Dear Friend,
A few weeks ago, I visited The 519, a United Way-supported agency and a cornerstone of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Walking through its newly renovated spaces, supported in part through our Community Real Estate Capital Grants, was a powerful reminder that belonging doesn’t happen by chance. It takes investment, partnership and a commitment to creating places where people feel safe, supported and welcome.
As we celebrate Pride Month, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of spaces like The 519. For many 2SLGBTQIA+ people, these spaces offer more than programs and services, they foster connection and community. They create opportunities for people to be fully themselves and to know they are not alone.
As someone who feels fortunate to live in a region with strong, affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families, including my own, I know that sense of belonging is something we cannot take for granted.
As we prepare to walk in this year’s Toronto Pride parade, I’m especially grateful for supporters like you who help make these spaces possible. While there is still work to do to ensure everyone can live safely, openly and with dignity, your support is helping build a region where more people can find connection, community and the freedom to be themselves.
With gratitude to you,
Nicole McVan (they/them)
Vice President, Philanthropy
United Way Greater Toronto
Your support in action
Turning local challenges into local solutions
When people are struggling to fund housing or put food on the table, timely action matters. That’s why United Way’s Community Coordination Tables bring together more than 500 organizations across the GTA to turn local challenges to local solutions. That could mean streamlining how culturally appropriate meals are delivered, ensuring access to mental health services or assisting with affordable housing for seniors. These partners know their communities best and with your support they work together to identify emerging issues and respond quickly. Learn more about how these local, coordinated responses work.
Working together in Peel
Last month, United Way President & CEO, Heather McDonald addressed Peel Regional Council on the growing challenges facing local residents, including the rising cost of living, income inequality and high housing costs. Through the Peel Poverty Reduction Committee, which we co-chair with the Region of Peel, we help bring the voices of youth and people with lived experience of poverty to decision-making tables. Together, we’re advancing practical, coordinated solutions that respond to growing community needs and help build a stronger future for Peel. Read more.
Connecting youth to jobs
For many young people, landing a first job has never been harder. One in five young Torontonians is unemployed, with systemic barriers making it even more difficult for racialized, low-income and equity-deserving youth to access opportunities. Together with the City of Toronto, community agencies and employers, we’re working to create 10,000 jobs for youth by 2027 through the Toronto Youth Employment Strategy. And thanks to this collaboration, organizations across the United Way network are already on track to hire nearly 2,000 youth this summer! Read more about how we’re connecting young people to good jobs.
Diving deeper on settlement
At last month’s Diving Deeper: Welcoming Communities panel we explored how coordinated community supports help newcomers build lives, connections and a sense of belonging across the GTA. United Way’s Stephanie Procyk, Director, Research & Evaluation, led the conversation with leaders from the Centre For Immigrant and Community Services, COSTI, Christie Refugee Welcome Centre and BMO. Together, they shared thoughtful insights on what’s working, the challenges newcomers continue to face and how community-led, culturally responsive approaches create pathways to opportunity. Missed the panel? You can watch it here.
IN COMMUNITY, WITH COMMUNITY
Congratulations to the 25 recipients of the 2025 Toronto Community Champion Awards, presented in partnership with the City of Toronto. Their work spans everything from housing and food security to youth development, newcomer support and mental health. Together, they are proof of the power of local leadership.
Building community takes community.
With your support, we will build a GTA where everyone has what they need to thrive.
Any way we can.
Learn more about our work. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates about how your local love is making a difference across the GTA.