For over a century, Evangel Hall Mission (EHM) has been a beacon of hope and support for Toronto’s most vulnerable residents. Rooted in a commitment to social justice, EHM has continuously adapted its services to meet the shifting needs of the community.
Today, as the landscape of homelessness and affordable housing grows more complex, EHM is taking bold steps to ensure its long-term sustainability and effectiveness in serving those in need.
Investing in growth and long-term resilience
Through a $25,000 grant from the Centre’s Sector Transformation Fund, EHM was able to undertake a comprehensive business planning process. To ensure long-term resiliency and continued service to the community, EHM is embracing the opportunity for significant changes that will strengthen its business model.
EHM has long been a leader in adapting to meet the needs of its clients. Since incorporating subsidized and low-income residences in 2006, the organization has continued to expand its impact.
To chart a sustainable path forward, EHM is launching a series of strategic initiatives, including assessing its current capacity, exploring opportunities for affordable housing development on underutilized properties, and building strong partnerships with key stakeholders. With support from experts and a focus on strengthening organizational capacity, EHM aims to position itself for long-term impact, ensuring its mission continues to meet the evolving needs of the community.
Permanent supportive housing to solve homelessness
Nestled in the heart of downtown Toronto on Adelaide Street, EHM operates a comprehensive support network for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty. During a recent tour of the facility, visitors were given a firsthand look at the wide and ever-adapting range of services provided by the mission, including emergency shelter, meal programs, clothing, and hygiene items.
Like many other organizations treating homelessness, EHM has decided to add permanent supportive housing to its toolbox.
The mission operates 130 rent-geared-to-income housing units across two sites, including its Adelaide Street location and a secondary site on Portland Street. Originally designed as transitional housing, these units have become permanent homes due to the severe lack of affordable housing in Toronto.
On the sixth floor of EHM’s Adelaide Street residence, communal spaces like the spacious outdoor patio and a community kitchen foster a sense of belonging among tenants. The gardening club allows residents to cultivate vegetables and flowers, enhancing both mental well-being and community engagement.
Units include bachelor, 1- and 2-bedroom suites demonstrating the reality of permanent housing in spaces originally intended to be temporary. While compact, each unit provides essential maintenance, amenities, and EHM staff work diligently to ensure that transitioning tenants receive the support they need to live independently.
EHM also fosters a strong sense of community through special events like tenant barbecues, holiday dinners, and game nights. These initiatives go beyond basic needs, providing much-needed social engagement and emotional support.
A vision for the future: scaling impact through capacity building
Capacity building is a fundamental component of EHM’s transformation. Its ambitious goal is to transform five Presbyterian Church properties into subsidized and low-income housing, creating homes for approximately 570 individuals.
This initiative will produce several key deliverables to guide EHM’s growth and impact. A strategic partnership framework will outline collaboration opportunities with multiple stakeholders, while a comprehensive business plan will detail funding needs, development phases, and construction timelines. Additionally, EHM will develop a roadmap for staffing and funding the preparation of grant and seed funding applications. Finally, a structured engagement plan will support conversations with churches about utilizing their land for affordable housing projects.
By investing in these long-term solutions, EHM is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future—one where individuals facing housing insecurity have safe, stable, and affordable places to call home.
