I’m punching myself for not coming here sooner.
So I’ve known about, and been referred to, Friends of Ruby for a while.
But since being homeless is like a full-time job, I didn’t have the chance to go there until very recently.
Now the first barrier to Friends of Ruby is that it’s for youth only (age 16-29), meaning I can only go there for one or two more years, but better late than never lol. I’m also fortunate because the youth age cut-off for programs is usually age 26, like with Youth Without Shelter.
Regardless, I’m glad I’m here now to tell you about it.
And my thoughts? I have nothing but almost positive things to say.
Like really, I’m surprised it’s not talked about more, but I guess the age barrier is partly because of that.
“But I’ve heard mixed things about Friends of Ruby!”
So an important distinction that needs to be acknowledged is that I learned there are essentially two different branches of Friends of Ruby: The Drop-In Center and the Transitional Housing.
The reason I mention this is because I’ve heard from a friend that their friend (friend of a friend) didn’t have positive things to say about them.
So, I kept this in the back of my mind when I was doing my sort-of reconnaissance interview of the drop-in Center. And of course, when I noticed the difference between what I heard and what I was seeing, I ask one of the workers there about it.
Sure enough, they said it was most likely the Transitional Housing part of Friends of Ruby, which I then confirmed with my friend, that yes, it was the Transitional Housing part of Friends of Ruby that had the notoriety.
Don’t worry, I’m going to see what’s up with that soon enough, but for now, let’s talk about this phenomenal drop-in center.
Visiting the Friends of Ruby Drop-In
My first time coming to Friends of Ruby, I was a little lost.
That’s because the first image you see on Google Maps is the back entrance of the building it’s in.
The photo I took above is the front of the building, which has an elevator to the basement section, where it resides.
First time coming to Friends of Ruby, and I instantly felt like I belonged because everyone seems to dress like me lol. That is to say, it seems everyone is comfortable being themselves here, so that’s great.
And because everyone is in the same age group, unlike how broad The 519 is, it’s a more comfortable experience for everyone here.
So, what can we get here? Well, let’s take a look at the front area.
Goodies for all your trans and self-care needs.
Thumbs up.
In fact, I was welcomed to take as much as I needed because it does help to show that the space is impactful in the community, thus better opportunities of funding.
And as someone who is going through several pads a day because of my surgery (and post-op complications of said surgery because of my homelessness), you have no idea just how much money this saves me on pads.
I have to wait until my nurse practitioner in Sudbury submits my Mandatory Special Necessities Benefit Request ODSP form to see if I’ll even get my pads covered, but with Friends of Ruby, this instantly alleviates that concern.
That also means less stuff for me to walk around with on the streets as I can drop in to get some (as long as it is a weekday, sadly).
Groceries
For those of us folk who are not eating to save every dollar we can, they offer groceries you can pick up anytime. There’s even variety for us picky eaters.
Laundry
Have dirty clothes? F**k the coin laundromat! Save your money and do it here instead!
No more carrying around loonies and quarters!
However, do note that their laundry services close at 4 PM. This is so you’ll have your laundry done by the time the space closes.
Computer Access
Sure, you could just go to the Toronto Public Library to use the computers there, but does it have a space exclusively for queer youth?
Maybe. I don’t know, but Friends of Ruby does!
And I also learned something really awesome while browsing around: Subsidized computers! (from Renewed Computer Technology)
Wish I knew about that four years ago before I dropped $400 on a laptop from Best Buy when I came to Canada back in 2020.
Restrooms
Gender-inclusive bathrooms, as expected. But also there if you need a clean bathroom to use.
Goddess knows the horrors I’ve seen in public restrooms.
Quiet Rooms
First time I’ve seen something like this: an isolated quiet room.
Not just if you want to talk on the phone in private, but also very good for us neurodivergent/neurospicy individuals who are sensitive to our surroundings.
Lounge
Oh my god! I wanted to scream in excitement when I saw someone playing AI The Somnium Files on the TV with their Nintendo Switch! Reminded me so much of EQUALS in Barbados, who has a similar lounge at their drop-in center (and I also was their graphic designer *cough* shameful self-promotion *cough*)
The TV also has some streaming channels, but anyone is free to just game for the day as long as no one else is using it.
Why is this drop-in only opened five days a week?? Like holy shit, just the atmosphere alone did wonders for my mental health.
And of course, there are plenty of events. In fact, it seems like there’s an event every day, including DnD sessions (very awesome) and arts programs.
Arts Room
TTC Bus Passes
And just in case you’re worried about travel fare, Friends of Ruby has free One Ride TTC passes to give so you can get the most out of your social assistance benefits (Remember, you get up to two hours of free transfers. Take advantage of that)
Unfortunately, we can’t abuse the privileges on this since it’s limited to one person a day.
Not that I would evvveeerrr to do that. I’m a good girl. (o˘◡˘o)
…or would I? ( ಠ◡ಠ )
Free (Donated) Clothes
Free clothes for anyone to take and even try on in front of a full-body mirror.
This is obviously where my old clothes will be going now that I’ve been having to get new clothes because of the weight I’ve been losing.
(Was it the breakup? Yes, it was the breakup…that, and I’m a broke bitch).
Resources
There are a TON of resources here. Like, enough to be its own library.
And if that’s not enough, the staff here are very capable of looking for extra or alternative resources on your behalf.
Talking with the workers there I was also able to get more places to visit, some I actually wasn’t aware of:
Of course, they also didn’t know what a post-op trans girl could do for post-op aftercare on the streets, but given some time, I got one suggestion: Maggie’s.
That will be my next destination.
Closing Notes
Okay, so I’m obviously going to give Friends of Ruby a very positive recommendation.
But is there anything they could improve on?
The only problem I can really find is their opening hours. A six-hour window only on weekdays is very limiting.
I’ve only recently been able to correct my sleep schedule, but for the past few months I’ve been a night owl.
This meant I usually always missed my opportunity to go there.
It also doesn’t help that I’ve found numerous inconsistencies from other sources about their opening times. Even the social worker from North York General Hospital listed Friends of Ruby as opening at 11:30 AM (It’s actually 12PM).
I remembered seeing somewhere that they were advertised as being open seven days a week but when I asked about that, I learned that was for a brief moment during the winter when they got funding help to be a warming center.
Hopefully, writing about them helps them get more funding to open more often, as it’s my number one go-to for community resources and relaxing from the constant moving around as someone who’s homeless.
And I’m sure others would love for them to have expanded hours as well, as I’ve heard nothing but positive things from others in the space.
Recommendation: HELPFUL
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