Young Street Mission Toronto

Thursday July 2

We did something different at Young Stet Mission (YSM) in Toronto. The staff hosted a popsicle party in the parking lot and distributed flyers inviting the community to join them. We handed out free underwear to anyone in need and quickly burned through 500 pair. The recipients were very thankful and were not shy in showing their appreciation. YSM has a number of impressive programs much like the other missions, however two initiatives stand out as unique. YSM operates a thrift store supplying much needed affordable clothing to the neighbourhood. Unlike other thrift stores the clothes are cleaned, pressed and displayed in a professional manner. David Adcock tells us that they take pride in providing a clean attractive facility in order to emphasize dignity for its customers. The store operates at close to break even in order to keep prices as low as possible. David is quick to point out that the real product being offered here is jobs. Through their store valuable income and job experience is provided. A lack of previous job experience is a common barrier to success. Most unique and my favourite element of this group is their cheque cashing facility. YSM partnered with a major bank to provide financial services to the less fortunate. Humane service charges and special attention for those with little or no banking experience is provided. All this next door to their state of the art computer training center and across the street from one of (in my opinion) the largest barriers to homeless success. Predatory lender style cheque cashing facilities. Ray Marshall and Stephanie Lear of YSM treated us to dinner at a local Mexican Restaurant then sent us on to Ottawa once the traffic slowed down. We arrived just after midnight and went straight to bed as Friday was going to be a huge day. Brent