Harm Reduction

Harm Reduction refers to the policies, programs, and practices that reduce negative health, social, and economic consequences from the use of both legal and illegal drugs. All Street Health services are offered within a harm reduction framework, we meet people “where they are” and respect each client’s right to self-determination.

Harm Reduction staff support marginalized populations who, due to stigma and discrimination, may avoid healthcare providers. Staff also help identify and provide advocacy concerning broader social determinants of health.

Outreach

Often accompanied by a Nurse, Street Outreach Teams distribute sterile drug use equipment, naloxone, and condoms, for the purpose of reducing disease transmission and to build relationships with individuals who may be isolated and not currently receiving care. Many clients first touch point with Street Health is through our outreach efforts.

 

Drop-In Programs

Drop-ins offer vital support and connections for people who are precariously housed or experiencing homelessness. Drop-ins provide essential supports including food, personal care, hygiene and harm reduction supplies and information/referrals. Each drop-in offers a safe space where community members are welcome and gain support from others with lived experience. Most importantly these drop-ins reduce individual’s isolation and build community connections.

  • Tuesday 1:30 – 4 PM – East End Prevention Project, 194 Gerrard St
  • Wednesday 5 – 7 PM – All Saints Church, 315 Dundas St. East. Enter through the door accessed from the ramp in the parking lot on Sherbourne St

Women’s Drop-In

A weekly Drop-in for non-binary people, trans and cis women who are homeless and/or street.

  • Thursday 5 – 7 PM – All Saints Church, 315 Dundas St. East. Enter through the door accessed from the ramp in the parking lot on Sherbourne St

 

Kit Making Group

Volunteers who have lived experience of homelessness and/or substance use meet weekly to assemble safer drug use kits.

 

Hepatitis C Clinic

Street Health is a partner with Vircan, to offer free, monthly Hepatitis C Clinics.

 

Community Clean up

Street Health is a partner in the Community Care Project, an initiative funded by the City of Toronto where community members clean up discarded harm reduction supplies in the downtown east.

Current hours

Current hours for this service are listed below. Street Health staff does their best to update this listing regularly.

Harm Reduction Drop-Ins

  • Tuesday 1:30 – 4 PM – Location: 194 Gerrard St
  • Wednesday 5 – 7 PM – Location: 315 Dundas St. East
  • Thursday 5 – 7 PM – Location: 315 Dundas St. East *For Women-Only

Current hours for this service are listed below. Street Health staff does their best to update this listing regularly.

Harm Reduction Drop-Ins

  • Tuesday 1:30 – 4 PM – Location: 194 Gerrard St
  • Wednesday 5 – 7 PM – Location: 315 Dundas St. East
  • Thursday 5 – 7 PM – Location: 315 Dundas St. East *For Women-Only

Learn more

To confirm hours or eligibility, please contact us.