Friends of Ruby

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the progressive well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through social services and housing. Our services and programs are led and facilitated by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals informed by 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth and grounded in evidence and research. We are committed to creating welcoming and safer spaces and to delivering and promoting wellbeing comprehensively including mental health housing wellness education employment inclusion and prevention through activities that meet LGBTQI2S Youth needs. Friends of Ruby Youth Centre provides support through drop-in services five days a week to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth aged 16-29 providing mental health supports through crisis appointments and counselling in-person and by phone chat and/or virtual conference. Our case managers provide support with multiple practical needs such as education employment settlement etc. all told supporting over 450 youth per year. Friends of Ruby Home is our new transitional home in Toronto opened for occupancy in December 2020 that provides housing wrap-around support and mental health support for 33 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. The space was designed after comprehensive consultation with youth from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to provide a warm welcoming space that facilitates the varied needs of each resident’s personal journey of support. The facility is accessible energy efficient and pet-friendly.