Street Haven, a celebrated non-profit organization dedicated to assisting women facing homelessness, is set to mark its 60th anniversary on March 25, 2025. The milestone will be commemorated with a gala at Galleria Italia in the Art Gallery of Ontario. This significant event will honor six decades of transformative service, offering shelter, affordable housing, addiction recovery support, mental health and trauma counseling, along with training and employment resources for women grappling with homelessness and poverty.

The gala will bring together influential government and community leaders, stakeholders, staff, and both current and former clients to reflect on the agency’s grassroots origins, founded by the late Peggy Ann Walpole, a nurse and Governor General Award Winner. Her vision led to the creation of Canada’s first women’s shelter and the country’s first residential addiction treatment program for women.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Councillor Chris Moise, and MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam will kick off the evening with speeches to recognize Street Haven’s pivotal role in the community. Guests will be treated to an exhibition of archival materials showcasing Street Haven’s 60-year journey, featuring memorabilia and inspiring success stories from clients. A silent auction of client-created art will also be held as part of the celebration.

This event is important because it highlights the significant achievements and impact that Street Haven has had on society and homeless women as a result of our innovative leadership that includes creating Canada’s first women’s shelter and residential addictions treatment. We have played a critical role to ending homelessness for tens of thousands of women” said Dr. Siu Mee Cheng, Executive Director of Street Haven. “This milestone allows us to celebrate our past but will also mark our next chapter as we unveil our plans to develop a Women’s Healthy Housing Campus in downtown Toronto that will aim to triple our affordable housing footprint.”

Street Haven remains a leader in tackling the homelessness and affordable housing challenges in Toronto. This anniversary gala will highlight our significant achievements over the years and showcase our ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness among women in need, both now and in the future.