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Saim Imran

Scarborough, ON

Saim Imran is a first-year MD student driven by a passion for social justice and equality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Saim witnessed the struggles of their peers with housing, which inspired them to take action and create COST. Through their unwavering dedication and drive to make a difference in the lives of those in need, Saim is utilizing their skills and knowledge to create a positive impact on the world.

Caring for Our Streets Together (COST)

“Care On the Streets of Toronto” (COST) is a student-led initiative aimed at addressing the hygiene and healthcare needs of the homeless population. COST seeks to improve the health and well-being of the homeless community by providing access to basic hygiene supplies, healthcare resources, and social support. The project also aims to reduce the stigma and misconceptions surrounding homelessness through education and community outreach events. Through collaboration with universities and homeless shelters, COST is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need and creating a more compassionate and equitable society for all.

About this Project

Communities Served

My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:

  • Vulnerable individuals (e.g. those experiencing addiction, abuse)
  • Multi-barrier populations

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.

  • SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
  • SDG 3: Good health and Well-being
  • SDG 1: No poverty

How the project works

COST is a community project focused on supporting the homeless population by providing essential healthcare and hygiene resources. Activities include fundraising, donation drives, outreach events, and creating educational content.

Project Impact

COST's initiatives yielded positive outcomes, fostering awareness and discussions on homelessness within the community. The workshop at the Hart House provided an open platform for dialogue, generating increased understanding of the challenges faced by the homeless in Toronto. The speaker event, featuring insightful speakers, not only engaged the audience but also contributed to breaking down stigmas associated with homelessness. This allowed us to get more people involved in understanding how hygiene is critical in addressing the needs for the homeless community and what they lacked and how it could be over come. Through collaborative efforts with the UofT, the promotional activities were successful in reaching a wider audience, extending the impact beyond the immediate community.

Project Mission

COST aims to provide hygiene and healthcare resources to the homeless community in Toronto, ultimately improving their quality of life and allowing for better reintegration into society. By addressing the gaps in current services, COST hopes to make a tangible impact on the health and well-being of those experiencing homelessness in the city.

Project Team

We are composed of University students across Ontario who are passionate about addressing homelessness.

  • Saim Imran
  • Meera Patel