Going to university downtown Toronto in particular was jarring. On my way to classes at one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, I passed by so many people sleeping in parks, bank alcoves, and panhandling outside the train station. How could such a wealthy city leave so many people with nothing? It broke my heart, and moved me to questions and action.

I volunteered at a meal program that served breakfast and lunch every weekday to those who were unhoused and poor. I was gently encouraged to leave the kitchen (to my relief), and nudged to sit in the dining room and speak with guests. I was nervous, but kept coming back several times a week and sat at the same table in the back of the dining room - as I did in my high school cafeteria. I started my morning doing a crossword with Bear, and then read the newspaper with Chris and Iggy. I’d get made fun of my Ramsey and get into theological discussions I did not understand with Evan.

Over time, these guests became friends. I cared about the hardships that my friends were experiencing: homelessness, poverty, racism, trauma, substance use, food insecurity… and not only did I want to support them, I increasingly wanted to change the systems that kept them stuck.

From a harm reduction, anti-oppression and trauma-informed framework, I have worked frontline as an outreach & community crisis worker in Toronto’s Downtown East for over a decade. I am currently the Coordinator of Cummer Avenue United Church’s Drop-Inn program, and am also a community consultant for the Queen Street Business Improvement Association. I serve on the board at Building Roots and am on the steering committee with Shelter Housing Justice Network, organizing and advocating around issues related to housing and homelessness. I recently co-wrote a chapter in Displacement City (University of Toronto Press), released in November 2022. I’ve also played piano and sang at worship gatherings in various Christian faith spaces. My pursuit of justice and belief is rooted in my faith journey, and it is through song that I encounter the Creator and find consistent motivation to press on.

As an introvert guided by hope-grasping, joy-seeking and curiosity, I am passionate about people’s stories and find joy being able to walk alongside people through their ups and downs. I am committed to the long-haul work of changing systems and structures that keep people oppressed and am driven by the potential of being in community with like-minded people interested in building a better collective liberation. I am a believer in cultivating hope-filled community in different spaces, and inviting people into the long-haul work of collective liberation through collaboration and bridge-building.