Save the Red Door

Details: Published on Thursday, 17 April 2014 12:40; Written by editor

For 30 years The Red Door shelter has helped Toronto families, particularly mothers and children escaping domestic violence. Now, because of a real estate dispute the Red Door could lose its home.

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My mom escaped an abusive relationship when I was 6 and my sister was 8. It was a terrible time for her because protecting herself and her children also meant risking homelessness and an unknown future. We spent two years moving from shelter to shelter. I remember waiting at a bus stop in the middle of the night with our clothes in garbage bags, not knowing where we were going to end up next.

Arriving at the Red Door Family Shelter in Toronto's east end was a relief. The Red Door changed my mom's life and helped us get back on our feet. As a kid I remember feeling grateful to have a warm place to sleep that we wouldn't have to leave the next day. My mom remembers it as the place where she got medical and legal support and where staff helped her develop a safety plan to protect us from her ex.

But now, because of a real-estate dispute between the former owners of the property, The Red Door could be left without a home, and 875 Queen St. W, the property where it has been housed for 30 years is already being bid on by condo developers.

The Red Door helped us when we had nowhere else to go and now many of us former clients are rallying to ensure it can keep its home. Please sign the petition and tell Toronto City Council that a refuge for homeless families is more important than another condo development.

Toronto's shelters are already overflowing and The Red Door is one of just two family shelters in Toronto. Losing it means losing one of our most significant shelters and one that is specifically designed to help families, many of whom are mothers and children escaping domestic violence.

Already, several City Councillors are speaking out in support and investigating legal tools to help save the shelter. We're not opposed to development on the site, we just need to ensure that it includes a permanent home for The Red Door. I know if tens of thousands of people sign the petition we can get the support we need from City Council and convince prospective developers that the public will not back down in this fight.

Without my mom's courage and the support of places like The Red Door, I would not be who I am today. Today, at age 33, I'm a lawyer and I'm passionate about giving back to the organizations and individuals who have helped my family. I wanted to share my story in hopes that you'll sign the petition and help the Red Door keep its home so they can continue doing for others what they did for us.

Thank you,

Steve Simpson

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