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About Crisis in Our City
Crisis in Our City is a collaborative network working for a more compassionate city by
supporting access to safe shelter, housing, and dignity. We advocate for people experiencing
homelessness including refugees and refugee claimants, bringing together community
organizations, faith groups, frontline workers, and individuals with lived experience to push for real change.
We focus on
Advocacy – engaging with governments and coalitions for better housing and shelter
options.
Community Solutions – developing small, culturally relevant shelters and creative
housing models.
Partnerships – building strong alliances across sectors to share resources and support
people in need.
Awareness – using events and campaigns to amplify voices and highlight solutions.
Meeting Schedule
Join Our Network Meetings
Our network meets bi-weekly and operates through shared values of dignity, fairness, inclusivity, and integrity.
Together, we are working to end homelessness and build a more compassionate city.
Day and Time: Mondays at 3:00 PM
Platform: Zoom
Core Values
Human Rights-Based Approach
Every person deserves safety, respect, and equitable support.
Inclusivity & Diversity
Uplifting voices from all communities and backgrounds.
Solidarity
Working together across organizations and lived experience.
Integrity & Reciprocity
Transparent decision-making rooted in mutual care.
Equality & Fairness
Access to shelter and support without discrimination.
Objectives
Advocacy:
Work with non-profits, coalitions, and all levels of government to secure better
shelter and housing options for refugees and refugee claimants.
Community Engagement:
Partner with faith-based organizations, community groups,
governments, and others to strengthen support.
Resource Sharing:
Use vacant buildings for shelters, support new housing models, and
share resources within the network to meet urgent needs.
Information Sharing:
Exchange data, strategies, and opportunities.
Strategies
Find safe places to sleep for individuals who are not able to access shelters.
Create smaller, purpose-built spaces with culturally relevant supports.
Identify vacant spaces for micro-shelters managed by non-profits.
Utilize vacant spaces in existing buildings in order to create shelter spaces, particularly
for interim use until new permanent shelters are ready.
Run advocacy campaigns through letters, press conferences, and meetings with city
officials.
Host community events to share experiences and highlight solutions.
Launch digital campaigns to raise awareness and advocate for change.
Onboarding Process
Introduction
New members are welcomed during bi-weekly meetings.
Orientation
Dedicated session to explain the mission, values, objectives, and strategies.
Resource Access:
Members receive access to a shared Google Drive with meeting
minutes, strategic documents, and advocacy materials.
Stakeholders
Open to homelessness and refugee-serving organizations, faith-based groups, community
organizations, individuals with lived experience, advocates, business owners, and frontline
workers in Toronto and surrounding areas.
Members are expected to participate actively in meetings and advocacy efforts.
Governance
Co-Chairs and Facilitators
Ms. Mismak Taame Hagos
Adi Yemane
Shula Katz
Decision-Making
By consensus during meetings
Accountability
Bi-weekly notes on activities and outcomes shared with members
Evaluation and Improvement
Feedback:
Regular input from stakeholders to refine processes and strategies.
Quarterly Review:
Dedicated meetings to assess progress, goals, and outcomes, and
adapt approaches.
Communication Etiquette
This Charter guides the operations and activities of Crisis in Our City,
ensuring a cohesive and effective approach to advocating for the rights and needs of people experiencing homelessness, including, but not limited to refugees in Toronto and the surrounding areas.
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