Announcing The Launch Of Our Revolutionary Online Directory
By: Denée Seaton
Street Voices is excited to announce the launch of our brand new website, which features a comprehensive directory for free and subsidized local services.
After two years of trial and error, the easy-to-navigate, user-friendly directory has officially launched. The directory will provide information about local shelters, health and food services, programs, legal resources and employment agencies.
"I was homeless for seven years and I lived in shelters across Canada. During my homelessness, alot of my survival relied on free services especially, free food, free shelters and programs. The only issue was I wasn't aware of everything," says Street Voice's founder Joel Zola.
"I started this directory so the next 'Joel Zola' who is experiencing homelessness will have an easier experience," he added.
The need for a local online directory has only increased over the past few years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a greater need for access to free and low-cost services. With the help of Street Voices directory, navigating these services will be easier and more accessible.
The website was developed by a group of Toronto youth who are aware of the strong impact the directory will have on the community.
"This is going to be a game-changer for a lot of people; I know folks who are in crazy situations right now. It'd be great to send them to this website! I think a lot of people are going to use it," says one of the developers.
Alongside the online directory, the new and improved website features aggregated news from various news publications for easier and broader access for marginalized individuals.
"The new directory will be a great tool for our audience. This, along with our news content, will hopefully be a great resource in helping marginalized communities," says Jeffery Tram, Managing Editor at Street Voices.
As the organization builds on the success of their multi-media content, this directory will aid in the organization's slogan - empowering marginalized voices.
The online directory, however, isn't the finish-line for Street Voices. Zola says the organization will continue to expand their reach.
"Our next step is building an Ontario-wide directory, and after that we’ll expand nationwide as well," he adds.
