The kickoff to our Season of giving starts with Carson Law showing support to Nellie’s shelter located in toronto, ontario
Chosen by Anika Helen, Paralegal at Carson Law.
Nellie’s is committed to social change through education and advocacy, to achieve social justice for all women and children.
Over 40 years ago, a group of women activists, one of whom was June Callwood, realized that in the city of Toronto there were only 40 beds available for homeless women and over 400 beds for homeless men. Moved to action by this inequity, Nellie’s shelter was founded in 1973 and 16 new beds became available for homeless women in the city of Toronto. The shelter was named after Nellie McClung, the pioneer feminist who challenged the Canadian Government in the Supreme Court of Canada to have women declared persons under the law.
Today, Nellie’s mission is to operate programs and services for women and children who have and are experiencing oppressions such as violence, poverty and homelessness.
Programs & Services
Shelter Program
Nellie’s operates a 36-bed Emergency Shelter for women and children who live communally, sharing responsibilities of household chores. Women and children may reside at Nellie’s Shelter for up to four months, or longer if they are dealing with legal or immigration issues. Counsellors are available to assists and advocate for women to access the services and support they need. In-house educational programming is offered in the areas of parenting, health, housing, employment, arts and anti-oppressive practice.
Housing Support
Nellie’s Transitional Housing Support Program is focused on helping women to access safe and affordable housing so that they do not return to violent situations. Women are assisted with the application process for subsidized housing, safety planning, crisis support, advocacy and connections to community resources.
Outreach Programs
Nellie’s Community Support and Outreach (CSO) Program provides support and services both to women and children who have left the shelter and to women and children living in the community.
Children & Youth Program
This program aims to provide children with social, recreational and educational opportunities they otherwise would not have. These children are encouraged to develop their skills, talents an interests through participation in Nellie’s Children’s Camp
Peer Support
Peer Support Groups are offered in hopes of bringing together women who have had similar experiences to talk, listen and share strategies for coping and overcoming violence and oppression.
For more information or to make a donation, please see below …
CRISIS LINE 416.461.1084