Willowdale Welcome Centre - North York, Ontario

Sara A.

As a local resident living very close to the Willowdale Welcome Centre, I feel deeply concerned about the safety of this area since the shelter opened. While I understand that homeless shelters serve a purpose and people need support, my personal experiences have been very frightening and traumatic.

On two separate occasions, I was physically assaulted near the Sheppard-Yonge subway station and on a TTC bus — both times by individuals who appeared mentally unstable and aggressive. These assaults left both me and my mother physically bruised and emotionally shaken. I now live in constant fear just stepping out of my own home. I used to feel safe in this neighbourhood, but since the shelter opened, I’ve noticed an increase in disturbing incidents nearby.

There seems to be very little accountability or visible security. I understand these issues are complex, but the safety of residents like myself is being seriously affected. I hope the city and shelter management can find ways to ensure both compassion and safety — for the people receiving help and for those who live here.

Ayman A.

It is one of the worst shelters. The majority of the staff are unqualified and unprofessional in their work. They have a dry and unhelpful attitude, lacking any experience, and displaying racism in their treatment towards people of different ethnic backgrounds. The place itself is very cold, and if you need assistance from any staff member, it is rare to receive any attention. Additionally, the shelter is a dangerous place with drug dealing happening inside, and residents using drugs in the bathrooms. It is truly heartbreaking.

In all honesty, the shelter is extremely terrible. It's hard to believe that something like this exists in Canada.

Oneda D.

Hi, everyone! I have no words for these people who stay here including staff.
I am in a very bad situation. My bad is close two doors.
I complained for the loud noise the doors make...now I am not able to do anything because of the high intensity of noise(if it's called like that!) The staff doesn't know when there is a complain they have to address it to the manager or supervisor. I do everything on my own here. It's been 2 years in the shelter. 2 months ago I was told they register me for the housing and they didn't. It looks like homes first is everywhere in Toronto? Places where numerous people live. If there is more than a shelter is a big problem...unless someone makes these people happy here....I am not happy in shelter....

JJ K.

Ever since the place came to an existence, I have noticed a rise in homeless people with tents settling in parking lots and parks near Yonge and Finch.

There was a fire near my parents home where a homeless person had settled.

Now, you see police vehicles and paramedics entering in and out constantly. I see homeless people smoking crack, talking to themselves, and causing threats to the locals living near the centre.

The welcome centre is failing to keep the community clean and safe.

Update from October 2023:

There used to be people that patrolled the neighborhood, but I don't see them anymore. Must be the funding cut.

As a result, a homeless encampment has started again. When I called to report the encampment, they pretend like they can't hear me.

Melissa D.

Overcrowded, have to fight for dietary needs. People using and ODing in bathrooms, most staff overwhelmed, overworked and DONE. Hope you never have to go there!

X F.

There is no human rights here for normal people who are not addicted and no privacy at all and people are scary they talk to the walls i couldn't sleep for days here because of people and don't have another choice , the food here are olso expired especially the one that is packed like yogurt, its heaven for people thet don't care or people who have mental problem or addicted however any one that is sober will find their human basic right taken away from them , they treet dogs better here, if you are not suicidal you will be one in short time if you come here.

Edit:
Yesterday 21.oct I went to north York Young street and saw this building, and I immediately started crying. I remembered how hard it was for me and other people as well. the terror I had been through wasn't real,and I will never wish someone to go through this even the staff was humiliated by other clients. I still remember and keep living in this memory, I will write about this place for sure and what I saw and experienced .

Kate S.

The homeless population is increasing in the surrounding areas and is becoming a danger to residents. We need practical solutions other than shelters.

James W.

This shelter needs to go. I had my kids attacked by one of the homeless when playing at Goulding park. Toronto literally doesn’t care about its people anymore