In this episode of Radio Regent, RPTV Reporter Jamelia Parnell speaks with Lucy Gallo, the Director of Youth Services and Housing, for the Friends of Ruby Home. Then new transitional house located at Dundas ST and Pembroke St, according to Lucy Gallo, is a place that aims to assist young people to overcome the traumas and rejection that they have experienced in their lives, and even sometimes violence.

The Friends of Ruby Home was designed to appeal to youth, not just any youth, but LGBTQI2S youth between the ages of 16 - 29 years who are in need of transitional housing and support.

Friends of Ruby was founded in 2014 by Egale Canada as Egale Youth Services to meet the needs of LGBTQI2S youth in the Greater Toronto Area. LGBTI2 refers to Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersects and 2 spirited. The catalyst for providing the home was Egale’s “Not under my roof” study that shone light on the crisis of LGBTQI2S youth homelessness due to disproportionately high rates of family rejection, violence and trauma.

Unfortunately, there are many young people from the LGBTI2 that have suicidal thoughts due to the high rates of family rejections and the traumas they face.  In addition, Black, indigenous, and People of Color in the LGTBQI2S community have been particularly affected during Covid-19 pandemic.  By offering counselling services, and a warm supportive home environment, Friends of Ruby Home, enables young people to find themselves and their lives again

Friends of Ruby Home located in the Moss Park community, is unique among services to LGBTQI2 youth because it offers Mental health and housing services, instead of just mental health supports. The acquisition, design and construction of the Friends of Ruby Home came to life through the sponsorship of the City of Toronto, Toronto Community Corporation, Daniels Corporation and Yabu Pushelberg.