Toronto gala celebrates resilience and hope while raising funds to end homelessness

Homelessness has reached an all-time high in Toronto, with some alarming stats to back the statement up. Food bank visits have reached record-breaking levels, and every day, people in our city are facing unprecedented challenges.

That's why supportive and wraparound programs in Toronto are more necessary than ever — and Homes First is providing the perfect opportunity to support.

Homes First is welcoming the giving season with its annual fundraising gala, Homes For Dinner: Chapters of Hope. Celebrating 41 years of developing and providing emergency shelter, supportive housing, and support services to the most vulnerable, it's a beautiful night that produces real change.

Taking place on Nov. 15 at the Bram and Bluma Appel Salon at Toronto Reference Library, Homes For Dinner: Chapters of Hope returns for its 12th year with a gourmet menu, open bar, live entertainment, exclusive prizes, and most importantly, an impactful mission.

It's a get-together with city residents who have a passion to produce change in the community. Here's what the gala entails.

An evening for hope and change

For 2025, the event, presented by Fitzrovia, will platform the stories of Homes First residents with inspiring client stories and original artwork up for auction. 

The night starts at 7 p.m. and is hosted by Things to Know TO's Nicole Servinis. Guests will enjoy a gourmet meal provided by 10tation Event Catering and a premium open bar. Get your fill and check out the silent auction to bid on specialty items like sports tickets, jewellery, art, and even luxury experiences.

Expect to network with Toronto professionals and philanthropists and come together to support proven solutions to homelessness.

The real numbers

In the City of Toronto, there has been a 17 percent increase in those experiencing homelessness on any given night since 2023. That means there are over 15,000 people without a home each day. 

With only 9,600 approximate shelter beds available in the city's inventory, roughly 2,000 people are turned away due to capacity. Plus, the active number of applications for centralized and subsidized housing now sits at 100,361 and is growing. Of that number, one in three active applicants are seniors.

It's these exact numbers that Homes First works tirelessly to reduce. Each night, more than 2,500 people across 26 properties are provided with emergency shelters and long-term supportive housing.  In 2025, Homes First has also helped more than 640 people find permanent housing.

Support Chapters of Hope

Each ticket to the gala directly supports Toronto's most vulnerable, bringing together the city's passionate activists, leaders, and philanthropists to raise critical funds. Toronto is in crisis, and now more than ever, support is needed.

Help fund critical programs and build a future where everyone has a safe place to call home. Purchase your Homes For Dinner: Chapters of Hope Gala tickets today.

Homes For Dinner: Chapters of Hope

When: Saturday, Nov. 15
Time: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 780 Yonge St.
Price: $150