A community initiative in Palmerston-Little Italy is empowering homeless women and gender-diverse individuals to express themselves creatively and earn income through their unique creations.
The homelessness crisis in Toronto is reaching alarming levels, with the latest City assessment revealing more than 15,400 individuals living without homes.
According to the study, 90% of respondents emphasized the crucial need for various supports such as affordable housing, increased social assistance rates, and job training to break the cycle of homelessness.
Heading the charge is Volletta Peters, a philosophy doctorate holder who serves as the executive director of Sistering, a comprehensive support agency for homeless women and gender-diverse individuals.
Peters highlighted the challenges faced by homeless individuals in securing employment due to the lack of stable living conditions. Recognizing this, Sistering introduced Spun Studio, an innovative textile program aimed at providing a creative outlet for participants to learn sewing, knitting, and crocheting while fostering self-esteem and community spirit.
The artworks created by the participants are sold every Saturday outside Sistering, offering them a means of earning income and gaining a sense of accomplishment.
Julie Dumaresq-Turgeon, a social enterprise associate at Spun Studio, emphasized the transformative power of the studio in helping participants heal from past traumas and forge meaningful connections within the community.
A recent national survey highlighted that one in four women experienced homelessness before the age of 16, often leading to a cycle of unstable housing situations. Additionally, a significant number of homeless women and gender-diverse individuals reported being survivors of trauma and abuse.
Trishawna Lindo, a Spun Studio participant, shared her personal journey of overcoming homelessness with the support of Sistering, expressing gratitude for the assistance she received in finding housing and developing her skills.
Looking ahead, Spun Studio aims to expand its art programs and collaborate with other shelters and organizations in the city to further support individuals experiencing homelessness.
Keyphrase: Homeless Women Creative Outlet