News Releases

The Understanding the Experiences of African Asylum Seekers report from United Way Greater Toronto reveals that African asylum seekers continue to face profound barriers in their resettlement journey — from unaffordable housing and employment discrimination to systemic anti-Black racism and uneven access to basic supports. The report was initiated in response to the 2023 refugee crisis, when hundreds of newly arrived asylum seekers, many from African countries, were forced to sleep on the streets as the shelter system buckled under pressure. Developed in partnership with the City of Toronto, Region of Peel, York Region, and an advisory committee of community leaders, the report draws on interviews with 29 African asylum seekers and 9 service providers, offering an unfiltered look at the challenges people face and the steps we need to take to fix them.

Just months after launching its Community Real Estate (CRE) Initiative, United Way Greater Toronto is investing $2.125 million in capital grants to support 13 community projects across the GTA. This initial round of funding—part of the organization’s 10-year, $23-million commitment to help create and expand sustainable community spaces—will support various needs, from kickstarting new builds to retrofitting existing facilities and providing final-stage funding for major, transformative projects.

United Way Greater Toronto’s 2025 Community Campaign Commits to bold, long-term vision to create a more equitable region across Peel, Toronto and York Region. Norie Campbell, Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary at Thomson Reuters will lead as Campaign Chair and Dominique Barker, Chief Financial Officer at Lithium Royalty Corporation, will Chair UWGT’s Major Individual Giving Cabinet.

United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) is proud to announce the total allocation of $71 million over the next three years in Community Program Grants (CPGs), supporting over 250 programs and services across Peel, Toronto, and York Region. These investments in housing, homelessness, inclusive employment, and more like in mental health and food security, will strengthen a network of services while fighting the root causes of poverty, offering families across our region a better chance at safety and stability.

United Way Greater Toronto appoints Heather McDonald as President & CEO, bringing 25+ years of leadership in social services.

United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) is proud to announce the total allocation of $71 million over the next three years in Community Program Grants (CPGs), supporting over 250 programs and services across Peel, Toronto, and York Region. These investments in housing, homelessness, inclusive employment, and more like in mental health and food security, will strengthen a network of services while fighting the root causes of poverty, offering families across our region a better chance at safety and stability.

Jane-Finch is going through a transformation as infrastructure and transit investments spur development. Amid this change, United Way Greater Toronto is launching a $1 million Community Action Grant program that is intended to support neighbourhood-focused initiatives. The first round of the $1 million funding is being allocated to seven projects, which address systemic inequities such as employment, community safety and wellbeing, food justice and anti-displacement.

In a critical time for many neighbourhoods across the GTA, where one in four people live in poverty, BMO is proud to announce a $1,050,000 transformational gift to United Way Greater Toronto as part of its ongoing commitment to support programs that offer essential services to communities across Peel, Toronto and York Region.

United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) is working towards a more equitable GTA for all with the launch of a new Community Real Estate Initiative and the commitment to raise and invest over $100 million. Funds will support the creation of 10 more community hubs over the next 10 years and the development of new pathways for community organizations to acquire secure and sustainable space.

United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) is excited to announce the launch of a new creative campaign – the biggest in its history – that inspires hope and collective action on the toughest challenges facing our community. The ‘Any Way We Can’ creative campaign demonstrates a bolder stance on fighting poverty in the GTA at a time when critical social issues from housing affordability to food security are impacting many community members.

United Way Greater Toronto today announced that President and CEO Daniele Zanotti will be stepping down from his role effective November 4, 2024, to assume the position of Ontario’s Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services.

GTA residents face multiple challenges over the next decade – but we also have proven solutions available to us. That was the theme of United Way Greater Toronto’s Annual Meeting of Members. Daniele Zanotti, CEO and President, made the case for safeguarding community spaces to ensure essential services close to home, and signaled the organization’s strategic direction to lean into community real estate.