Toronto Libraries Boost Social Support Services to Aid Vulnerable

Toronto’s libraries are expanding their role as community support hubs in response to the growing homelessness and mental health crisis. The Toronto Public Library has introduced social and crisis support services to an additional 12 branches, aiming to provide vital assistance to vulnerable individuals in welcoming public spaces.

The initiative began in 2023, driven by library staff who felt limited in their ability to assist those in need. According to Amanda French, manager of social development at the Toronto Public Library, “We would tell people where something was, but then we couldn’t really warmly hand them over to anyone.” This realization prompted a partnership with the Gerstein Crisis Centre, which enabled the library to offer free drop-in crisis services and programs for individuals facing mental health and substance abuse challenges.

Services Tailored to Community Needs

The pilot project launched in select locations in 2023 has proven successful, with over 8,000 individuals participating in more than 1,000 wellness programs and sessions within the first year. The library reported a total of 12,900 engagements between individuals and crisis workers. Programming includes peer-led activities in physical fitness and music therapy, as well as educational workshops focused on mental health recovery and suicide prevention.

French noted that the locations for these services were strategically chosen to maximize impact. “We saw that there was a really great correlation between better connecting folks not just during a crisis, but also in preventive situations before someone is experiencing a crisis,” she said.

The Gerstein Crisis Centre’s executive director, Susan Davis, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the approach. “The beauty of it is the inclusivity and the fact that a community cares enough to try and bring the resources to the people,” she stated. This collaboration allows individuals who may not have access to the crisis center’s facilities to receive necessary support in a more accessible environment.

Addressing Loneliness and Mental Health

The importance of this initiative is underscored by a 2024 report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, which revealed that approximately 2.5 million Canadians with mental health needs reported inadequate care. Furthermore, a survey by the Toronto Foundation found that 37 percent of Torontonians, or around 925,000 people, feel lonely several days a week. These statistics highlight the critical need for community support services.

Davis pointed out that traditional mental health services often lack the community connection that the library provides. “So many people are living with loneliness and that really impacts mental health,” she noted. The library serves as one of the last remaining free public institutions, where individuals can connect with others in a supportive environment.

Since expanding its services in June 2025, the library has seen participation grow, with over 4,000 participants this year alone and 8,300 total crisis worker engagements. Accessing these services is straightforward; individuals can walk into any participating library branch. Crisis workers, identifiable by a white lanyard and a purple card, are visible and approachable, making it easier for those in need to seek help.

The Toronto Public Library is committed to evaluating the program’s effectiveness and may consider further expansion to additional branches if demand continues to rise. French stated, “We’ll look at our data and make sure that we are serving customers where they are with the kinds of services they need.”

This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the role public libraries can play in addressing social issues, providing not only access to information but also critical support services to enhance community well-being.