We were happy to see Amy Maclachlan's article Living On The Edge in February. It is a good thing to celebrate the missions and people who serve those who are so frequently forgotten in our society.
While we recognize that it is not possible to feature all of the agencies that offer assistance, we lament the omission of Portland Place, a Presbyterian mission in downtown Toronto.
Since 1991 Portland Place Non Profit Housing has provided 46 units of secure, rent geared to income housing for men, women and families who face a range of ongoing challenges that make finding and keeping appropriate housing extremely difficult. The tenants are welcomed into a community that offers in-house supports to enable them to stabilize their lives. They learn that they are honoured and valued. When they are assured that they are cared about, they, in turn, have an increased capacity to care about each other. More than just housing, they find a long-term home. They get to know and enjoy each other at community meals, movies and seasonal social events. Life skills such as budgeting, shopping, laundry and cooking, are learned in one on one sessions or in small groups. Everyone gets a birthday cake. Some of the most moving events are the memorial services when the tenants share their memories of a neighbour who will be profoundly missed. Functioning like a largefamily, the tenants, staff and volunteers share the joys and sorrows of life together.
We would invite and encourage staff of the Record to visit Portland Place to experience first hand the sense of community that flourishes there.
About Rev. Dr. Charlotte Stuart,
Chair, Portland Place, Toronto
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