Sanctuary Ministries of Toronto

About Sanctuary Ministries of Toronto:

Founded in 1992, Sanctuary Ministries of Toronto (Sanctuary) is a Christian organization that works with poor and homeless people to provide them with support in reintegrating with the community. Sanctuary believes that without belonging to a healthy community people receive little benefit from drug rehab, housing, or employment programs.

Every week, Sanctuary hosts a health clinic, art club, women’s group, worship service, two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and two community meals. Staff are available to help people access welfare, housing, legal aid, counselling, and therapy or drug rehabilitation. The charity owns two homes in East York which provide shelter for eight people.

From June 30, 2017 to August 8, 2017 Sanctuary closed its meal and drop-in programs to address escalating violence. A few schedule changes were made to address the previous issues.

Sanctuary Ministries of Toronto operates Switchback Cyclery, a retail and repair bike shop. The business hires people with limited education, work experience, or a criminal record who may have trouble finding a job in the traditional labour market. Employment provides people with a sense of purpose and belonging. Sanctuary gives employees training and support in finding sustainable housing, accessing healthcare, and maintaining a personal budget.

Results and Impact: In the winter of 2017, Sanctuary worked with other agencies and individuals, successfully advocating for the city of Toronto to open 700 additional shelter spaces. 

Financial Review:

Sanctuary Ministries of Toronto is a medium-sized charity with donations of $1.6m in F2017.  Switchback Cyclery ran at a net loss, costing $49k in F2017. Administrative costs are 6% of revenues and the charity reports no fundraising costs. For every $1 donated, 94 cents go to the cause, falling just within Ci’s reasonable range. Sanctuary has $707k in funding reserves which could cover program costs for four months. This indicates a need for funding.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Sanctuary Ministries Toronto for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on August 1, 2018 by Madison Kerr.