For more information about the shelter, including: volunteering your time and skills, making a corporate or individual financial donation, learning about the myths and realities of homelessness, or to read about our members "Success Stories" and "Personal Circumstance Stories," please visit our website at: www.wychwoodopendoor.org


Who we are

Wychwood Open Door has provided homeless and socially isolated people in the St. Clair West neighbourhood with guidance, food, friendship and support since 1986. Wychwood is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer board. Our mission is to reduce isolation, boost nutrition and help develop life skills among homeless and socially isolated people.


What we do

We operate three days a week out of the basement of St. Matthew's United Church at St. Clair Ave. W. and Rushton Rd. The program runs Monday and Wednesday, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., all year round (except public holidays). We serve breakfast from 9:00 a.m. and a hot noon meal between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., which is followed by recreational activities. Guests can play games such as bingo and backgammon, or join our computer skills training club.

We run a small clothing exchange, give help with housing, legal and health issues and have regular visits by the public health nurse. Our members are encouraged to develop life skills by volunteering to help with the program. Some sit on our board, some help in the kitchen or with clean-up.


Summary of our services

You may read about the services we provide by visiting our website, but here's a summary:

-year-round program (except public holidays)
-drop-in open to all, including socially isolated persons, street and homeless people
-fosters social interaction and motivational development
-social, recreational and fitness programs
-full-course hot noon meal, served between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.
-clothing exchange
-life skills
-community and health information