POVERTY DOESN’T REST, NEITHER DO WE
The GTA is growing fast, and inequality is growing with it.
At United Way Greater Toronto, we’re not sitting back. We’re stepping up — bringing partners together, strengthening local networks and taking bold action.
We connect people to what matters most: food, housing, mental health support and good jobs. These are the building blocks of a decent life — and everyone deserves access.
From urgent relief to long-term change, we’re working alongside frontline agencies, local leaders and residents to build stronger, more equitable neighbourhoods across our region.
And we’re doing it — any way we can.
SERVING
1.8 MILLION PEOPLE
SUPPORTING
300+ SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES
PROVIDING
700 PROGRAMS
Bringing vital services closer to home
We invest in a strong social safety net connecting people to food, shelter, good jobs, mental health support and more.
And we’re bringing these services under one roof through our Community Hubs, with plans to build 10 new Hubs across the GTA in the next decade. Because people thrive when support and connection is built into the neighbourhood.
Working together on local solutions
We convene frontline agencies, residents, governments and partners to move fast and solve complex problems — like housing, food insecurity and mental health.
Through innovations like Community Coordination Tables and the Social Medicine Initiative in Parkdale, we’re proving what’s possible when we break silos and build solutions — together.
Investing in a stronger future for our GTA
Community agencies are being priced out of the very neighbourhoods they serve. We’re stepping in to change that.
Through our Community Real Estate Initiative, we’re supporting 100 organizations with the space, funding and tools they need — and laying the groundwork for a stronger, more equitable region for generations to come.
Dig deeper. See the impact. Join the movement.
Our Annual Report
Real progress. Bold direction.
See how we’re building a stronger, more inclusive GTA.
Our research and reports
The story behind the stats.
Data-driven solutions to local poverty — and what comes next.
United Way ClimbUP
1,776 steps. One epic challenge.
Step up to climb the CN Tower and help fight local poverty.
What you need to know right now
July 06, 2026
1,776 Steps For, and With Community: United Way Greater Toronto Opens Registration for the 2026 CN Tower Climb, Setting a $1.85m Goal
Registration is now open for the 2026 United Way Greater Toronto CN Tower climb which will be held on November 14 and 15. United Way is inviting people from all walks of life, and every fitness level to step up and be connected to a bigger movement – all in support of communities across Peel, Toronto and York region. Last year’s ClimbUP raised a record-breaking $2 million, helping 1.8 million people across the GTA access vital services through our network of over 300 agencies.
June 20, 2026
June Newsletter: Everyone deserves a place to belong
This week, we reflect on welcoming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, creating local solutions to local challenges and supporting jobs for youth.
June 11, 2026
Working with communities: on the ground in Peel Region
When United Way Greater Toronto’s President & CEO Heather McDonald appeared before the Council of the Regional Municipality of Peel, she spoke about the challenges facing residents. Her answer was collaboration.
This week, we reflect on how our Community Real Estate Capital Grants are helping to add new community spaces and upgrade existing facilities. We’re also exploring employment programs for people with disabilities, our work in Thorncliffe Park and an award-winning participant from the ILEO Storefront Starter program.
This week, we reflect on how collaboration fosters safe communities, meaningful work, a new respite care centre and an upcoming opportunity to see our work in action at Jane’s Walk.
March 21, 2026
March Newsletter: When women thrive, we all do
This week, we reflect on what needs to happen to support women, a new housing initiative and our latest report on the impact of funding cuts on immigrants and refugees.
March 17, 2026
Why food insecurity is about more than just food
Across the GTA, more and more families are turning to food banks. But food insecurity is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Solving it means addressing poverty itself.
Everyone deserves opportunities and access to the things they need to build a good life, including a living wage. United Way Greater Toronto is proud to be a certified Living Wage employer and champion, and a funder of the Ontario Living Wage Network.
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