Poverty Awareness in York Region

Some Help Links in the York Region

Operation Sparrow for low income families in Newmarket and Aurora - Join your kids into karate, theatre school, other physical/cultural activities /possible transportation to/from. 905-716-1447

York Region Winter warmth programs - having trouble paying gas ? They will cover you!

Neighbourhood Network - Connecting organizations with volunteers

Newmarket Connection Community Information and Volunteer Centre

Newmarket Connections is located in the Newmarket Public Library.Newmarket Connections has up-to-date information on a wide variety of local groups and services, including: Counselling & Support Services,Childcare, Health Services, Job Search Guides, Education, Information for Newcomers, Seniors Services, Sports Clubs, Drug or Alcohol Rehab, Government Services,Transportation, Recreation Clubs, Hobby Clubs, Literacy Programs & Language Training, Women’s & Men’s Groups, Youth Groups, Theatre, Service Clubs. Newmarket Connections offers you an opportunity to talk one-on-one with a Volunteer Services Coordinator about prospects in the community that fit with your interests. Ask one of our representatives for an application, fill it out and we will contact you. High school students are encouraged to register with Newmarket Connections to help them fulfill their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) community involvement requirements. Contact us at 905-953-5110, ext. 4700.

The library has also just launched a new program called Pathfinders: Connections to Employment and Resources.

Pathfinders is a central access point to direct people to the resources and services offered by community-based not-for-profit organizations that will help them with employment transitions, job searches, skills upgrading and career networking opportunities. Contact Pathfinders by calling Newmarket Connections Community Information & Volunteer Centre at the Newmarket Public Library, 905-953-5110, ext. 4700.

Food Access Programs and Services

This listing provides an overview of food access programs and services in York Region. Please note that hours and days of operation may change, so please phone ahead. The information is current as of April 2005. For up-to-date information and/or directions, please call the phone number listed.

General Contact Information
Description:Health Connection
1-800-361-5653

Public health nurses, dietitians and inspectors with York Region Health Services provide counselling on health issues. Provides a central access point to link to other health services.

Helpmate Community Info and Volunteer Bureau
905-884-3000 or 1-800-363-2412

Information and volunteer bureau provide region-wide information on community resources such as housing, counselling, education and health care.

YorkLink is an online and hard-copy directory connects York Region residents with over 700 community service providers and government agencies in the Region.

York Region Food Network
905-967-0428 or 1-800-454-9736
A charitable organization that works to improve food security and access to affordable healthy food for York Region residents. Initiatives include community gardens, community kitchens, regional food drive coordination, public education programs, awareness campaigns and volunteer and referral services.

Youth Food Programs
Stone Soup Supper Club (Youth Recreation Centre)
905-953-5120
56 Charles St
Newmarket
A supper club for youth who want to learn about cooking and meal planning. Youth enjoy a sit-down meal that they have helped prepare. The program is held on Tuesday nights from 4-6 pm.

Homebase (Pathways)
905-884-3070
10944 Yonge St
Richmond Hill
(N of Elgin Mills near Bernard)
A youth drop-in recreational centre providing food and clothing as well as assistance to find shelter / housing. Help with job search, support groups and counselling is available. Open Monday to Thursday from 1-8 pm and Friday from 1-7 pm.

York Region Youth Shelter
905-830-0121
835 Gorham St
Newmarket
An emergency shelter for homeless young men, ages 16-25. Assistance with housing, referrals and counselling is available. Meals are provided to all residents.

York Region- Street Outreach Van
Markham, Woodbridge, Aurora, Newmarket Richmond Hill, & Sutton
1-866-553-4053 or 416-274-4972 or 905-252-8933
Program designed to assist homeless, or those at risk, to find shelter, food, clothing and health care. Needle exchange is provided. The van is on the streets Monday to Thursday from 2-9 pm and on Fridays from 10 am - 4 pm.

Women’s Services
ABC All Babies Count
Keswick and Newmarket
Richmond Hill and Woodbridge, Markham
905-853-5514 or 905-856-7300 or 905-471-1620
A program for moms-to-be. Provides snacks, a small meal, groceries and grocery certificate for clients.

Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers
905-853-5514 or 1-877-516-3715
Programs designed to meet specific needs and interests of young mothers and their infant to preschool-aged children. Provides educational and support services to clients. Food bank and donation room available for clients. Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Sandgate Women's Shelter of Georgina
905-722-3220 or 1-800-661-8294
An emergency shelter for abused women and their children. Equitable organization equipped to serve all women. Community kitchen is held for Sandgate clients. Outreach support provided though the Keswick office at 905-476-8992.

Umbrellas Program (Addiction Services for York Region)
905-841-7007 or 1-800-263-2288 ext 322
Supports pregnant and parenting women (with child up to 6 months old) involved with alcohol and/or drugs. Offers appointments for free, confidential assessments, counselling, information, support and referrals to other community resources. Appointments available at a variety of locations. Support with food, transportation and child supervision available for clients.

Yellow Brick House
1-800-263-3247
Provides shelter, counselling and support services to abused women and their children. Services also include parenting, children's program and follow-up. Public education provided to the community on issues of violence against women.

Women’s Centre of York Region
905-727-5837
Offers individual counselling and group programs to women in transition and needing support. Also provides a program to low income women wanting to start their own business. Onsite food room and clothing exchange are available to clients.

Housing Help Centre