The Wagner Green YMCA

1,700 to 7,000 youth experience homelessness in Toronto. 66% don’t have a high school diploma and 77% are unemployed.

The Wagner Green YMCA opened in 2015 to bring these youth emergency shelter and free drop-in supports from help returning to school and finding work, to substance use counselling, mental health support, legal services and more.

A Look Inside

How we support youth experiencing homelessness

Formerly known as The Vanauley Street YMCA, The Wagner Green YMCA is an 11,400 square-foot emergency shelter and drop-in centre for youth experiencing homelessness. Located at 7 Vanauley Street, we support youth in the underserved Queen West and Spadina community, where the need for these services is high.

Last year, over 11,000 youth visited the Y to access immediate crisis support, mental health counselling, employment training, substance use referrals, help navigating legal issues, support finding long-term affordable housing, and more.

The young people who rely on the Y

The Wagner Green YMCA is a diverse and 2SLGBTQ+ positive space available to young men age 16–24. Gender is self-identified.

“I was lost and without a roof over my head. I found The Wagner Green YMCA, and since then, the staff have helped me apply for college as well as getting my benefits working. Since I’ve been here, I’ve felt okay and relaxed. You have made me feel at home.”
—Justin, resident at The Wagner Green YMCA

Thank You to Our Inspiring Transformational Donors

This year, thousands of youth will find wrap-around support at the Y thanks to the incredible generosity of David Green, Daphne Wagner, and their children, Lita and Michael Green.

We are so grateful to these long-time YMCA supporters for their transformational gift to the Strong Start, Great Future Capital Campaign.

It's because of donors like them that the YMCA can continue working to bridge the inequity gaps in our community and give more youth the chance they deserve to shine.

Make a Difference in the Lives of Youth Experiencing Homelessness

The Wagner Green YMCA is part of our ambitious Strong Start, Great Future Capital Campaign to build new YMCAs across the GTA. It was the first to open its doors as part of this project.

You can make a real difference in your community by donating to the Campaign. Make your gift online, or contact Tony diCosmo, Vice President, Campaign Giving to discuss your support:
Tony.diCosmo@YMCAGTA.ORG
416-305-2792