Social Planning Toronto recently hosted two online workshops with community activist Diana Chan McNally on advocacy around shelters and homelessness. Watch a recording for each event below, and learn more from our messaging guide, Talking About Homelessness.
Framing Dialogue and Advocacy Around Shelters
This is a recording of an event that took place on November 20, 2025.
This workshop introduces the Talking About Homelessness Guide, a new resource designed to help service providers facilitate constructive, stigma-free conversations about shelters and homelessness. Participants will explore the guide’s core principles: homelessness is diverse, systemic, and solvable, and shelters are an essential part of the housing spectrum. They will learn how to apply these in their community engagement, public communications, and advocacy work. The session will provide practical strategies and tools to strengthen dialogue, challenge misconceptions, and promote messaging that builds understanding and support for housing and shelter solutions.
Working Together for Shelter Advocacy
This is a recording of an event that took place on November 17, 2025.
This workshop is designed to provide interested individuals, community leaders, and local groups with tools and tips to engage in open, informed, and productive conversations about homelessness. Drawing from the Talking about Homelessness Guide, the workshop will break down myths about homelessness and share tips on how to have positive, inclusive discussions with neighbours and friends. Participants will also learn how to mobilize their local communities to build understanding, reduce stigma, and support shelters as part of a broader housing solution.