Get Help

If you’re in crisis, struggling to cope with distress, or feeling unsafe we will do what we can to support you. If we aren’t open or available, here are some other options… (see mental health resources in Ontario list)

Friends of Ruby Is a Welcoming Space for

2SLGBTQIA+ Youth.

Are you 16 to 29, identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ and are looking for mental health counselling, social services, and housing? You belong at Friends of Ruby.

To get started on your support journey, please register with us here:

Click Here to Register

If you want to register for counseling or case management, make sure to tick those boxes when you sign up. You’ll need to do an intake, and our intake team will contact you within two weeks to set it up. After your intake, you’ll be put on a waitlist until a spot becomes available.

Friends of Ruby is working to create a world where all 2SLGBQTIA+ young people feel validated, involved, and empowered to lead healthier lives.

Here’s how we are ready to support you:

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
We know that asking for mental health support can be intimidating.

That is why every counselor at Friends of Ruby represents the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and adheres to a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and anti-oppressive approach. They understand some of the challenges you are facing from their own lived experience, and they are ready to help.

Our services encompass both individual counseling and group sessions, which can be conducted in person, via video call, or over the phone.

Here are some of the things you might talk about with your counsellor:

Relationship challenges
Emotional dysregulation
Managing a mental health diagnosis
The impacts of trauma
Experiences of depression and anxiety
Exploring gender identity and sexuality
Disordered eating

For more information and to speak to an intake worker, register online or visit the Drop-In Centre.

CASE MANAGEMENT & PRACTICAL SUPPORT
Do you need help finding an affordable place to live or emergency housing, help with your resume, changing your ID, accessing gender affirming health supports, or getting a referral to an inclusive and accepting doctor?

Friends of Ruby’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Case Workers understand the challenges you face and are ready to help.

A case worker is someone you can meet with who will help you develop life skills to reach your goals and get whatever support you need.

They can even help with income support like Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), and support you every step of the way as you navigate government and practical supports together.

Our counselling and case management services can be done virtually, over the phone, and in-person.
For a complete list of supports, see Case Management.

NEED SUPPORT NOW?
Explore our “Just-In-Case” program below, designed to assist with your immediate needs.

Just In Case is a single session case management meeting for up to 30-minutes to provide you with information on community resources and referrals and assist with service navigation. You must be registered with Friends of Ruby to access this program. Our case workers can connect you with information related to housing, income support, ID’s, healthcare, employment, and more. This may include a follow-up; however, these sessions are not intended for ongoing case management. If an issue is identified that needs ongoing support, you will be invited to an intake appointment to be placed on our internal ongoing case management waitlist. If you would like to be put on the waitlist for a case worker for ongoing support, please follow this link.

Just In Case sessions are available during the following time slots on Thursdays and Fridays:

2:00 – 2:30 pm
2:30 – 3:00 pm
3:00 – 3:30 pm
3:30 – 4:00 pm

If you are looking to book a Just-in-case appointment with one of our case managers, please use the following links:

Monday: Book time: Just In Case

Tuesday: Book time: Just In Case

Wednesday: Book time: Just In Case

Thursday: Book time: Just In Case

Friday: Book time: Just In Case

As a reminder, our appointment is only 30 minutes please be mindful of the time you arrive as these slots fill quite quickly.

Issue of Concern: When booking please note in 1 or 2 words, or 1 short sentence what you wish to address (Ie. Find a Doctor. Or Get free legal aid), as well as your email & phone number and how you would like to receive services (In-person, phone, video call).

If you or someone else is in need of immediate crisis support, please contact emergency support services.

YOUTH DROP-IN CENTRE
Want to make new friends, take part in a support group, make a craft to support your mental health, or grab a bag of groceries for the week?

The Friends of Ruby Drop-In Centre at 489 Queen St. East is a welcoming place in downtown Toronto for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth aged 16-29 to create community and access free resources and services. We are open Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 6:30 PM.

Drop by and take part in:

Accessing groceries and prepared meals
Group programs to build mindfulness
One-on-one sessions to build your resume or improve your study skills
Games nights, Drag Race viewing parties, art activities

We also have a computer lab with free Wi-Fi, phone and fax services, harm reduction kits (hormone injection kits, safer self-harm kits, safer sex kits, naloxone etc.), personal hygiene kits, a book library, seasonal clothing, laundry facilities and much more.

For the Youth Programming Schedule, check out Drop-In Programs and follow us on Instagram @friendsofruby.ca

FRIENDS OF RUBY HOME
The Friends of Ruby Home is a transitional house built specifically for the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who are at risk and need to find long-term, secure housing.

More than a roof over your head, it is a place for you and your pet to call home.

At the Friends of Ruby Home, you are a welcome part of a community, and friends are ready to celebrate who you are. We supply everything you need on your path towards independent and empowered living.

While living at the Home, you can take part in programs about cooking, cleaning, financial literacy, and professional mentorships. You can access free mental and physical health services like crisis intervention, counselling, health check-ups, and enjoy physical activities.

If you or someone you know needs housing support, please email us at housing@friendsofruby.ca or come to the Drop-In Centre and set up a meeting with a Case Manager.

If you’re in crisis, struggling to cope with distress, or feeling unsafe we will do what we can to support you. If we aren’t open or available, here are some other options:

See Mental Health Resources in Ontario List