I know, I know…. It’s me again. You must dread seeing my name pop up in your inbox because “Cari’s gonna ask me to volunteer more and donate more.”

Well, you’re right. I am. But I want to share with you one of the reasons why I don’t feel even a little bit bad about asking, and why I am so grateful to you for always answering the call.

From 2013 to 2023, Toronto’s homeless population doubled, going from 5,219 to 10,700 people.

With your help, we have strived to meet this increased need, and we are grateful to you for what we have been able to accomplish. Our outreach vans have gone from 10,180 service visits in 2013 to 61,658 last year.

Serving over 70,000 hot meals to people facing homelessness is a big deal, but the need just keeps growing and we keep needing you to help us meet it.

Here are a few of the ways that you can help right now:

• Volunteer for a Make-a-Meal shift and make sandwiches or baked goods at home that will be distributed by our outreach teams that night.
• Become a monthly donor and ensure that our programs can keep up with the growing need
• Donate your gently used clothing
• Stay informed and in touch. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X to see what’s actually happening on the streets of Toronto. Look out for our new weekly pieces: The View from the Van, and The Shift Report, to see what only our outreach staff see.

Together with you we can and will solve poverty, one person at a time.

Thank you,

Cari Kozierok,
Executive Director, Ve’ahavta