FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
COVID-19 Important Announcement about our Programs
Haven on the Queensway will continue to serve our clients and community to the best of our abilities.
We will be taking the necessary precautions in order to keep our staff, volunteers and clients safe and healthy.
Our food bank will continue to serve clients by appointment and pick up only.
Effective immediately, our Haven’s Closet (Clothing Boutique) will be closed until further notice. If you had a scheduled appointment, you will be contacted to reschedule.
First care will continue to serve clients by appointment and pick up only. If you are a first-time client, you will be contacted to reschedule your appointment or to address your immediate needs.
How do I access the Haven services?
To use our family services (Food Bank, Haven Closet, First Care) you are required to book an appointment.
Please call (416)-640-2005, Monday to Thursday between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm.
Where is the Haven on the Queensway located?
Haven on the Queensway, 1533 The Queensway. Toronto, Ontario M8Z 1T8
Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Food bank: Wednesdays 10:30 am to 4:00 pm
How do I get to Haven on the Queensway?
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From Hwy 401 East or West
Take Hwy 401 to Hwy 427 South to Queensway Avenue.
Turn left on Queensway, go through 4 sets of lights. The Haven is on the right (South side) and is located one block West of IKEA.
From QEW Hamilton
Take the QEW West to Kipling Avenue North.
At Queensway Avenue turn left at the lights, go over the bridge. The Haven is on the left (South side) and is located one block West of IKEA.
T.T.C. DIRECTIONS:
From Kipling Subway
Take 44 South and get off at Queensway Avenue.
Take the Queensway 80 going West on the Queensway.
Get off at the third bus stop (Algie Ave) or you can walk just over the bridge (10 minutes). The Haven is located one block West of IKEA.
From Islington Subway
Take the Islington 110A or 110B South and get off at Queensway Avenue.
Take the Queensway 80 going West on the Queensway.
Get off at the sixth bus stop (Algie Ave). The Haven is located one block West of IKEA.
From Keele Subway
Take the 80 Queensway going West and get off at the Algie Ave stop. The Haven is located one block West of IKEA.
FOOD BANK
COVID-19: Our food bank will continue to serve clients by appointment and pick up only. Groceries will be prepacked, and no client’s bags will be allowed in our facilities.
What are the different ways to donate to the Haven on the Queensway?
There are many options to support the Haven, from hosting a food drive or a virtual food drive at your school or office, attending our annual fundraising events, becoming a corporate sponsor, donating dollars, to dropping off your donation directly at our facilities. Every donation counts!
Visit our webpage havenontheq.com/give to see a list of donation options and needs.
Does the Haven prefer monetary donations or donated goods?
Both are good options, here is why:
Donating dollars gives us a higher purchasing power. When you donate money, we are able to purchase food in large quantities at wholesale rates. Also, we can buy products which cater to the needs of our clients. There are many miscellaneous products our food bank needs which are not frequently donated.
However, a donation bin at the grocery store or office is a reminder to people that hunger exists in our communities. It is sometimes encouraging to host a food drive and fill the boxes with good food and donating food is sometimes more convenient for some donors and families.
When can I drop off donations?
You can drop off your donation at our building (1533 The Queensway. Toronto, Ontario M8Z 1T8) Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. When you arrive please drive to the back of the building and ring the bell located on the door. Someone will come out to help you with your donations. If other days work better for you, please give us a call and we will arrange something (416) 640-2005.
Note: Please do not leave your donation at our doors or parking lot at any time.
What food do people receive?
Our food bank and Pantry Coordinators work together to create a grocery list each week based on what we have on our shelves. Our aim is to provide each person with a protein, starch, a canned fruit or vegetable, various non-perishable items, and produce.
What are the most requested items?
Visit our webpage havenontheq.com/give for donation options and needs.
Does Haven accept pet food donations?
Yes! The food bank accepts donations of pet food so that people in need do not need to relinquish their furry friends while experiencing hard times.
Does Haven accept furniture donations?
No. The Haven does not accept furniture or adult books. Please contact the furniture bank in your area.
How do I apply to access the Haven’s Haven Closet?
The Clothing Closet is a free service for you and your immediate family. To determine whether you qualify to use this service, we ask you to provide us with the following information:
Proof of address: A copy of lease agreement
Proof of ID for every member of the family
Proof of income: Full-time or Part-time employment, ODSP, Ontario Works, Student Loans, etc.
Two months worth of bank statement.
Which days is the Haven Closet open?
The Clothing Closet is open on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. To book an appointment please call (416)-640-2005, Monday to Thursday between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
Yes, to receive the Haven Closet service you are required to book an appointment. Please call (416)-640-2005, Monday to Thursday between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to make an appointment.
HAVEN'S CLOSET
FIRST CARE
COVID-19: First Care will continue to serve clients by appointment and pick up only. If you are a first-time client, you will be contacted to reschedule your appointment or to address your immediate needs.
Who can use the services of the First Care program?
Parents or guardians of children 0 up to 2 years old can use this service.
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
Yes, to receive the First Care service you are required to book an appointment. Please call (416)-640-2005, Monday to Thursday between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to make an appointment.
Food bank clients and Clothing Closet clients will receive the service during their scheduled visits to the Haven.
What do you provide through the First Care Program?
For each child 0 up to 2 years old you will receive:
One (1) package of diapers (16 Diapers
One (1) can of Formula
One (1) package of Wipes
Baby Equipment (subject to availability)
Clothing
Parenting Support (call (416)-640-2005, Monday to Thursday between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to book an appointment)
Grief Counselling
DONORS
COVID-19 Please help us help those in need at this critical time. The need is increasing rapidly, and our front-line workers are doing their best to distribute food safely and quickly as the numbers are increasing. Your donated funds will help us to keep running our programs related to essential services!
What are the different ways to donate to the Haven on the Queensway?
There are many options to support the Haven, from hosting a food drive or a virtual food drive at your school or office, attending our annual fundraising events, becoming a corporate sponsor, donating dollars, to dropping off your donation directly at our facilities. Every donation counts!
Visit our webpage havenontheq.com/give to see a list of donation options and needs.
Does the Haven prefer monetary donations or donated goods?
Both are good options, here is why:
Donating dollars gives us a higher purchasing power. When you donate money, we are able to purchase food in large quantities at wholesale rates. Also, we can buy products which cater to the needs of our clients. There are many miscellaneous products our food bank needs which are not frequently donated.
However, a donation bin at the grocery store or office is a reminder to people that hunger exists in our communities. It is sometimes encouraging to host a food drive and fill the boxes with good food and donating food is sometimes more convenient for some donors and families.
When can I drop off donations?
You can drop off your donation at our building (1533 The Queensway. Toronto, Ontario M8Z 1T8) Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. When you arrive please drive to the back of the building and ring the bell located on the door. Someone will come out to help you with your donations. If other days work better for you, please give us a call and we will arrange something (416) 640-2005.
Note: Please do not leave your donation at our doors or parking lot at any time.
What food do people receive?
Our food bank and Pantry Coordinators work together to create a grocery list each week based on what we have on our shelves. Our aim is to provide each person with a protein, starch, a canned fruit or vegetable, various non-perishable items, and produce.
What are the most requested items?
Visit our webpage havenontheq.com/give for donation options and needs.
Does Haven accept pet food donations?
Yes! The food bank accepts donations of pet food so that people in need do not need to relinquish their furry friends while experiencing hard times.
Does Haven accept furniture donations?
No. The Haven does not accept furniture or adult books. Please contact the furniture bank in your area.
VOLUNTEERS
COVID-19: During the pandemic, we are still accepting applications. Please note that our volunteers may require to be exposed to the public. The Haven is taking the necessary precautions in order to keep our staff, volunteers and clients safe and healthy.
How can I volunteer at the Haven?