West Neighbourhood House

Since we first opened our doors as a settlement house in our original Kensington Market location at 67 Wales Avenue in 1912, West Neighbourhood House (which was then known as St. Christopher House) has played a vital role in each community we have served. The organization was founded by the Presbyterian Church in Canada under the leadership of Sir James Woods.

In the 1940s, the House became a participant in the United Community Fund and continues to be a member of the United Way from which it receives a portion of its funding.

We are now a non sectarian social services agency, located in west central Toronto, with a catchment area going from the lakeshore in the south to Bloor Street in the north and from Bathurst Street in the east to Roncesvalles Avenue in the west.

Successive waves of immigrant families have made downtown Toronto their first stop in Canada and, in the process, have discovered that West Neighbourhood House as one of their first and best friends. From our various locations in the past to the homes of our current programs, West Neighbourhood House has been part of the lives and hearts of people of all ages and cultural backgrounds since 1912.

Information on our locations

Our largest facility at 248 Ossington houses programs for older adults, people with disabilities and their care givers; the Woman Abuse Program; the Immigrant and Refugee Services Program; some of our Adult Learning Programs; the programs for Children and Youth; and the Music School.

Located at 1033 King Street West are our Employment Programs, additional Adult Learning Programs and our Financial Empowerment and Problem-Solving Programs.

The Meeting Place, a drop-in for socially isolated adults and under-housed, is located at 588 Queen Street West. The House’s central administration and Community Response Unit are located on the top floor of this facility.

The Parkdale base for the supportive housing program is at 20 West Lodge Avenue, Unit #126. There is also a supportive housing project at Springhurst 1447 King Street West. Parkdale Community Programs and Newcomer Youth programs are located at 1497 Queen St. West, Suite 103. 

West Neighbourhood House is committed to reflecting the changing face of our society. Ours is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Toronto. People of more than 60 cultures, speaking over 40 languages live within our catchment area. All ages and income levels are represented, with a high number of people living on a low or fixed income. The diversity of our community increases each year. In partnership with our neighbours, West Neighbourhood House strives to find solutions to problems and current issues and to develop relevant services.