About Us
The Common Table Drop-In Program is a grassroots community effort run out of The Church of the Redeemer that depends on volunteers and donors. Before COVID-19, we were open Monday to Friday and offered two healthy meals a day, daily supplies and access to health care services and housing referrals, as well as social and creative activities, psychotherapy, support groups and more. We look forward to getting back in the building when it is safe for our community to do so.
During COVID-19, we offer washroom and phone access, plus hand out meals at the side door from Monday to Wednesday and via the Outreach Cart on Thursdays and Fridays. We feed about 80 people per day, provide toiletries and supplies and help people apply for housing and other services.
We are grateful for our neighbourhood partners, donors, advocates and volunteers who make our program possible.
Watch our video to see us in action: Common Table – Community Update – YouTube
Donate today by clicking here
Schedule
Church of the Redeemer is committed to assisting those in need at this very difficult time when so many other support systems are being closed down. While practising the latest recommendations from the Department of Public Health, we are offering the following to those in need:
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (10 – 11:30 AM): Meals-to-go will be available at the Avenue Road ramp door.
Thursday and Friday (10 AM – Noon): We will be doing street outreach with sandwiches, supplies and resource sharing.
We intend to keep operating in this manner for as long as possible. A complete shutdown would be implemented as a last resort.
Volunteering/Support
If you would like to volunteer to help with this outreach to the most vulnerable among us or to donate non-perishable food items, please contact us. Financial support will be gratefully received through CanadaHelps.
Common Table Community Advocacy
Invitation to Advocacy
We at Church of the Redeemer are known for our social justice ministries along with our outreach to the marginalized, most visibly through the drop-in programme, the Common Table. Dedicated staff and volunteers have managed to continue feeding and caring for people experiencing homelessness throughout the pandemic, supported by your financial contributions
Besides this on-the-ground work, members of the Common Table staff advocate within the neighbourhood and beyond for the needs of the marginalized. Angie Hocking reaches out to owners and staff of nearby businesses, as well as being a strong voice in the Toronto Drop-in Network and speaking with politicians. Angie has said that she would welcome our support in this vital advocacy work.
Over the next weeks and months, as issues arise, background information and sample letters will be posted here and in eNews. You will be invited to use the letters as is, or to revise them and send them to the recipients (addresses will be provided).
Sending many letters from members of The Redeemer will amplify our voices and concerns and increase the possibility of action on the part of governments.
While Angie is on sabbatical, other Common Table staff and diocesan activists will keep us posted about urgent issues.
This is an action you can take from home during the pandemic. Please join in this initiative and help make a difference to the most vulnerable among us.
Watch for the first letter coming soon. Thank you for adding your voice to advocate for the needs of the Common Table community.
