What We Do

The Toronto Hostels Training Centre is a leading-edge, non-profit agency that  provides specialized training to individuals who work with homeless and vulnerable populations. We produce quarterly calendars (every 3 months), providing workshops in a wide range of subject areas including: standardized and specialized training for those working with homeless individuals and families; upgrading working skills for shelter staff; standardized training for the Shelter Standards, Standard First Aid & CPR and Crisis Prevention Trainings; and innovative education for recognized needs and trends.

Our History

The inquest into the deaths of Eugene Upper, Irwin Anderson and Mirsalah-Aldin Kopani in June and July 1996, determined that improvements in the shelter system were required in the areas of  staff interaction with service users and that there needed to be an opportunity for the  exchange of ideas and practices among shelter staff.

To address these concerns as well as develop basic relevant universal staff training. The Toronto Hostels Training Centre was established on September 18, 1997. Federally incorporated on November 20, 2000 and became a registered charity on January 1, 2001.

The Training Centre originated as a partnership between the City of Toronto Hostels Services Division and the Ontario Association of Hostels (OAH) – Toronto Chapter. Since 1997 THTC has been guided by the following Vision and Mission.

Our Vision
A robust and dynamic homeless and housing sector with the skills, knowledge and experience to end homelessness – inspiring growth and transforming lives.

Our Mission
To enhance the capacity of the homeless and housing sector to better respond to emerging needs through high quality, practical training, promoting evidence-based practices, and supporting coordination of the sector.

Today, we continue to meet the training needs of the homeless and housing sector with a full complement of Live Online, Live in-Person and eLearning courses. If you would like to find out more about THTC, please click the contact THTC link in the About THTC Menu at top-right.