The St. Clare Inn Vision

"St. Clare Inn will provide a network of nurturing places where women will successfully transition into the broader society, through a community model of supportive care."

St. Clare Inn opened its doors in 2007, inspired by the story of "Julie", a homeless and vulnerable middle-aged woman who lived much of her latter life in a bus shelter near St. Bonaventure Church in Toronto.

The newspaper account of Julie's life and death became a catalyst for the creation of St. Clare Inn, a welcoming two-story residence for women who have been homeless and are dealing with mental health issues. The Inn, located in Toronto, offers a safe and stable drug and alcohol-free environment for women who are ready to begin to heal -- mind, body and spirit.

Here, in a compassionate and caring home-like setting, women can heal and grow with external support from professional social services.

St. Clare Inn operates on the values of:
  • Reverence for an individual's well-being
  • Simplicity of lifestyle
  • Community participation
  • Peace and serenity
The supportive care at the Inn revolves around a program that is accessible, flexible and responsive to the needs of individuals, families and communities. Respectful of human dignity and rights, we are accountable to those we serve. Our work helps promote women's healing and self esteem and creates a sense of community for the Inn's guests so that these women can once again live independent, meaningful lives.

St. Clare Inn is a registered charity and was established by a group of professional laymen and women and Franciscan Friars known as the Friends of Saint Francis.