News and Media

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.