HSH was proud to be a part of this unique fundraising opportunity. Associate Valerie Lord served on the event planning committee, we sponsored the event and hosted 5 couples to enjoy the evening.
On November 18th, 40 hosts welcomed guests into their homes for the coolest citywide dinner party to hit Toronto. This event celebrates the importance of home to raise funds for Toronto’s homeless. But here’s the twist… guests didn’t know where they are going and hosts didn’t know who was coming to dinner until the night of the event.
Guests gathered for a pre-dinner reception with cocktails and music at PricewaterhouseCoopers. They exchanged their tickets for an envelope. Inside, the name of their host was revealed. Hosts provided cocktails, appetizers, a homemade 4-course dinner with wine, and delicious dessert. In it’s 5th year, it’s always evening of wonderful food, stimulating conversation and new friends.
Our guests, Dr. Chantal Vaidyanath and her husband Balaji Gopalan were the lucky winners of the door prize.
About Homes First
There are over 5,000 people in Toronto without a safe stable place to live. Homes First provides affordable and appropriate housing to 550 men, women and children. They provide housing first. With a home, people gain respect, dignity and the ability to care for themselves and others. Homes First was the first and remains one of the largest non-profit providers of homes for people with the fewest options in Toronto.
Homes First mission is to provide affordable, stable housing and support services to break the cycle of homelessness.
IN 2016 HOMES FIRST PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING VALUE TO COMMUNITY
• 3,748 referrals and connections to community partners
• 202,200 meals served
• 370 people in supportive housing
• 67,945 nights of emergency shelter
• 42 former CAMH patients now living at Homes First
Cost of 1 year at CAMH: $250,000
Cost of 1 year at Homes First: $30,000
Savings: $9,240,000/year
