We do have an interest in Evangel Hall, however, this year we have nothing specific to report.

 Evangel Hall Mission (ehm) is an Inner-city Mission of the Presbyterian Church. It is located on Adelaide Street West, in Toronto.  Everyone who comes to the Drop-in or lives in the Evangel Hall Residence is a unique person reflecting a particular set of circumstances leading them to need help. Persons experiencing homelessness and housing instability experience high rates of disease and mortality as a consequence of their low social and economic status. For people on the margins of society, every day is a struggle to fulfill basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and safety. These overwhelming fundamental needs compete with, and lead to delay in seeking medical and dental attention - specifically many persons on the street suffer from:

·          Mental illness, including affective disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders.

·          HIV, respiratory tract and other infections which exacerbate poor health.

·          Poorly controlled chronic medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

·          Poor oral and dental hygiene, having no access to dental care until teeth are extracted.

At Evangel Hall Mission (ehm) they see these problems every day; a recent survey of their drop-in and residence revealed that 65% of participants had not visited a doctor or dentist in the previous five years and an additional 20% had only one visit. A total of 8 in 10 persons are without access to primary health and dental care.

 In response to this serious situation ehm has developed a Health and Dental Clinic for homeless and marginalized persons, with two suites for dentists and physicians. The clinic officially opened this past fall and is largely dependent on donations for support.  

The ehm Youth Programs have found a happy home in the newly renovated Youth Centre.  The store front room, once the home of the Community Shop, has been transformed into a bright and vibrant space that is well used by the youth from the Evangel Hall Residence and the surrounding community. The Youth Centre provides a safe and fun environment for these young people to explore their creativity, make new friends and gain valuable life skills during their daily after school programs and special events. With a wealth of exciting resources such as computers, a video game system, ping pong, art supplies and musical instruments, there is never a dull moment at the Youth Centre.  

Evangel Hall Mission (ehm) Residence offers to the needy a dignified and affordable home they otherwise could not afford. The Residence is always full with a waiting list that is considerable. They are making a difference in the lives of many people who are isolated, lonely and otherwise forgotten about by friends, family and society. Everyone is treated as a unique and valued person, a child of God and a gift of God. Food clothing and shelter are necessities of life and are freely given away at the Hall. Thank you for your continued support that allows them to assist so many people who have come to rely on them.