About us
HENS (Home Essentials Newcomer Support) is a registered, incorporated not‑for‑profit organization dedicated to supporting newcomer families — including refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals transitioning from shelters into permanent housing. Many arrive with minimal possessions and face significant financial challenges as they begin rebuilding their lives in a new environment.
Our mission is to bridge these gaps by providing essential household items such as seasonal clothing, footwear, kitchenware, bedding, bath accessories, and select furniture. By offering these foundational necessities, we help families create safe, functional, and dignified homes as they settle into their new lives.
490+
11,292
Individuals Benefited
Happy Families
Our Mission
HENS supports newcomers, refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals transitioning from shelters into permanent housing by providing essential household items at no cost and connecting them with practical guidance and community resources. Our mission is to relieve the effects of poverty, ease their transition, uphold dignity, and help families build stable, connected lives as they settle into their new communities.
What We Do
At HENS we:
Distribute essential household items to families in need.
Run educational workshops tailored to newcomers, including culturally responsive programs on parenting, navigating local systems, and community resources.
Engage in environmentally friendly practices by reusing and repurposing donations to reduce waste and prevent items from ending up in landfills.
Provide a platform for volunteers to gain meaningful skills and contribute positively to the community.
Recognize gaps that exist within the community facing barriers—and works intentionally to fill them. Through local partnerships, grants, and community‑driven initiatives, we respond to unmet needs and create programs that support those who may otherwise be overlooked.
Why HENS Matters
HENS is unique in addressing the immediate and practical needs of newcomer families, filling a vital gap in support that is often overlooked. By empowering families and reducing the initial stress of settlement, we help create a foundation for success and long-term stability.
Who We Are
Founded with a vision of compassion and community, HENS brings together volunteers, community partners, and supporters to ensure that newcomer families feel welcomed, valued, and equipped to start their new lives with dignity. Our team, including newcomers who have walked the same path (as recent as April 2024), understands the complexities of resettlement and is dedicated to fostering resilience and belonging.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build a community where every newcomer family has immediate access to essential household items, ensuring a dignified start in their new home. We strive to be a leader in newcomer support, inspiring hope, fostering independence, and creating strong, connected communities where everyone can thrive. As we grow, we aim to expand our services to operate five days a week and extend our reach throughout Toronto.
Our Objectives
HENS’ objective is to relieve the effects of poverty by providing newcomers, refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals transitioning from shelters with equitable, no‑cost access to essential household items, while also promoting environmental sustainability. By reusing, recycling, and repurposing donated goods, we prevent usable items from ending up in landfills and contribute to a more responsible, eco‑conscious community.
HENS also recognizes the gaps that exist within the community—especially for families and individuals facing barriers—and works intentionally to fill them. Through local partnerships, grants, and community‑driven initiatives, we respond to unmet needs and create programs that support those who may otherwise be overlooked.
We aim to secure sustainable funding that allows us to respond quickly when needs arise, ensuring individuals receive timely support to establish safe, functional homes and begin rebuilding their lives without delay, so they can focus on the many other challenges that come with starting fresh in a new country.
Our Partners
Our partners are vital to HENS' success, contributing unique strengths and resources. Their support—through donations, volunteering, and expertise—helps us expand our services and better serve newcomer families. Together, we create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive.
Our Collaborators
Get Involved
Join us in making a difference for newcomer families in Toronto. Whether you volunteer your time, donate items, or support our mission financially, every contribution helps provide essential household goods and resources to those in need. Be a part of HENS by:
Volunteering
Help sort and distribute donations, assist with workshops, or contribute your skills in administrative roles.
Donating Household Essentials
We gratefully accept new or gently used, washed, clean, free of stains or tears, and in a condition you would feel comfortable receiving yourself. Household items include kitchenware, bedding and bath accessories and seasonal clothing. Please call 437-473-7023 for drop off instructions and large furniture.
Spreading the Word
Help amplify our mission by sharing it with friends, family, and your community. By raising awareness of the challenges newcomer families face and the vital support HENS provides, you can help extend our reach and make a greater impact. Your voice can bring more attention to those in need and inspire others to contribute to the cause
Partnering
Collaborate with us to expand services and reach more families.
Monetary Donations
HENS relies on community funding to sustain this impactful work and to expand our capacity so we can support more families—including the 200 currently on our waitlist—at the time they need it most. Healthy Planet generously donated a 2015 Mercedes van to help with deliveries; however, we do not yet have the funds required to maintain and operate it, which limits our ability to transport essential household items directly to families’ homes. Please donate generously so we can build a vibrant community, one family at a time.
Please donate by clicking the Donate button below, which will take you to the Donway Covenant United Church donation page. Select Option #3 – Home Essentials Newcomer Support to ensure funds go directly to HENS. A tax receipt will be provided.
The Heart of HENS
A Volunteer-Driven Movement
At HENS, over 40 dedicated volunteers from diverse ages, cultures, faiths, and languages come together with one shared mission: to welcome and support newcomer families with dignity. Many volunteers are newcomers themselves, offering not only language support but also lived experience, cultural sensitivity, and deep empathy that enrich every interaction. Volunteering at HENS provides hands-on experience, valuable job skills, and a sense of purpose helping prepare individuals for future employment. For the community volunteers, HENS offers a fulfilling way to give back and build meaningful connections within a vibrant, welcoming community. We are an inter-generational, multi-faith, multi-racial, multi-lingual team.
Get in touch
We are here to assist newcomer families. Reach out for support or inquiries about our essential goods and clothing services.
Phone
437-473-7023
henstoronto@gmail.com