Two people look at a flyer while standing in front of a mobile clinic vehicle

Programs and services

Mobile Outreach

People who use drugs often face stigma and discrimination, which can lead to social isolation. Hidden homelessness, along with limited access to food and healthcare, are also common challenges. The East Toronto Outreach Project (ETOP) works to bridge these gaps by bringing connection and services directly to those who need them most. This includes street outreach, home visits, drop-in spaces, health education events, and community clean-ups.

Program details

Program categories

Mental health support

Substance use care

Program format

In-person

Registration requirements

Drop in

Location

Mobile

Organization contact

Paula Tookey
[email protected]
416-461-1925

Cost

No cost

Language

English

Translation services available

Schedule/time

Tuesdays 2-5pm:
street outreach to various encampments

Wednesdays 2-5pm:
drop-in hours at 444 Lumsden Avenue

Overview:

We aim to meet people where they are, using harm reduction strategies and a compassionate, client-centered approach to guide our work.

Services offered:

Our outreach team provides informal connections and wellness checks in the community, along with information and referrals to health and social services. We offer health education and harm reduction education, naloxone and overdose response training, sharps containers and safe disposal, harm reduction supplies, and safer sex supplies.

Catchment area:

North: St. Clair Avenue and O’Connor Drive
South: Lake Ontario
East: Victoria Park Avenue
West: Don Valley Parkway

Program FAQ

Do I have to give you my personal information in order to receive services?
Absolutely not! There are many reasons why someone might not be comfortable sharing their identity. The option of anonymity is a foundational pillar of the low-barrier services that ETOP provides. If we ask for your name, you’re always welcome to remain anonymous or give us an alias.
I've seen someone living outside and I think they could use your support. How can I report this to ETOP staff?
You can call, text, or email us anytime. Since all of our services are optional, we would first check-in with the person and see if they’re interested in getting connected to us. We don’t provide services to anyone who doesn’t consent to them.

Our 2024-2025 Impact

2160

people served by ETOP staff through outreach services

100%

of service users reported that their connection to ETOP improved their health and well-being in some way

What people are saying

Having someone check in with me once a week has been essential to staying alive around here. I literally couldn't live without them.

Service user

This partnership has kept people in my community safe and alive. The existence of this partnership helps me do my work effectively and sleep better at night knowing that people are treated with respect and care.

Agency partner