Dear Friend,
Across our region, the pressure is mounting. Families and individuals are feeling the strain of the affordability and housing crises, and demand for supports is stretching community services to the limit.
The signs are in plain sight — people sleeping in parks, food bank lines circling the block — and behind closed doors, where people are skipping meals, couch surfing and battling mental health challenges.
In times like these, bold action matters. That’s why we’re investing $71M over three years through our Community Program Grants — a commitment that supports 250 programs working to tackle the GTA’s biggest, most stubborn issues like food security, housing, mental health, inclusive employment and more. Alongside our anchor funding, this multi-year commitment brings much-needed stability, helping agencies plan ahead and deliver effective programs for years to come.
And as we build a stronger GTA for all, 27 percent of these programs are led by or focused on Indigenous, Black and structurally disadvantaged communities. This reflects our commitment to reconciliation and equity — especially important as we celebrate Black History Month and recognize the strength and contributions of Black-led organizations.
Our community is facing complex challenges, but together with our network of 300+ community agencies and supporters like you, we’re working to meet this moment and build a stronger, more equitable GTA. Any way we can.
Thank you for your ongoing support,
Nation Cheong
Vice President, Community Impact and Mobilization
United Way Greater Toronto
Your support in action
Investing in communities, advancing equity
This Black History Month — and every month — we proudly recognize the contributions of Black-led and –serving community agencies that are creating meaningful opportunities and lasting change across the GTA. Agencies like Restoration and Empowerment for Social Transition (REST) and their program that is expanding culturally relevant housing support for Black and racialized youth, helping ensure that young people facing systemic barriers have access to safe, stable housing and the resources they need to thrive. And then there’s Frontlines Centre and their new property management workforce development program that will train youth in collaboration with industry leaders. These are among the 27 percent of programs in our recent Community Program Grants dedicated to Indigenous, Black and structurally disadvantaged communities. And together as part of our $71M Community Program Grant investment into more than 250 programs across Peel, Toronto and York Region, they are ensuring organizations can deliver stable, consistent support — keeping housing secure, jobs within reach and vital programs in place.
Breaking down barriers to employment
Demica gained in-demand skills, job leads and essential wraparound supports after connecting to United Way-funded CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals. CEE helps Black youth overcome systemic barriers to employment, and Demica received the support she needed to build a career that would allow her to provide for her son through their Professional Mortgage Underwriters Program. With your support, United Way funds more than 80 employment programs across the GTA, including over 20 Black-led and –serving agencies like CEE working to close opportunity gaps. “I can’t imagine where I’d be without United Way’s support,” Demica says. “This program definitely turned things around for me.”
Advocating for an equitable GTA
Everyone should have access to housing, food and transportation — but for too many people, these basic necessities are slipping out of reach. That’s why, before the snap provincial election was called, United Way urged the government to include bold policy solutions in the 2025 provincial budget — investing in affordable housing, community services and good jobs to ensure everyone who lives here has what they need to thrive.
No matter which party forms the next provincial government, these priorities remain essential to building a stronger, more equitable GTA. As the election unfolds, we’ll be listening for commitments that address these urgent issues — and we’ll continue to advocate for bold action.
Honouring our non-profit community champions
Building a stronger GTA takes the work of so many and non-profits across the GTA play such an essential role in the neighbourhoods we love. As we marked Nonprofit Week of Appreciation, we send all our love to Ontario’s non–profit organizations and the dedicated people who are working today and every day to build stronger communities. And as part of the celebration, we were so proud to recognize the extraordinary contributions of United Way-supported agencies and their employees at the recent Bhayana Family Foundation Awards. Check out this year’s winners!
IN COMMUNITY, WITH COMMUNITY
Don’t miss our own Ruth Crammond, VP of Community Infrastructure, speaking about rebuilding Toronto’s social infrastructure at This City, presented by Toronto Life and Tricon Residential on Feb. 18.
This 211 Day and always, we raise awareness about 211, the 24/7 phone, text and web service that connects over two million Canadians each year to the community health, social and government services they need.
Ruth Crammond and Stefphon Nibbs from our Community Infrastructure team joined Michael Braithwaite from United Way-funded Blue Door on the podcast On the Way Home to talk about the importance of long-term space for community organizations.
Become a United Way Member and play an essential role in our fight against poverty. Interested?
Building community takes community.
With your support, With your support, we will build a GTA where everyone has what they need to thrive. Any way we can.
Learn more about our work. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates about how your local love is making a difference across the GTA.