Furthering Our Community By Uniting Services (FOCUS)

A strong community is a safe community. That’s why we work alongside key partners to prevent violence, provide trauma-informed mental health and substance use support, and address other critical vulnerabilities in our communities. Any way we can.  

One way is through innovative, community-first solutions like FOCUS, which connects people with the wraparound supports they need to build safer, healthier lives.  

Many incidents of violent crime, mental health crises and overdose stem from cycles of trauma that can’t be solved with a quick response alone. People at the intersection of mental health challenges, homelessness, poverty and difficulty meeting basic needs require immediate and holistic support before their situation escalates into a crisis. But too often, the help they need is scattered across different services and systems. 

That’s where we come in. Through FOCUS, we’re bringing people and partners together, breaking down silos and streamlining services to reduce crime, victimization and harm.  

FOCUS (Furthering Our Community by Uniting Services) is a collaborative approach to community safety and well-being co-led by United Way, the City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service. Together, we unite over 250 local organizations, programs, police divisions and community stakeholders to address high-risk situations before they can escalate into fatal or devastating incidents.   

That could mean providing counselling and wraparound supports to a teen trying to leave gang involvement. Or helping a family whose home was targeted by violence secure housing and legal support. Or connecting an individual exhibiting violence in the community with mental health resources.  

By enabling an immediate, coordinated response from different service and safety partners, we make sure the right help reaches the right people at the right time. The result? Fewer police interventions. Fewer imprisonments. Less harm. Stronger, more resilient communities.  

Members of seven FOCUS tables meet weekly across our region to identify situations where there is a threat to an individual or family’s safety and well-being — and make the right calls to stop crises before they escalate.   

A decade of FOCUS has shown us that when we work together, real change happens. Coordinating resources and filling gaps in support has helped thousands at risk of violence, eviction and crisis find stability and live well.   

Hear from FOCUS table members about the transformation they’ve seen in clients receiving coordinated support.

Looking upstream and working together with a relentless determination to fight for those at risk is how we’re giving people opportunities for a life away from violence. Any way we can.  

FOCUS is not a first point of contact for reporting issues but steps in when urgent, coordinated action is required. In an emergency, call 911. For community-based health, social and government services, call 211 and get connected to support.