own rooms, but share a communal living space, kitchen, washroom and bathing facilities. Two residents live in semi-independent apartments located in the same hallway as the main residence.

Caregivers are on site 24 hours a day. They provide cleaning, prepare meals that take into account special dietary needs, do laundry, offer recreational programming, and ensure that residents take prescribed medication. Volunteers help provide social outings, accompany residents to appointments, and assist with cleaning.

Services are client-focused, designed to respond to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each resident. Addictions are managed using a harm-reduction model.

The seven residents reflect the diversity of the Toronto population, and come from a wide range of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.

St. Joseph’s Residence receives funds from private and public charitable contributions, private foundations and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

To inquire about a placement at St. Joseph’s Residence, please contact (416) 869-3619 ext. 260 or .

St. Joseph's Residence

I started volunteering at St. Joseph’s Residence a few months after retiring as a geriatric social worker, and found one of the best kept secrets in the business.

Gay, Volunteer

St. Joe’s, as it is fondly known, provides good care, nurturing, encouragement, respect and dignity to its residents.

Bill, Volunteer