Dear Friend,
Across our region, people are facing mounting uncertainty about the future. Rising costs of housing, food and essentials are already pushing many to the brink — and tariffs and trade wars threaten to make things even worse. We know this story all too well: when the economy is under pressure, it’s the people already struggling who feel the impact the most.
But one thing is certain — our resolve. We are determined to do whatever we can to ensure everyone has a social safety net and access to the support they need to get through tough times. We’re here, in every corner of the GTA, rolling up our sleeves and working alongside our network of community agencies — the places people turn to in crisis. We are investing in our community partners to ensure they can continue to meet urgent needs, pivot quickly in the face of emerging challenges and be there, doors open, when communities need them most.
At United Way, we’re ready to meet this moment. And with supporters like you by our side, we’ll be here for community — doing whatever it takes to keep families housed, help people find good jobs, ensure food is on the table and more. Together, we will navigate today’s challenges, weather the storm and build a stronger, more equitable GTA for the future. Any way we can.
With sincere appreciation for your support,
Alka Graham
Director, Marketing, Donor Experience & Events
United Way Greater Toronto
Your support in action
Standing strong with community agencies keeping people housed
Rising rents and soaring costs are affecting everyone, including the community agencies working hard to keep people housed. These organizations deliver emergency shelter, deeply affordable housing and wraparound supports for people experiencing homelessness — but they’re being stretched by steep rent and operating costs. Now, economic uncertainty is turning up the pressure — and demand for their services. With your support, we’re stepping up to meet that challenge by doing everything we can to help agencies secure long-term spaces, keep their doors open, and stay rooted in the neighbourhoods that need them. Together, we’re tackling urgent needs head-on and building stronger foundations so everyone has a place to call home.
Advocating for equitable health systems
Everyone deserves equal access to health care, but racialized communities continue to face systemic barriers and higher rates of illness. That’s why we’re pushing for change, joining more than 70 organizations calling for fairer health systems and better collection and use of race-based data in health. This data is key to understanding disparities and guiding solutions, like improving culturally appropriate care, expanding services in underserved areas and addressing the social determinants of health — like housing and employment — that disproportionately impact racial and ethnic communities. Read about this important step toward building healthier, more equitable communities.
Diving deeper into Community Hubs
When times get tough, the best defence is a strong social infrastructure, keeping people connected to what matters most. That’s the power of our Community Hubs. These one-stop shops bring together the supports people rely on — mental health care, job support, food programs — all under one roof. And where rising rents threaten to close community spaces, Hubs keep them open, allowing agencies to share space and resources. With 5.1 million visits across 10 Community Hubs, we’re scaling this proven model and break ground on 10 more across the GTA in the next 10 years. Want to learn more? Join us on May 21 for Diving Deeper: Community Hubs, a virtual panel discussion.
IN COMMUNITY, WITH COMMUNITY
Join us at Jane’s Walk on May 2 for a guided walk around the Spadina and Kensington Market neighbourhoods, spotlighting United Way-supported agencies making an impact. Learn more!
Nation Cheong, our VP of Community Opportunities and Mobilization, joined Michael Braithwaite from United Way-funded Blue Door and other guests on the podcast On the Way Home to explore the powerful link between housing and health — and how the Social Medicine Initiative brings this connection to life. Watch the full episode!
Become a monthly donor and your gift will receive a 3X match for a full year! With rising costs threatening to push even more families to the brink, your consistent support is needed more than ever. Don’t miss this limited-time offer to triple your impact!
Building community takes community.
With your support, With your support, we will build a GTA where everyone has what they need to thrive. u003cstrongu003eAny way we can.u003c/strongu003ernrnLearn more about our work. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates about how your local love is making a difference across the GTA.