Shequita Thompson
As Senior Director of Equity at Eva's, Shequita Thompson-Reid is unwavering in her commitment to advocating for youth facing housing instability. With a background in sociology and gender studies, her passion for social justice and equity is deeply rooted in her own experiences as a Black, first-generation immigrant woman navigating systemic barriers.
“I came to Canada from Guyana,” Shequita reflects. “My understanding of these issues is shaped by both my lived experiences and academic background. The combination of school and real-life challenges truly influenced the work I began in my early career.”
In the early stages of her career, Shequita worked at Toronto Community Housing, where she gained firsthand insight into how housing and employment are interconnected. “Supporting families means addressing not just housing but also creating sustainable opportunities for economic independence,” she explains.
At Eva’s, Shequita continues her advocacy, ensuring young people experiencing homelessness have the tools and resources to build a future beyond the shelter. “Our mission is to help youth create a pathway out of homelessness,” Shequita states, “whether through transitional housing or permanent accommodations.”
She is keenly aware of the overwhelming challenges of housing affordability, particularly for youth. “The barriers are immense,” she says. “Young people are often shut out of the housing market, and the struggle to find affordable housing is a major challenge.”
In her role at Eva’s, Shequita oversaw a transitional housing program that provided a space for 50 young people for up to a year. The program’s focus was to prepare them for life beyond their stay, prioritizing housing stability and helping them transition into permanent homes. She worked closely with other teams at Eva’s to ensure youth had access to comprehensive wraparound support.
The program served a diverse group of youth, with a significant portion identifying as black, newcomers, or LGBTQIA+. These groups often face compounded challenges when navigating the housing system, such as systemic discrimination which creates additional barriers to securing affordable housing.
When it comes to tackling housing affordability, Shequita’s message is clear: collaboration is essential for real change. “We need everyone at the table—government, developers, and people with lived experience. True transformation happens when we work together,” she insists.
Her vision is simple, yet powerful: a world where young people can live with stability, dignity, and opportunity, free from the insecurity of housing instability. “I want a future where no youth has to navigate the housing system alone,” she says. Guided by the principle of “Ubuntu”—“I am because we are”—Shequita believes in the collective power of responsibility and interconnectedness to drive lasting, meaningful change.
