Willow’s Place: A Hub for Women

Sheltr Canada – Community Support Spaces

Hours

Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Location & Contact

5000 Younge Street North York Ontario Canada

519.993.2775

Haven Place

Haven Place is a low-barrier support space for women, trans, and non-binary people. It provides a safe, welcoming environment for those experiencing homelessness, unstable housing, or social isolation.

At Haven Place, community members have access to:

Nutritious meals
Laundry and shower facilities
A safe place to rest
Harm reduction supplies
Social activities such as art, games, and peer connections

Our dedicated staff provide trauma-informed, compassionate support, including:

Advocacy and crisis de-escalation
Assistance with housing applications and assessments
Community referrals and connections to health, housing, and addiction services
A supportive ear and space for healing

Haven Place also serves as a hub for community partners, offering space for health workers, housing providers, Indigenous services, and addiction supports to connect directly with clients in a safe and familiar setting.

Emma’s Haven

Working alongside Haven Place, Emma’s Haven provides 15 low-barrier shelter beds for women, trans, and non-binary individuals aged 18 and older. Beds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, through either self-referral or community referral.

Guests at Emma’s Haven receive:

A safe bed and basic supplies
Emotional support
Access to community resources
Guidance in connecting to housing supports

During the day, Emma’s Haven offers the same programs and services as Haven Place, ensuring consistent care and support.

Our Philosophy

At Haven Place and Emma’s Haven, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where women, trans, and non-binary people can find support, empowerment, and community.

We live out this philosophy by:

Keeping barriers to services as low as possible
Approaching each individual with a trauma-informed lens
Recognizing that every person’s needs are unique and require personalized supports
Meeting immediate needs such as food, rest, and hygiene so individuals can focus on their next steps
Practicing harm reduction, supporting safer choices for both individuals and the community
Sharing resources, tools, and information that empower people to make informed decisions
Offering creative and social activities that encourage personal growth and connection
Providing compassionate, non-judgmental support and listening with empathy

We are dedicated to fostering a community that respects diversity, embraces differences, and encourages individuals to uplift and support one another.

Items We Always Need

Donations are essential to keeping our programs strong. The following items are always in high demand:

Socks
Sports bras
Underwear (all sizes and varieties)
Travel-sized body wash
Travel-sized tissue packs
Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

To arrange a drop-off time, please contact us at: info@sheltr.ca

Our Story

Haven Place was launched in 2014 thanks to the generosity of local grants and community donations. Since then, both Haven Place and Emma’s Haven have relied heavily on the support of individuals, groups, and community partners to keep their doors open and continue serving those in need.

Funding and support from foundations, local government programs, and private donors have made it possible to provide safe spaces, laundry and shower facilities, shelter beds, and essential supplies for the community. Without these contributions, the work of Haven Place and Emma’s Haven would not be possible.