Dear Friend,
Recently, voters headed to the polls for the Ontario provincial election. With pressing issues like affordability, housing, jobs and healthcare at the forefront, no matter how you felt about the election outcome, one thing is clear: we all want to live in a place where everyone has what they need to thrive.
Which is why we are committed to working with all leaders and all community champions to continue our vital work. It is why we dig into the issues each day, tackling challenges head-on in the many ways we can: advocating for evidence-based solutions to address encampments and the homelessness crisis; investing in innovative programs like the community kitchen at a first-of-its-kind housing project where residents find not just a warm meal but healing and support; making sure the doors stay open at local community agencies like those supporting women escaping violence; and providing opportunities for local small businesses to thrive amidst neighbourhood redevelopment rather than be left behind by it.
It takes everyone — all levels of government, corporate, community and supporters like you — to build a stronger, brighter community, but united with determination and conviction, we can transform the GTA into a region where everyone has the building blocks they need for a better 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
Bringing people together to heal and connect
Our own Nation Cheong, VP of Community Impact & Mobilization, joined The Social to discuss the Social Medicine Initiative — a partnership between the University Health Network, the City of Toronto and United Way. It’s not just about providing shelter. It’s about meeting the full spectrum of needs — physical, mental and social — through clinical care, mental health support, community connections and more. With your support, we also helped fund a community kitchen, where residents can gather to heal, share and rebuild together.
Building real solutions to the housing crisis
More than 81,500 people in Ontario are facing homelessness, and too many are living in encampments. Breaking them up doesn’t address the issue — real solutions are needed. That’s why we joined United Ways across the province in urging political leaders to act before the crisis deepens. Evidence-based approaches — like the Social Medicine Initiative — prove what’s possible when we prioritize housing, support and dignity over enforcement. Read more about the solutions we’re putting forward to ensure everyone in the GTA has access to safe, affordable housing.
Supporting survivors as they build new lives
Every meal Francisca prepares at United Way-funded Embrave Agency Against Violence carries something extra — hope. She knows firsthand the comfort a warm meal can bring to a survivor of gender-based violence. Not long ago, Francisca herself found refuge at the shelter, where she accessed transitional housing, food and clothing banks, employment supports and more to rebuild her life with her son. She earned a culinary management diploma and today, Francisca’s giving back, one meal at a time. With your support, United Way funds more than 100 programs across the GTA that help women like Francisca find safety, stability and opportunity.
Working together to build a GTA where everyone can thrive
Leaders in government, business and community gathered at This City Live to discuss Toronto’s most pressing challenges and solutions for a more affordable and connected city. United Way’s Ruth Crammond, Vice-President of Community Infrastructure, spotlighted our Essential Spaces report, showing how food banks, childcare centres and other critical community services are at risk of being displaced — and how, with supporters like you standing with us, we’re fighting back through our Community Real Estate initiative.
IN COMMUNITY, WITH COMMUNITY
Support local entrepreneurs — many of them women — from our Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity (ILEO) initiative Storefront Starter program at The One of a Kind show! Buy tickets for the show, happening from March 26-30, and show your support for women-owned businesses from the Greater Golden Mile.
Many survivors of gender-based violence arrive at women’s shelters with nothing. You can help by donating essentials like period products, shampoo and deodorant — or pack a hygiene kit and drop it off at a local United Way agency. For drop-off details or more information, contact UWEngagement@uwgt.org.
For a limited time, if you become a monthly donor, you’ll have your gift matched for a full year — tripling your impact! Any amount can make a difference: Just $10 a month can provide a bundle of clean socks for someone experiencing homelessness, keeping them warm during the winter months. Learn more and donate today!
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.