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LOOKING AHEAD TO DO MORE

THE CHALLENGE | SENIOR POVERTY

Toronto has the third highest rate of senior poverty among Canadian cities with one in six Toronto seniors living in poverty.

OUR RESPONSE | SENIORS BREAKFAST PROGRAM

In 2026, our Seniors Breakfast Program will expand to include a monthly senior breakfast outreach, at our 1550 O’Connor location, to support those accessing our food bank. We also deliver four to seven crates of fresh produce to a group of approximately 20 seniors, in Lawrence Heights, who meet weekly to cook, eat together, and take fresh produce home.

Beyond food, these programs function as a vital community outreach—helping us better understand seniors’ needs through conversation, activities, and educational workshops such as nutrition sessions. In 2026, five community workshops will be offered to seniors and families.

THE CHALLENGE | CAMP POOL UNSAFE FOR SWIMMING

The swimming pool at SCOTT MISSION CAMP, built in the 1980’s, is now approximately 40 years old and new regulations for class A pools render the pool unsuitable and no longer safe for use.

OUR RESPONSE | A NEW POOL FOR KIDS

In June 2026, a new SPLASH will bring swimming back to camp for more than 700 children and youth from low-income households. Swimming has been a vital part of camp life—giving kids space to connect, have fun, and create lasting memories.

SCOTT MISSION’S
MODEL OF TRANSFORMATION

Scott Mission seeks to meet people at their point of need and to provide a safe space, practical support, and Jesus-centered encouragement to achieve stability within their lives and take meaningful steps in their journey of transformation.

Vision Of Transformation For The Neighbours We Serve

Our 25,000 square foot centralized HUB of operations continues to deliver even more meals, groceries, clothing, and additional vital resources. Everything goes out from a centralized warehouse and kitchen to our spoke locations and community partners across the GTA—serving thousands of neighbours who need access to food, clothing, and other support systems.

In 2025, Scott Mission continued with a focus on responding to the challenges faced by our neighbours who lack the basics needed to survive.

Safe Shelter

The Challenge: Increasing Homelessness, Lack of Affordable Housing, and Soaring Rent Costs.

  • In 2025, there were 105,115 households on the waiting list for subsidized housing in Toronto, up 23.5% from 2023.
  • More than 85,000 people in Ontario were homeless in 2025—up 8% from 2024 and representing a 50% increase since 2021.
  • There were an estimated 15,420 people experiencing homelessness in Toronto in 2024, a 111% increase over Toronto’s homeless count in April 2021.

SOURCE: STREET NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT–2024

Our Response: Safe Overnight Shelter for Men

Shelter Resident Survey
In October 2025, Scott Mission conducted a resident survey to identify areas for improvement, and inform strategic planning. The average age of participants was 50 years old—the highest average age recorded across previous surveys.
While older adults are typically less likely to participate, this survey saw strong engagement from seniors, with 25% of respondents aged 60 and older. Responding to key concerns expressed by the neighbours we serve, Scott Mission invested $71,000 to make improvements at the shelter at 346 Spadina Avenue.

Shelter Improvements
SAFETY AND SECURITY
We heard how inconsistent security can create uncertainty and make it harder to move forward—so we increased security cameras to 80 across two locations, strengthening safety and stability.
HEALTHY LIVING CONDITIONS
Clients shared how sanitation challenges and pest control—a challenge often encountered in unstable living conditions—can interfere with daily life—so we upgraded washrooms and showers, improved coordination and communication, and strengthened intake procedures to reduce disruption and prevent contamination.
ACCESS TO HEALTH SUPPORT
We heard how gaps in consistent health support can make it difficult to stay on top of care—so we expanded clinic capacity with more staff and five times more space, enabling more appointments and health education in 2026.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT
Feedback showed how poor air quality, temperature, and lighting can disrupt rest and recovery—so we upgraded HVAC systems and installed dimmable lighting to support a healthier, more restful environment.
These improvements reflect our commitment to listening to residents and continuously strengthening the safety, dignity, and care provided within our shelter.

Food & Clothing

The Challenge: A Rise in Food Insecurity and the Climbing
Cost of Living.

  • More than 1 in 10 Torontonians rely on food banks—doubling the need from 1 in 20 in 2022.
  •  4.1 million Toronto food bank visits between April 2024 and March 2025—635,962 more than the previous year and a 340% increase since 2019, before the pandemic.
  •  Average monthly food bank visits have increased from 78,000 in 2019 to over 344,000 in 2025.
  • Median income after housing costs left clients with $8.33 per person per day for all other needs, including food.

SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW.DAILYBREAD.CA/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2025/12/DB-WHR-2025-FINAL_NOV-3_READER.PDF

Our Response: Meals, Food, and Clothing Banks in 2025

Because you care, Scott Mission provides relief for individuals and families who struggle to make ends meet—at multiple GTA locations and through community partners.

“I’m thankful to Scott Mission for helping people and being there with meals. It’s a very good organization, and one of the best in the city. They really help a lot of people and know what’s going on in the community.” — BILL

“If there wasn’t a place like Scott Mission, I would be struggling every month just to eat. I’m on OW, so I don’t make that much. The fresh produce and vegetables and other foods are very good. I’m so grateful to Scott Mission for helping to feed my family.” — ASHLEY

Health Clinic

The Challenge: A Lack of Accessible Healthcare

  • Poverty and homelessness can cause worsening health problems for people who don’t have a family doctor. Canada is experiencing a crisis-level shortage of family doctors.
  • More than one in five Canadians—an estimated 6.5 million people, do not have a family doctor or a nurse practitioner they see regularly.
  •  Nearly 1 million people in Toronto could be without a family doctor by 2026.

SOURCE: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/primary-care-canada-10-000-canadians-report-1.7125990

Our Response: Scott Mission’s On-site Health Clinic

  • Your gifts make the health clinic possible so we can provide compassionate health care for men in our shelter, and seniors, women, and children in our community who are without access to a family doctor.
  • Scott Mission works in partnership with Inner City Health Associates (ICHA) to provide secure health care systems and on site clinicians—such as a physician for a full day once per week and psychiatry clinics, offered on site to support residents with mental health needs. This collaboration enables Scott Mission to offer integrated, high quality medical and mental health care to people experiencing homelessness.

HEALTHCARE, HOMELESNESS, AND THE ELDERLY
As many of our shelter residents are aged 60 and older, we’ve learned that care for seniors is a critical lens for understanding overall health clinic use. Older adults experiencing homelessness often face a range of interconnected health needs—most commonly ongoing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes—alongside barriers to navigating care.
As reflected in the chart, visits by seniors are most often related to medical conditions, appointment support, and medication support, as well as other essential, preventative aspects of care.
This highlights the importance of accessible, on-site clinic support to help maintain health, prevent complications, and support daily well-being. We are deeply grateful to donors for their support of our expanded Health Clinic, which makes this care possible.

Clinical Counselling

The Challenge: Poor Mental Health For Those Experiencing Poverty

  • Poverty and mental illness are among the leading contributors to homelessness, addictions, and broken lives across our city.
  • Unmet mental health needs are highest among young adults and low income populations, where more than 40% report their needs are only partially met or unmet.
  • 1 in 10 Canadians waited 4 months or more for community mental health counselling.
  • More than half (57%) of Canadians aged 18–24 who had early signs of mental illness said cost prevented them from getting care, disproportionately affecting those living in or near poverty.

SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW.CIHI.CA/EN/TAING-THE-PULSE-MEASURING-SHARED-PRIORITIES-FOR-CANADIAN-HEALTH…
SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW.CIHI.CA/EN/INDICATORS/WAIT-TIMES-FOR-COMMUNITY-MENTAL-HEALTH-COUNSELLING
SOURCE: HTTPS://CMHA.CA/WHAT-WE-DO/STATE OF-MENTAL-HEALTH-IN-CANADA/

Our Response: Clinical Counselling Program

Your compassion allows Scott Mission to offer a counselling program that integrates case management with evidence-based clinical counselling, interpersonal relationships, and pastoral care for the neighbours we serve.

New Life
Recovery Program

The Challenge: 

Increasingly, higher chronic homelessness numbers demonstrate failures that extend beyond housing— reflecting deep gaps in substance abuse resources, healthcare, mental health services, and a lack of FREE recovery programs. From 2021 to 2025 there was an increase in homelessness in Ontario by 49.1 percent—and 15,400 people were homeless in the City of Toronto.

SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW.AMO.ON.CA/EVENTS-TRAINING/BLOG/NEW-AMO-STUDY-MORE-85000-ONTARIANS-WERE…

Our Response: New Life Recovery Program

With your generous support, our New Life Recovery Program exists to address the spiritual, emotional, social, physical, and intellectual well-being of the participants—providing them with tools, resources, and evidence-based strategies to support ongoing stability and growth beyond the program.

FOUR HOLISTIC PILLARS OF THE PROGRAM:

1) RECOVERY: Focus is on recovery methods using psycho- educational materials looking at mental and emotional health.

2) DISCIPLESHIP: Spiritual health and formation, using Scripture to deepen a relationship with Jesus to bring restoration.

3) OVERCOMERS: A biblical 12-step recovery program focusing on root causes for addictions and behavioural cycles.

4) CAREERS: Focus on volunteer opportunities within Scott Mission and on life skills and career skills coaching.

THE GOALS OF THIS GROUP:

EMPHASIZE: Practical educational tools in a safe environment where participants feel supported to share personal experiences.

PROVIDE: Space for participants to know God and be equipped with tools to walk with Jesus on their journey of transformation.

Community,
Friendship,
Transformation

The Challenge: 

  • 1 in 6 people globally are affected by loneliness, framing social disconnection as a defining public-health challenge of our time.
  • 62% of Canadians who are not involved in community groups report feeling disconnected.
  • 43% of Canadians aged 50+ are at risk of social isolation.

SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW.WHO.INT/NEWS/ITEM/30-06-2025-SOCIAL-CONNECTION-LINKED-TO-IMPROVED-HEATH-AND…
SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW.MHRC.CA/FINDINGS-OF-POLL-23
SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW.CANADA.CA/CONTENT/DAM/ESDC-EDSC/DOCUMENTS/NATIONAL-SENIORS…

Our Response:

  • Prioritizing fellowship through various programs allowed 372 community members to deepen spiritual and social connections, on a regular basis, through community and ministry groups, Bible studies, and prayer groups in 2025. Plus, there were more than 660 attendees recorded at our seasonal community events and celebrations.
  •  Transformation through prayer and Bible studies in English, Spanish, and Mandarin encourage our neighbours on their faith journey, so they know Jesus is near, and they are loved.
  • Celebration and ministry events throughout the year at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas deepen social connections and provide a greater sense of community during holidays.
  • The Ministry Team hosted 16 finance and wellness workshops, community BBQs, retreats, seasonal events, and more—bringing neighbours together to foster a sense of belonging.

NextGen
Children &
Youth Programs

The Challenge: Lack of Affordable Extra-Curricular Programs for Kids

For families with children that we serve across the GTA, structured recreational activities and camps are completely out of reach.

Our Response: Scott Mission Camp and Youth Leadership Programs

Our NextGen Programs provide safe spaces for kids to thrive where fun, learning, leadership, and spiritual growth is promoted. Because of you, hundreds of young people are being equipped with the tools they need to thrive.

“Thank you for sending me to Scott Mission Camp. It’s my first time at camp and I like my cabin mates; we are all friends now. I love camp because it has a lot of fun stuff to do like trampoline ball, a basketball court, and football — because I really like to play football. I also like the baking activity, the Bible stories, and the playground. I love the swing set, and I like to go high — very high! This is a very fun place to visit.” — LYRIC

  • For eight weeks, in July and August, kids enjoy one week of overnight camp in a natural setting with cabins, canoeing, rock climbing, cycling, archery and swimming in a brand-new swimming pool at camp in 2026!
  • 123 children and youth participated in an after-school program and the leadership Foundations Program where they were trained, mentored, and were given opportunities for personal and spiritual growth to help them become leaders.
  • 9 moms and 22 kids attended one special week of Family Camp, in August, where they experienced an amazing week together at Scott Mission Camp. This special program has been running for decades to bless our community

Childcare
Centre

The Challenge: The High Cost of Childcare in the GTA

  • Out of reach childcare costs are a huge struggle for working parents who are trying to make ends meet while providing a safe and nurturing childcare environment for their children.
  •  Shortages of daycare spaces mean families often cannot access the capped rate ($22/day), even if eligible.
  •  50% of parents using childcare had difficulty finding it.

SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW.ONTARIO.CA/PAGE/ONTARIOS-EARLY-YEARS-AND-CHILD-CARE-ANNUAL-REPORT-2025
SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW150.STATCAN.GC.CA/N1/DAILY-QUOTIDIEN/251021/DQ251021C-ENG.HTM

Our Response: Scott Mission’s Childcare Centre

  • We provide a focused, holistic, and family-centred approach to childcare with early education practices to create a warm, caring, and interactive atmosphere.
  •  Scott Mission’s licensed Childcare Centre provides a positive Christian early education experience and adheres to the requirements of Ontario’s Day Nurseries Act.
  •  All our childcare families receive a government subsidy as we are part of the Canada Wide Early Learning Childcare (CWELCC) plan.

“I contacted five daycare centres that were all full. I was so happy to find a spot here for my daughter. I want her to learn about God, and I am happy about the Christian background of the childcare centre. Every day Skye is developing in a different way—she’s now walking by herself and she’s learning how to socialize. I’m grateful to Scott Mission for the friendly staff who support her learning development. The subsidy is very helpful for me because I have five kids, and inflation is real.” — PRINCESS

After-School
Programs

The Challenge: The High Cost of Childcare in the GTA

  •  Children from lower socio-economic backgrounds need better opportunities to receive educational and social support.
  •  Youth mental health indicators worsened in 2025, with an increase in the percentage of Toronto youth reporting “fair or poor mental health.”
  • Youth disengagement (ages 15–24 who were not in employment, education or training) increased to 10.3%.

SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW150.STATCAN.GC.CA/N1/PUB/82-570-X/2024001/SECTION4-ENG.HTM
SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW150.STATCAN.GC.CA/N1/PUB/11-627-M/11-627-M2025053-ENG.HTM

Our Response: Scott Mission’s NextGen After-School Program

  • After-school programs are designed to grow life/social skills, plus character and spiritual development, in an encouraging and fun environment with games and object lessons.
  • After-school mentorship sessions help to coach and encourage students through personal life challenges with active listening and discussion techniques.
  • We host community events like barbeques, which help our team to engage with schools and community members, so everyone sees our team as a supportive part of the school’s environment.

I like talking about God and the Bible. The staff are very kind. My favourite activities are basketball and dodge ball, and
I like the Connections time because we get to talk about our days, and share our emotions with the staff, and they help
us feel better.” — JACK

Donors

FRIENDS OF SCOTT MISSION ARE TRANSFORMING LIVES

We are deeply grateful to caring donors who invest in our work, sharing the mercy and love of Christ with neighbours in need. Meet three of Scott Mission’s compassionate donors.

E.I. William Industries

VASSILIOS WILLIAMS & JIM WILLIAMS

The Williams family started supporting Scott Mission about 60 years ago after seeing firsthand the growing needs of vulnerable individuals in their community.

At the time, Scott Mission was already doing meaningful, hands-on work, providing food, shelter, and practical support to people experiencing poverty. That visible impact, combined with a shared belief in compassion, dignity, and helping neighbours in need, inspired them to get involved and to continue to support the Mission over the decades.

Jim says, “Supporting Scott Mission has always felt deeply personal. It reflects values that have guided my family for generations—compassion, responsibility, and a belief in showing up for our community when it matters most. The Mission’s long history of providing food, shelter, and hope for those in need aligns closely with those values and with the heart of E.I. Williams Industries.

What inspires me most is that Scott Mission doesn’t just respond to immediate needs; they work toward lasting and transformational change. Their commitment to supporting families, children, and individuals in crisis makes a real, measurable difference every day. Our support, through financial contributions and active involvement, is especially important during the holidays. While many people go home—for some—Scott Mission is home. My father and I are proud to stand alongside them in ensuring no one is forgotten.”

The Geoffrey and Edith Wood Charitable Fund

LYNN TUGHAN

After immigrating to Canada from England in the early 1900’s, Geoffrey H. Wood went on to establish a successful sanitation business in Toronto. Because of his success, Mr. Wood and his wife Edith were always eager to give a helping hand to people who were in need, and this included supporting Scott Mission—who has been providing services to the poor, homeless and vulnerable people in Toronto for the past 85 years.

Lynn Tughan, Director of the Geoffrey and Edith Wood Charitable Fund shares, “I am pleased to be able to continue their legacy of giving through support of Scott Mission. I am inspired by Scott Mission’s leadership and vision.

“The Mission has adapted and changed as our city has changed, and for this reason continues to effectively meet the needs of Toronto’s most vulnerable. I believe Scott Mission is seen as a leader in providing services to Toronto’s disadvantaged, and this inspires me to continue to support the work that the Mission is doing.

It is my hope that others will join me in supporting the Scott Mission as they are able financially, or through volunteer work.

Volunteers

FRIENDS OF SCOTT MISSION ARE TRANSFORMING LIVES

Amazing volunteers make the work of Scott Mission possible by faithfully serving our neighbours who need a helping hand.

Thank you for your kindness and your unwavering support for Scott Mission. Because of you, we are meeting urgent needs and providing life-transforming resources to help our neighbours build a better future. Our volunteers reflect the love and mercy of Christ, and because of YOU we continue this vital work to serve neighbours in need. God bless you!

“My main goal in life is to give back, and Scott Mission is in my DNA. Those who are in need should never be left behind. It’s the clients that keep me coming back—seeing their smiles of gratitude gives me hope that I’ve made a difference.” — ARJA

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me.” | MATTHEW 25:40

Ongoing
Challenges

As we continue this work, we are consistently navigating several key challenges including:

LANGUAGE BARRIERS
Many neighbours face language challenges. Translation technology is currently being used to assist with communication.

NEED FOR LONG-TERM TRANSFORMATION
Guests often experience trauma, mental health issues, addictions, and systemic barriers. While basic needs are met, there is a growing need for holistic, long-term support. A two-year recovery program is being piloted to help address root causes, remove barriers, and support lasting stability—pending funding.

RISING COSTS
Inflation is increasing demand for services, reducing donor giving, and raising operational expenses. There is also a need for additional protein donations for food banks.

BUILDING REPAIRS
Aging facilities require upgrades to better serve neighbours.

Even in the face of these challenges, we remain hopeful—confident in God’s faithful provision and deeply grateful for the support of donors like you. As this report shows, meaningful change is already taking place.

Life-Changing
Services

BECAUSE OF YOU LIVES ARE BEING TRANSFORMED

Thank you for standing with Scott Mission. Together we are delivering life-changing services, coupled with the love of Jesus, to help our neighbours build a better future.

Thank You
For Your Support

A Christian Ministry of Mercy & Love. The Compassionate Neighbour for 80 Years and Counting.
SERVE ONE ANOTHER HUMBLY IN LOVE.
GALATIANS 5:13
CONTACT US

MAIN: 416-923-8872
DONATION LINE: 416-923-2400
Food Bank: 416-926-3916
Fax: 416-923-1067
EMAIL: info@scottmission.com

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BECAUSE OF YOU LIVES ARE BEING TRANSFORMED 
Thank you for standing with Scott Mission. Together we are delivering life-changing services, coupled with the love of Jesus, to help our neighbours build a better future.