Our Drop-In
Welcome to PARC
PARC’s Drop-In is open seven days a week and all are welcome. The Drop-In program provides individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, homelessness and food insecurity a welcoming space and a sense of belonging.
Whether it’s a warm meal, a friendly conversation, or a referral to a needed program or service, PARC works to connect members with the support they need. PARC offers a variety of social and recreation activities throughout the week. Please speak with Drop-in staff members for more information, to get a schedule or sign up for activities.
View our September Program Calendar everyone is welcome!
Drop-in hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Friday: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & holidays: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Community Meals
The Community Meal Program is PARC’s response to food insecurity in our community, affecting 40% of residents living below the poverty line. Our goal is to ensure all individuals, regardless of income, have access to healthy and enjoyable meals in a community setting. Through the Creating Health Plus (CH+) program, PARC is able to provide members with increased access to healthy, fresh food
- Community meals are available every day in our Drop-In fostering community and reducing social isolation.
- Table service is provided, and meal service begins approximately 30 minutes after the Drop-in opens.
Health, Social and Recreation: Activities & Services
Social and Recreation Activities
Social and recreational activities at PARC aim to help people meet and connect with others. They build trust and strengthen communities, offer a chance to have fun and relax, and provide a space to be open and find meaning in the day. They also give people a place to set and reach personal goals.
Community Ally Health Partners
PARC partners with local organizations like Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre and University Health Network to provide low-barrier access to essential healthcare services for our members. Our Housing Workers, Peer Workers, and Case Managers are skilled in navigating medical services, including clinic availability and waiting lists. A nurse practitioner from Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre is available at the PARC Drop-In twice a week on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, PARC supports harm reduction through two dedicated workers, a Harm Reduction Advisory Committee led by PARC members, and comprehensive staff training in harm reduction principles.
Nursing Services at PARC
PARC, in collaboration with Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre and University Health Network, provides low-barrier access to nursing services for its members.
This service aims to provide care in a safe and trustworthy environment, especially for clients facing homelessness or severe symptoms, who may find it difficult to navigate healthcare systems.
Members can access nursing care without formal registration during Drop-in on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.. Simply speak to Drop-In staff if you’d like to see a nurse.
Hepatitis C Services
Nurses from Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre u provide Hep C testing and services every Monday morning in the Drop-In.
Harm Reduction
Harm Reduction Kit Making
PARC established a harm reduction space for peer leaders to assemble kits and exchange information, creating a safe environment for members and staff. The kits, designed for members’ safe use, are assembled during group sessions, providing an opportunity for substance users to connect, engage in community building, and contribute by helping with kit assembly.
Naloxone Training Program
Training sessions on naloxone for both staff and members, along with the distribution of naloxone kits, aim to offer life-saving supplies to the drug-using community amidst an overdose epidemic.
Naloxone kits can be requested at the front door or at the Drop-In during regular hours.
Harm Reduction 1:1 Supports
PARC provides safe-use supplies and supportive counseling as part of the harm reduction program, emphasizing a non-judgmental approach that collaboratively works with individuals using substances to encourage safer usage. The aim is to minimize the associated harms of substance use for our members.
Housing Access
Housing Access Workers
PARC’s Housing Access Workers can help members experiencing or at risk of homelessness by helping them find housing.
Housing Access Workers are available Monday –Friday 9-5. Individuals can drop in during office coverage Monday –Thursday 10-12 on a first come first serve basis. Individuals are also invited to book an appointment at: Housingaccess@parc.on.ca
Finding and maintaining housing requires much more than signing a lease. PARC supports members by providing expanded housing support services including move-in day donations, financial counselling referrals, housing search assistance, community mapping and in-person landlord engagement and mediation.