United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) on Friday announced the allocation of $71 million across three years to advance community programs that aid Toronto, Peel and York Region locals experiencing poverty.
The funds will come as community program grants to support over 250 programs and services in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
UWGT reported over 800,000 families are currently experiencing poverty in the GTA, while child poverty rates have also risen eight per cent in the region.
The nonprofit called for the millions to be invested in housing, homelessness and inclusive employment initiatives while also supporting mental health and food security programs.
The first round of funding will be provided on April 1 and will be delivered through three-year contracts. Of the programs to receive funding, UWGT said 27 per cent are led by or focused on Indigenous, Black and structurally disadvantaged groups.
In a press release, UWGT called the funding "essential" because it will help social service organizations plan their programming years ahead.
“Rising costs, unstable housing, and barriers to good jobs are just some of the challenges people in our communities are facing every day,” said Nation Cheong, the vice president of community impact and mobilization at UWGT.
Wigwamen Incorporated’s Nishaabeaadzowin (Native Way of Life) Program, Ontario’s largest urban Indigenous housing provider, will be among the organizations to receive a three-year funding contract.
Other programs to receive funding include the Brampton Multicultural Community Centre’s H.O.M.E. program, which supports at-risk youth transitioning to stable housing in Peel, and the inclusive employment initiative Blue Door’s Construct.
