Building a stronger GTA. Any way we can. 

The GTA is growing fast and the pressure is mounting.  

Soaring living costs, a deepening housing crisis and increasing instability are leaving too many of our neighbours behind.   

But United Way was built for times like these.  

We’re tackling the stubborn, complex issues facing our community head-on. Every day, we’re connecting people to vital programs and services, supporting community agencies and building innovative, resident-led solutions that create lasting change.  

We’re not just responding to crisis — we’re working alongside communities to strengthen what holds us together, now and for the future. And we won’t stop until everyone in every neighbourhood has what they need to thrive. 

The work ahead won’t be easy. But with you in our corner, we’ll dig deep, act boldly and make sure nobody gets left behind.  

Together, we’ll build a more equitable GTA where everyone belongs. 

Any way we can. 

When Boafo was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he felt deeply alone and didn’t know where to turn in the wake of the devastating news.  

But in his darkest moment, he connected with African Community Services of Peel (ACS), a United Way-funded agency serving Black and African communities. There, he found connection, understanding and support. Boafo still had a long journey ahead — but now, he wasn’t walking it alone. 

From that moment onwards, ACS provided the wraparound services he needed to face his illness and move forward. They coordinated medical appointments. Encouraged him to build social connections. Helped him find healthy food. Found a safe place to live for him and his daughters.  

Most of all, they made sure Boafo didn’t have to face his health crisis alone. 

Today, Boafo is rebuilding. He’s giving back — mentoring youth through ACS’s Bridging the Gap program and showing others what’s possible when you have the right support behind you. 

“Suppose United Way isn’t there, all the programming we do couldn’t be done. Without United Way, there will be no way.”  — Kwaku, Program Coordinator at ACS  

We know that Black communities continue to face barriers rooted in systemic discrimination — leading to higher rates of poverty, homelessness, unemployment and poor health outcomes. With your support, United Way is working tirelessly to break down those barriers by investing in community-led agencies like ACS.  

ACS is one of 14 agencies led by and serving Indigenous, Black and other equity-deserving groups that we expanded our five-year Anchor Agency funding to — a commitment that provides stability and flexibility so agencies can adapt to evolving community needs and find lasting solutions. 

Because when agencies like ACS can thrive, so can people like Boafo — and entire communities with them. 

A family needs a safe space to drop in for parenting support. 

A senior needs a warm meal and good company. 

A youth needs mentorship, homework help and a sense of belonging. 

These are just a few reasons why people turn to their local agencies. 

Across the GTA, we fund a network of over 300 agencies that offer 700 programs — and strong communities rely on these strong community spaces. But right now, the volatile real estate market is forcing many of these critical services out of the neighbourhoods they’ve always called home, leaving residents without places they can go to get their basic needs met, from mental health to employment support.  

But our new Community Real Estate Initiative is changing that and creating a more equitable GTA. We’re making sure social services stay rooted in the neighbourhoods that need them, by supporting them to purchase, lease or renovate spaces where they can continue their vital work. 

“For over 40 years, College-Montrose Children’s Place (CMCP) has been a trusted place for families in Toronto to play, learn and grow together. Thanks to the support of United Way’s Community Real Estate initiative, CMCP now has a permanent home at 180 Shaw Street —a space where families feel safe, welcome and included.” — Corina John, Executive Director, College-Montrose Children’s Place 

With your support, we’re protecting the places people rely on for care, connection and community — now and for generations to come. 

Real change starts from within communities — and residents know what their neighbourhoods need to thrive. That’s why we offer Community Action Grants that support communities in the ways that are most beneficial to them. 

In Jane and Finch, United Way’s Community Action Grants in 2024 funded seven grassroots projects led by and for local residents — from Afrocentric parenting programs to youth leadership and mental health supports. These initiatives reflect the community’s priorities and address challenges uniquely experienced by Black residents. 

With early success, we’re expanding the program to South Markham and Cooksville in Peel Region. Together, we’re working to build a safer, stronger and more equitable GTA. 

“We’re asking the community, ‘How can this money be best spent?’ and then, we’re providing support to these residents and these grassroots organizations to implement their idea.” — Michelle Dagnino, Executive Director, Jane/Finch Centre

Every day across the region, our neighbours are struggling to make ends meet. Too many people are uncertain where their next meal will come from, how they’re going to pay rent and what the future will bring.   

It will take all of us working together to address the persistent, interconnected issues of poverty and build a more equitable GTA. But at United Way, we believe in showing up, rolling up our sleeves and doing the work, responding to urgent needs and creating long-term change. 

We’re paving the way to a stronger GTA by expanding vital services like food, shelter and mental health supports. We’re helping community service organizations stay in place for years to come. We’re doing groundbreaking research, finding innovative solutions and forging new partnerships.  

We’re fighting for the future we want and working to ensure the challenges of today don’t define tomorrow. Any way we can.