2024
Annual Impact Report
VISION
A Canada where everyone can access dignified housing.
MISSION
Enable housing stability by driving innovative housing, health, and employment solutions that prevent and end homelessness.
Land Acknowledgement
Blue Door acknowledges that York, Peel and Durham Regions where our work takes place is the traditional lands of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabek, Mississaugas of the Credit, Scugog Island First Nation, and Chippewas of Georgina Island. We recognize the deep and enduring connections Indigenous communities have with these lands and honour their stewardship, resilience, and contributions. With respect and humility, we commit to listening, learning, and working toward meaningful reconciliation.
Building
Brighter
Future
Strategic Priorities
Housing, Health, Employment, Innovate, Advocate, Evaluate, Lead
Building
Brighter
Future
CEO and Board Message
Despite the challenges our country faces, the community, volunteers, and team at Blue Door refuse to slow down.
With your generous support and the momentum built in recent years, Blue Door has continued to grow in 2024, launching new services that have helped lift hundreds of individuals and families out of poverty.
In 2024, Blue Door’s housing programs expanded. New emergency housing for individuals and couples at a local hotel in Vaughan opened. York Region’s Passage House, transitional housing in East Gwillimbury supporting senior men, expanded its program to include couples and single parents.
Blue Door’s seasonal housing program, Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold, added 60 beds, opened two new locations, and extended the program’s length by four additional months. From October to June, the program provides hot meals, housing guidance, medical care and a warm, safe place to call home.
Since its launch in 2020, Blue Door’s supportive skills training program Construct, has helped lift over 600 people out of poverty and supports the construction of desperately needed new homes in Canada.
As Construct continues to grow in Durham, York and Peel Regions, Blue Door is collaborating with partners nationwide to replicate its proven model outside of the GTA, expanding its impact across Canada.
In the fall of 2024, Blue Door celebrated the opening of the new Beaverton Heights transitional housing program, which provides housing for 74 people. Built by the Region of Durham, this new facility, supported by Blue Door and our community partners, will assist residents on their housing journey.
In late November, we celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for a new development that will replace the 100-year-old building, Kevin’s Place, with 14 new deeply affordable stacked townhomes, providing both emergency and transitional housing for individuals and families in need.
While Blue Door is deeply proud of the 2024 accomplishments, there is much more to be done.
As we move into 2025, Blue Door will begin construction at Kevin’s Place, and introduce the Housing for All Land Trust, which will focus on securing homes and land to create deeply affordable housing. Construct is also excited to expand its program by adding new partners beyond the GTA and Ontario.
None of this would be possible without your continued and growing support.
Our incredible volunteers, funders, sponsors, community partners, government supporters, and donors like you have gone above and beyond in supporting vulnerable people, inspiring Blue Door to keep pushing forward to prevent and end homelessness.
Thank you all for your unwavering support — it means the world to Blue Door and, more importantly, to the youth, adults, seniors, and families experiencing homelessness. Together, we will build communities where everyone has a warm, safe, and affordable place to call home.
Thank you,
Emmy Kelly
Interim CEO of Blue Door
Michael Scarano
Board Chair of Blue Door
2024
A Year of Impact
Imagine Canada Accreditation
In 2024, Blue Door officially received Imagine Canada Accreditation. This recognition means we meet the highest standards in governance, financial accountability, fundraising, and transparency, ensuring we remain a trusted organization dedicated to ending homelessness.
Beaverton Expansion
Blue Door proudly expanded our housing supports beyond York Region with the opening of Beaverton Heights, a 47-unit transitional housing program in Durham Region. As the service provider, Blue Door offers wraparound supports such as meals, life skills training, and employment services, as well as safe housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Building New Beginnings,
In November, the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of Kevin’s Place marked a key milestone in addressing our community’s housing needs. This project will replace the existing 12-unit building with 14 affordable stacked townhomes, providing accessible housing for vulnerable individuals and families facing homelessness.
85,610
nights of safety
620
people served through
Hospital In-Reach Program
266
individuals successfully
transitioned from housing
programs into permanent homes
of housing residents
reported improved health
construct participants
employed after graduation
of Construct participants entered the construction sector
“
Blue Door’s efforts have not only addressed immediate needs but also equipped me with the tools and knowledge to thrive independently. For all this and more, I am profoundly thankful to the entire team at Blue Door.
– Lina*
* All names thoughout this report have been changed to ensure confidentiality
Emergency
Housing
Emergency housing provides immediate support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness while offering extensive wraparound supports to help people regain stability. These programs go beyond just a place to stay—they include virtual and in-person mental health services, assistance with housing searches, healthcare access, and employment-related supports, ensuring individuals have the tools they need to rebuild their lives.
Porter Place
Serves 30 men nightly.
Porter Place is a year-round men’s emergency housing program in York Region serving male individuals ages 16+.
Leeder Place (East Gwillimbury)
Serves 15 families nightly.
Leeder Place is a year-round emergency housing program for all types of families in York Region.
Kevin’s Place
Serves 10 men nightly.
Kevin’s Place provides emergency housing and essential wraparound supports to vulnerable male youth facing homelessness.
Leeder Place (Vaughan)
Serves 33 Families Nightly.
The Leeder Place (Vaughan) program provides short term emergency housing for families who are experiencing homelessness. In 2024, the program grew from supporting 10 families to 33 families in York Region.
The Landing Place
Serves 20 Individuals/Couples Nightly.
The Landing Place program is a year-round emergency housing program for couples and individuals, who are experiencing homelessness.
“
Thank you Blue Door and staff! You are unbelievable. You go beyond what I knew to be caring and understanding.
– Theodore
Building New Beginnings
Over the years, Kevin’s Place has served as a vital source of support for many, but with the growing demand for more affordable housing solutions, Blue Door recognized an opportunity to expand its impact in the community. On November 29, the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of Kevin’s Place marked a major milestone for the community.
In partnership with EllisDon Community Builders, this project will replace the existing 12-unit facility with 14 affordable stacked townhomes, ensuring housing for vulnerable individuals and families.
Transitional Housing
Passage House
18 Rooms, 9 Adult Men and 9 Couples/Single Parents with one-child
Passage House is a transitional housing program that supports individuals, couples, and families with working towards their personal goals. In 2024, Passage House increased capacity from 18 to 27 by offering supports to couples and single parents with one-child.
Forward
1 Home, 5 Senior Men
Seniors are York Region’s largest population experiencing homelessness. Forward provides tailored support to senior men in finding accessible and dignified housing.
Abode
5 Homes, 5 Families
Abode provides newcomers and larger families with the necessary time and support needed to establish themselves and retain and attain safe, stable housing.
INNclusion
1 Home, 5 Youth
The INNclusion program provides transitional housing for up to five 2SLGBTQ+ youth in a community setting through a five-bedroom house. The length of stay at INNclusion is up to four years.
Beaverton Heights
47 Rooms, 47 Individuals
Durham Region’s Beaverton Heights is a 47-unit transitional housing program offering housing supports for up to 4 years at a time to individuals ages 18+ who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
“
The collective impact of the Blue Door staff’s assistance has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their dedication went far beyond simple acts of help; they provided a holistic support system that has empowered me to rebuild and move forward with confidence.
– PATRICK*
Seasonal
Housing
Blue Door’s Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold program provides emergency housing, meals, and support 7 nights a week from October to June. Thank you to our faith-based community partners who generously donate their space each night: Ebenezer United Church, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Rouge Valley Mennonite Church, St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Victory Baptist Church, and Wideman Mennonite Church.
In 2024, bed capacity increased from 26 to 30 beds per night, with six additional beds available during cold weather alerts, and two new sites were added in Newmarket and Markham. Despite these expansions, the program operated at or near full capacity most nights.
23,520
Meals Served
508
People Supported
Housing for All Land Trust
Building Community, Building Change
The Housing for All Land Trust is a critical response to the housing crisis, addressing the root causes of homelessness by rapidly expanding affordable, sustainable housing solutions for individuals and families.
Health
Health Hub
The Health Hub offers individuals and families supported by Blue Door access to on-site health services, led by Registered Practical Nurses and family physicians. The Health Hub offers services and supports ranging from health referrals, mental health support, dental hygiene, and more.
Hospital In-Reach Worker
In partnership with Southlake Regional Health Centre and York Region, Blue Door’s hospital In-Reach Worker works with hospital patients experiencing homelessness in finding a safe place to recover and live upon being discharged from the hospital.
148
Individuals Supported through the Health Hub
231
Individuals Supported through In-Reach and Diverted from Discharging into Homelessness
Community Supports
Housing Retention
The Housing Retention program offers supports to indivudals and families in Blue Door’s emergency housing programs. Services include systems navigation, connection to health care and mental health services, and community reintegration, to support families and individuals in sustaining their housing.
156
Individuals Supported through Housing Retention
Housing to Health
In partnership with LOFT and The Krasman Centre, Housing to Health is a program designed to assist individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with services and support in attaining and retaining housing.
53
Individuals Supported through Housing to Health
Employment
Construct is an 8-week skilled trades training program helping launch vulnerable individuals into successful careers in the trades.
In 2024, Construct redeveloped their online training portal to enhance its functionality for participants and graduates. Additionally, to ensure greater accessibility for diverse learners, the portal was translated into French.
“
The Construct program is amazing and inspiring for its mission to help those in need of assistance, coaching, education, and encouragement to build a good sustainable life. This is how strong, supportive, and compassionate communities are created.
– Isabella, Construct graduate*
Of 2024 graduates found employment
Construct Canada
A proven solution to preventing and ending homelessness, Blue Door will replicate the Construct program with community partners across Canada. In 2024, Construct focused on strengthening internal structures, processes, and policies to support staff in their roles and prepare for expansion.
TradeWorx
Powered by The Home Depot Canada Foundation, TradeWorx is a collaboration of Canadian employment social enterprises, including Construct, helping bridge systemic gaps and prevent youth homelessness through skills training.
“
THANK YOU
Our achievements this year are a true testament to the dedication of our passionate staff, generous volunteers, and committed Board of Directors.
To our staff – your hard work and dedication drive real change, and we are so grateful for every one of you.
To our volunteers – whether supporting programs, events, or administrative tasks, your time and energy never go unnoticed and make a lasting impact.
To our donors and funders – we are deeply grateful for your incredible generosity. Thank you for believing in our mission and standing with us every step of the way.
To our community – your support makes it possible for us to create life-changing opportunities for individuals and families in need. Together, we’re building strong, more inclusive communities and a brighter future for all.
And to our Board – your leadership and guidance help shape our success. Thank you to Michael Scarano (Board Chair), Anika Mifsud (Vice-Chair), Al Jones (Board Treasurer), Julie Ralph (Board Secretary), and our dedicated Board Members, Caroline Hunter, Chirag Bhatt, Christopher Achkar, David Rawcliffe, Denise Le Bel, and Vidia Dhanraj.
We are deeply grateful to each of you for being part of Blue Door’s commitment to preventing and ending homelessness. Thank you!
Events
Coldest Night of the Year – Richmond Hill
$153,587
Raised
Hockey Helps the Homeless - York Region
$401,946
Raised
Advocacy
Advocacy For Lasting Change
Recognizing the impact all levels of government have on housing, health, and employment, Blue Door engaged a government relations consultant to strengthen partnerships and drive change through policy. In 2024, Blue Door had over 40 meetings with federal and provincial officials, helping spotlight Blue Door’s Construct and Housing for All Land Trust solutions.
The On The Way Home Podcast
On the Way Home podcast brings together the voices and issues involved in ending homelessness in Canada.
126K+
Youtube views
in 2024
30K+
downloads on
Apple and Spotify
Financials
Revenue
Government
United Way Greater Toronto
Construct
Donations, Grants, & Other Funding
Expenses
Emergency Housing
Transitional & Supportive Housing
Construct
Fundraising & Administration
Housing to Health
Key Supporters
Thank you to the following generous leadership donors and grant funders for their significant financial or in-kind donations of $1,000 or more in 2024.
- Achkar Law
- Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association
- Alana Kanapka
- Alectra Inc.
- Allan & Shirley Holditch
- Alter Wellness Inc.
- Andrew Slonetsky & Anne Keith
- Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation
- Bingo World
- Brian Marshall
- Bruce Rhodes
- Cambria Design Build Ltd.
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
- Capital Power – York Energy Centre
- Chad and Bobbie Curtis. Little Caesars Pizza. Newmarket, ON.
- Chris Pridham
- Christ Church
- CIBC Foundation
- City of Vaughan, Talent City Vaughan program
- Compu-SOLVE Technologies Inc.
- Cordelia Abankwa
- Costco – East Gwillimbury
- David Sloan
- Descon Conveyor Systems Corp.
- DIBS Scratch Bakery
- DJ Rez aka Reza Ghaemi
- DS Consultants
- Ebenezer United Church
- Edmunds Home Improvements
- Eli Lilly Canada
- EllisDon Community Builders
- Enrbridge
- Federal Reaching Home Strategy funding administered through United Way Greater Toronto for York Region
- Glynnwood Retirement Residence
- Government of Canada
- Gurupeedam
- Heather Mason-Wood & Michael Wood
- Hermana Agency
- Hockey Helps the Homeless
- Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Thornhill
- Holy Trinity School
- Home Trust
- Homeward Public Affairs
- Humaniti Foundation
- J.P. Bickell Foundation
- John and Jocelyn Barford Family Foundation
- John and Judith Vissers
- John Howard Society of York Region
- Karen Richards
- Kathy and Terry Munro
- Kenric and Alison Leung
- Kenvue
- KFC – Newmarket
- Knights of Columbus #5957
- Knights of Columbus, Council 13094 Oakridges
- Lauremont School
- Legacy Protection Services
- Lianne Megarry and Norm Wilson
- LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre
- Longo’s Richmond Hill
- Magna International Inc.
- Mark Zeidenberg
- Mary McClenaghan
- MAXXIAN
- Mayor and Council from the City of Richmond Hill
- Mazon Canada
- MCAN Financial
- MCAP
- Melinda and Darryl Moore
- Metroland Media Group
- Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)
- MP Majid Jowhari
- Neighbourhood Network
- Oak Ridges Lions Club
- Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)
- Our Lady Queen of the World Knights of Columbus Council 14411
- Pathy Family Foundation
- Pickering College
- Premiere Mortgage Centre
- Pretium Engineering Inc.
- Ralph M. Barford Foundation
- RBC Foundation
- RC Design
- Real Canadian Superstore – Aurora
- Real Canadian Superstore – Newmarket
- Resource Thrift Shop – Bradford
- RFA Mortgages
- Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church
- Richmond Hill United Church
- Robert & Marianne Bahlieda
- Rouge Valley Mennonite Church
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch #375
- Schomberg United Church
- SEIU Healthcare Local 1 Canada
- Selig Canada ULC
- Solenis Canada
- St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church – Markham
- St. Elizabeth Seton Parish
- St. John Chrysostom Church
- St. Mary Anglican Church, Richmond Hill
- Staff Relief Healthcare Services
- Starbucks (Stackhouse & Leslie, Newmarket)
- Strive
- TD Bank Group
- Tessier Design Corp.
- The Charles H. Ivey Foundation
- The Country Day School
- The Dunin Foundation
- The Easton’s Group of Hotels
- The Home Depot Canada Foundation
- The Regional Municipality of Durham
- The Regional Municipality of York
- The Rose Corporation
- The Tenaquip Foundation
- Timothy Houlahan
- Toronto Christian Community Church
- Town of East Gwillimbury
- Victory Baptist Church
- Wesley United Church
- Whole Foods – Unionville
- Widemen Mennonite Church
- York Region Food Bank
- York Simcoe Minor Hockey League
- Yvonne Hoogeveen
Thank you for helping us recongize all our incredible donors who make this work possible!
“
Homelessness can affect anyone—it could be someone in your family, someone you worked with, or even a student you once taught. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure everyone has access to safety and stability
– Brian Middleton,
Blue Door Legacy Donor
MAKE A LASTING IMPACT
Become a monthly donor and provide stable support to help youth, seniors and families experiencing homelessness access safe housing, vital health services, and employment opportunities. BlueDoor.ca/ways-to-give/monthly
To stay up to date on all Blue Door events, information, and initiatives, sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter. BlueDoor.ca/Newsletter
Honouring the Land. Building the Future.
Blue Door acknowledges that York, Peel and Durham Regions where our work takes place are the traditional lands of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabek, Mississaugas of the Credit, Scugog Island First Nation, and Chippewas of Georgina Island.
We recognize the deep and enduring connections Indigenous communities have with these lands and honor their stewardship, resilience, and contributions. With respect and humility, we commit to listening, learning, and working toward meaningful reconciliation.
Contact Us
Charitable Registration Number
13057 1896 RR0001
18838 Highway 11,
East Gwillimbury, ON, L9N 0C5
2024
Annual Impact Report
VISION
A Canada where everyone can access dignified housing.
MISSION
Enable housing stability by driving innovative housing, health, and employment solutions that prevent and end homelessness.
Land Acknowledgement
Blue Door acknowledges that York, Peel and Durham Regions where our work takes place is the traditional lands of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabek, Mississaugas of the Credit, Scugog Island First Nation, and Chippewas of Georgina Island. We recognize the deep and enduring connections Indigenous communities have with these lands and honour their stewardship, resilience, and contributions. With respect and humility, we commit to listening, learning, and working toward meaningful reconciliation.
Building
Brighter
Future
Strategic Priorities
Housing, Health, Employment, Innovate, Advocate, Evaluate, Lead
Building
Brighter
Future
CEO and Board Message
Despite the challenges our country faces, the community, volunteers, and team at Blue Door refuse to slow down.
With your generous support and the momentum built in recent years, Blue Door has continued to grow in 2024, launching new services that have helped lift hundreds of individuals and families out of poverty.
In 2024, Blue Door’s housing programs expanded. New emergency housing for individuals and couples at a local hotel in Vaughan opened. York Region’s Passage House, transitional housing in East Gwillimbury supporting senior men, expanded its program to include couples and single parents.
Blue Door’s seasonal housing program, Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold, added 60 beds, opened two new locations, and extended the program’s length by four additional months. From October to June, the program provides hot meals, housing guidance, medical care and a warm, safe place to call home.
Since its launch in 2020, Blue Door’s supportive skills training program Construct, has helped lift over 600 people out of poverty and supports the construction of desperately needed new homes in Canada.
As Construct continues to grow in Durham, York and Peel Regions, Blue Door is collaborating with partners nationwide to replicate its proven model outside of the GTA, expanding its impact across Canada.
In the fall of 2024, Blue Door celebrated the opening of the new Beaverton Heights transitional housing program, which provides housing for 74 people. Built by the Region of Durham, this new facility, supported by Blue Door and our community partners, will assist residents on their housing journey.
In late November, we celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for a new development that will replace the 100-year-old building, Kevin’s Place, with 14 new deeply affordable stacked townhomes, providing both emergency and transitional housing for individuals and families in need.
While Blue Door is deeply proud of the 2024 accomplishments, there is much more to be done.
As we move into 2025, Blue Door will begin construction at Kevin’s Place, and introduce the Housing for All Land Trust, which will focus on securing homes and land to create deeply affordable housing. Construct is also excited to expand its program by adding new partners beyond the GTA and Ontario.
None of this would be possible without your continued and growing support.
Our incredible volunteers, funders, sponsors, community partners, government supporters, and donors like you have gone above and beyond in supporting vulnerable people, inspiring Blue Door to keep pushing forward to prevent and end homelessness.
Thank you all for your unwavering support — it means the world to Blue Door and, more importantly, to the youth, adults, seniors, and families experiencing homelessness. Together, we will build communities where everyone has a warm, safe, and affordable place to call home.
Thank you,
Emmy Kelly
Interim CEO of Blue Door
Michael Scarano
Board Chair of Blue Door
2024
A Year of Impact
Imagine Canada Accreditation
In 2024, Blue Door officially received Imagine Canada Accreditation. This recognition means we meet the highest standards in governance, financial accountability, fundraising, and transparency, ensuring we remain a trusted organization dedicated to ending homelessness.
Beaverton Expansion
Blue Door proudly expanded our housing supports beyond York Region with the opening of Beaverton Heights, a 47-unit transitional housing program in Durham Region. As the service provider, Blue Door offers wraparound supports such as meals, life skills training, and employment services, as well as safe housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Building New Beginnings,
In November, the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of Kevin’s Place marked a key milestone in addressing our community’s housing needs. This project will replace the existing 12-unit building with 14 affordable stacked townhomes, providing accessible housing for vulnerable individuals and families facing homelessness.
85,610
nights of safety
620
people served through
Hospital In-Reach Program
266
individuals successfully
transitioned from housing
programs into permanent homes
of housing residents
reported improved health
construct participants
employed after graduation
of Construct participants entered the construction sector
“
Blue Door’s efforts have not only addressed immediate needs but also equipped me with the tools and knowledge to thrive independently. For all this and more, I am profoundly thankful to the entire team at Blue Door.
– Lina*
* All names thoughout this report have been changed to ensure confidentiality
Emergency
Housing
Emergency housing provides immediate support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness while offering extensive wraparound supports to help people regain stability. These programs go beyond just a place to stay—they include virtual and in-person mental health services, assistance with housing searches, healthcare access, and employment-related supports, ensuring individuals have the tools they need to rebuild their lives.
Porter Place
Serves 30 men nightly.
Porter Place is a year-round men’s emergency housing program in York Region serving male individuals ages 16+.
Leeder Place (East Gwillimbury)
Serves 15 families nightly.
Leeder Place is a year-round emergency housing program for all types of families in York Region.
Kevin’s Place
Serves 10 men nightly.
Kevin’s Place provides emergency housing and essential wraparound supports to vulnerable male youth facing homelessness.
Leeder Place (Vaughan)
Serves 33 Families Nightly.
The Leeder Place (Vaughan) program provides short term emergency housing for families who are experiencing homelessness. In 2024, the program grew from supporting 10 families to 33 families in York Region.
The Landing Place
Serves 20 Individuals/Couples Nightly.
The Landing Place program is a year-round emergency housing program for couples and individuals, who are experiencing homelessness.
“
Thank you Blue Door and staff! You are unbelievable. You go beyond what I knew to be caring and understanding.
– Theodore
Building New Beginnings
Over the years, Kevin’s Place has served as a vital source of support for many, but with the growing demand for more affordable housing solutions, Blue Door recognized an opportunity to expand its impact in the community. On November 29, the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of Kevin’s Place marked a major milestone for the community.
In partnership with EllisDon Community Builders, this project will replace the existing 12-unit facility with 14 affordable stacked townhomes, ensuring housing for vulnerable individuals and families.
Transitional Housing
Passage House
18 Rooms, 9 Adult Men and 9 Couples/Single Parents with one-child
Passage House is a transitional housing program that supports individuals, couples, and families with working towards their personal goals. In 2024, Passage House increased capacity from 18 to 27 by offering supports to couples and single parents with one-child.
Forward
1 Home, 5 Senior Men
Seniors are York Region’s largest population experiencing homelessness. Forward provides tailored support to senior men in finding accessible and dignified housing.
Abode
5 Homes, 5 Families
Abode provides newcomers and larger families with the necessary time and support needed to establish themselves and retain and attain safe, stable housing.
INNclusion
1 Home, 5 Youth
The INNclusion program provides transitional housing for up to five 2SLGBTQ+ youth in a community setting through a five-bedroom house. The length of stay at INNclusion is up to four years.
Beaverton Heights
47 Rooms, 47 Individuals
Durham Region’s Beaverton Heights is a 47-unit transitional housing program offering housing supports for up to 4 years at a time to individuals ages 18+ who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
“
The collective impact of the Blue Door staff’s assistance has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their dedication went far beyond simple acts of help; they provided a holistic support system that has empowered me to rebuild and move forward with confidence.
– PATRICK*
Seasonal
Housing
Blue Door’s Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold program provides emergency housing, meals, and support 7 nights a week from October to June. Thank you to our faith-based community partners who generously donate their space each night: Ebenezer United Church, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Rouge Valley Mennonite Church, St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Victory Baptist Church, and Wideman Mennonite Church.
In 2024, bed capacity increased from 26 to 30 beds per night, with six additional beds available during cold weather alerts, and two new sites were added in Newmarket and Markham. Despite these expansions, the program operated at or near full capacity most nights.
23,520
Meals Served
508
People Supported
Housing for All Land Trust
Building Community, Building Change
The Housing for All Land Trust is a critical response to the housing crisis, addressing the root causes of homelessness by rapidly expanding affordable, sustainable housing solutions for individuals and families.
Health
Health Hub
The Health Hub offers individuals and families supported by Blue Door access to on-site health services, led by Registered Practical Nurses and family physicians. The Health Hub offers services and supports ranging from health referrals, mental health support, dental hygiene, and more.
Hospital In-Reach Worker
In partnership with Southlake Regional Health Centre and York Region, Blue Door’s hospital In-Reach Worker works with hospital patients experiencing homelessness in finding a safe place to recover and live upon being discharged from the hospital.
148
Individuals Supported through the Health Hub
231
Individuals Supported through In-Reach and Diverted from Discharging into Homelessness
Community Supports
Housing Retention
The Housing Retention program offers supports to indivudals and families in Blue Door’s emergency housing programs. Services include systems navigation, connection to health care and mental health services, and community reintegration, to support families and individuals in sustaining their housing.
156
Individuals Supported through Housing Retention
Housing to Health
In partnership with LOFT and The Krasman Centre, Housing to Health is a program designed to assist individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with services and support in attaining and retaining housing.
53
Individuals Supported through Housing to Health
Employment
Construct is an 8-week skilled trades training program helping launch vulnerable individuals into successful careers in the trades.
In 2024, Construct redeveloped their online training portal to enhance its functionality for participants and graduates. Additionally, to ensure greater accessibility for diverse learners, the portal was translated into French.
“
The Construct program is amazing and inspiring for its mission to help those in need of assistance, coaching, education, and encouragement to build a good sustainable life. This is how strong, supportive, and compassionate communities are created.
– Isabella, Construct graduate*
Of 2024 graduates found employment
Construct Canada
A proven solution to preventing and ending homelessness, Blue Door will replicate the Construct program with community partners across Canada. In 2024, Construct focused on strengthening internal structures, processes, and policies to support staff in their roles and prepare for expansion.
TradeWorx
Powered by The Home Depot Canada Foundation, TradeWorx is a collaboration of Canadian employment social enterprises, including Construct, helping bridge systemic gaps and prevent youth homelessness through skills training.
“
THANK YOU
Our achievements this year are a true testament to the dedication of our passionate staff, generous volunteers, and committed Board of Directors.
To our staff – your hard work and dedication drive real change, and we are so grateful for every one of you.
To our volunteers – whether supporting programs, events, or administrative tasks, your time and energy never go unnoticed and make a lasting impact.
To our donors and funders – we are deeply grateful for your incredible generosity. Thank you for believing in our mission and standing with us every step of the way.
To our community – your support makes it possible for us to create life-changing opportunities for individuals and families in need. Together, we’re building strong, more inclusive communities and a brighter future for all.
And to our Board – your leadership and guidance help shape our success. Thank you to Michael Scarano (Board Chair), Anika Mifsud (Vice-Chair), Al Jones (Board Treasurer), Julie Ralph (Board Secretary), and our dedicated Board Members, Caroline Hunter, Chirag Bhatt, Christopher Achkar, David Rawcliffe, Denise Le Bel, and Vidia Dhanraj.
We are deeply grateful to each of you for being part of Blue Door’s commitment to preventing and ending homelessness. Thank you!
Events
Coldest Night of the Year – Richmond Hill
$153,587
Raised
Hockey Helps the Homeless – York Region
$401,946
Raised
Advocacy
Advocacy For Lasting Change
Recognizing the impact all levels of government have on housing, health, and employment, Blue Door engaged a government relations consultant to strengthen partnerships and drive change through policy. In 2024, Blue Door had over 40 meetings with federal and provincial officials, helping spotlight Blue Door’s Construct and Housing for All Land Trust solutions.
The On The Way Home Podcast
On the Way Home podcast brings together the voices and issues involved in ending homelessness in Canada.
126K+
Youtube views
in 2024
30K+
downloads on
Apple and Spotify
Financials
Revenue
Government
United Way Greater Toronto
Construct
Donations, Grants, & Other Funding
Expenses
Emergency Housing
Transitional & Supportive Housing
Construct
Fundraising & Administration
Housing to Health
Key Supporters
Thank you to the following generous leadership donors and grant funders for their significant financial or in-kind donations of $1,000 or more in 2024.
- Achkar Law
- Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association
- Alana Kanapka
- Alectra Inc.
- Allan & Shirley Holditch
- Alter Wellness Inc.
- Andrew Slonetsky & Anne Keith
- Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation
- Bingo World
- Brian Marshall
- Bruce Rhodes
- Cambria Design Build Ltd.
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
- Capital Power – York Energy Centre
- Chad and Bobbie Curtis. Little Caesars Pizza. Newmarket, ON.
- Chris Pridham
- Christ Church
- CIBC Foundation
- City of Vaughan, Talent City Vaughan program
- Compu-SOLVE Technologies Inc.
- Cordelia Abankwa
- Costco – East Gwillimbury
- David Sloan
- Descon Conveyor Systems Corp.
- DIBS Scratch Bakery
- DJ Rez aka Reza Ghaemi
- DS Consultants
- Ebenezer United Church
- Edmunds Home Improvements
- Eli Lilly Canada
- EllisDon Community Builders
- Enrbridge
- Federal Reaching Home Strategy funding administered through United Way Greater Toronto for York Region
- Glynnwood Retirement Residence
- Government of Canada
- Gurupeedam
- Heather Mason-Wood & Michael Wood
- Hermana Agency
- Hockey Helps the Homeless
- Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Thornhill
- Holy Trinity School
- Home Trust
- Homeward Public Affairs
- Humaniti Foundation
- J.P. Bickell Foundation
- John and Jocelyn Barford Family Foundation
- John and Judith Vissers
- John Howard Society of York Region
- Karen Richards
- Kathy and Terry Munro
- Kenric and Alison Leung
- Kenvue
- KFC – Newmarket
- Knights of Columbus #5957
- Knights of Columbus, Council 13094 Oakridges
- Lauremont School
- Legacy Protection Services
- Lianne Megarry and Norm Wilson
- LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre
- Longo’s Richmond Hill
- Magna International Inc.
- Mark Zeidenberg
- Mary McClenaghan
- MAXXIAN
- Mayor and Council from the City of Richmond Hill
- Mazon Canada
- MCAN Financial
- MCAP
- Melinda and Darryl Moore
- Metroland Media Group
- Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)
- MP Majid Jowhari
- Neighbourhood Network
- Oak Ridges Lions Club
- Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)
- Our Lady Queen of the World Knights of Columbus Council 14411
- Pathy Family Foundation
- Pickering College
- Premiere Mortgage Centre
- Pretium Engineering Inc.
- Ralph M. Barford Foundation
- RBC Foundation
- RC Design
- Real Canadian Superstore – Aurora
- Real Canadian Superstore – Newmarket
- Resource Thrift Shop – Bradford
- RFA Mortgages
- Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church
- Richmond Hill United Church
- Robert & Marianne Bahlieda
- Rouge Valley Mennonite Church
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch #375
- Schomberg United Church
- SEIU Healthcare Local 1 Canada
- Selig Canada ULC
- Solenis Canada
- St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church – Markham
- St. Elizabeth Seton Parish
- St. John Chrysostom Church
- St. Mary Anglican Church, Richmond Hill
- Staff Relief Healthcare Services
- Starbucks (Stackhouse & Leslie, Newmarket)
- Strive
- TD Bank Group
- Tessier Design Corp.
- The Charles H. Ivey Foundation
- The Country Day School
- The Dunin Foundation
- The Easton’s Group of Hotels
- The Home Depot Canada Foundation
- The Regional Municipality of Durham
- The Regional Municipality of York
- The Rose Corporation
- The Tenaquip Foundation
- Timothy Houlahan
- Toronto Christian Community Church
- Town of East Gwillimbury
- Victory Baptist Church
- Wesley United Church
- Whole Foods – Unionville
- Widemen Mennonite Church
- York Region Food Bank
- York Simcoe Minor Hockey League
- Yvonne Hoogeveen
Thank you for helping us recongize all our incredible donors who make this work possible!
“
Homelessness can affect anyone—it could be someone in your family, someone you worked with, or even a student you once taught. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure everyone has access to safety and stability
– Brian Middleton,
Blue Door Legacy Donor
MAKE A LASTING IMPACT
Become a monthly donor and provide stable support to help youth, seniors and families experiencing homelessness access safe housing, vital health services, and employment opportunities. BlueDoor.ca/ways-to-give/monthly
To stay up to date on all Blue Door events, information, and initiatives, sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter. BlueDoor.ca/Newsletter
Honouring the Land. Building the Future.
Blue Door acknowledges that York, Peel and Durham Regions where our work takes place are the traditional lands of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabek, Mississaugas of the Credit, Scugog Island First Nation, and Chippewas of Georgina Island.
We recognize the deep and enduring connections Indigenous communities have with these lands and honor their stewardship, resilience, and contributions. With respect and humility, we commit to listening, learning, and working toward meaningful reconciliation.
Contact Us
Charitable Registration Number
13057 1896 RR0001
18838 Highway 11,
East Gwillimbury, ON, L9N 0C5