Friends of Ruby (FoR) was founded in 2014 by Egale Canada, and became an independent organization in 2019 to support 2SLGBQAI+ youth needs. FoR operates both a purpose-built supportive traditional housing residence and a Youth Centre. The Youth Centre, housed in a brand new, purposefully designed 7,500 square feet space at 70 Richmond Street East, features a newly renovated drop‑in space, barrier‑free counselling, practical support programs and meals. FoR provides support to over 100 young people a month, hosts almost 70 individual case‑management sessions and 160 to 200 counselling sessions each month where youth can, individually or in group, learn coping skills and engage with topics related to gender identity and sexual orientation, resulting in more than 500 mental health crises diverted and visits to hospital emergency rooms prevented. Friends of Ruby also supports 2SLGBTQAI+ youth in several housing units throughout the city through partnerships with housing providers, off...