Posted On: May 15, 2025, Posted By: Village Media, NewmarketToday, Original article.
As the largest emergency housing provider in the region, Blue Door is dedicated to providing secure, affordable housing throughout York Region
On May 15, International Day of Families, we are reminded that every family should have access to a secure, stable, and affordable place to call home.
Blue Door, a non-profit organization focused on creating a Canada where everyone can access dignified housing, brings this goal to life through York Region’s Emergency Housing Program Leeder Place and Emergency Housing Extension. Accommodating over 30 families nightly, the two programs offer comprehensive support for vulnerable families rebuilding their lives with dignity alongside their loved ones.
For over 40 years, Blue Door has served and supported families, youth, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness in York Region. As the largest emergency housing provider in the region, Blue Door is dedicated to providing secure, affordable housing throughout York Region. As families continue to confront homelessness, escalating rents, inflation, and a critical lack of affordable housing have increased family homelessness by over 30 per cent in recent years (York Region).
“Every family deserves the stability and dignity of a safe home — not just as a basic need, but as the foundation for long-term success,” says Emmy Kelly, interim CEO of Blue Door. “On this International Day of Families, we’re not only honouring the resilience of families facing housing challenges — we’re making sure Blue Door stays focused on action. Through Leeder Place and our family housing programs, we’re investing in wraparound supports that open real, lasting pathways out of homelessness. That’s how we build stronger families — and stronger communities.”
Leeder Place is a year-round emergency housing program that offers secure housing, essential needs, and caring support for various family types. Leeder Place caters to a variety of different families including single parents, multi-generational households, newcomers, and provides wraparound supports, including housing navigation, employment assistance, mental health resources, and parenting support. It’s more than just a place to sleep, but a space where families can start to restore their lives.
“As we recognize International Day of Families, we celebrate not only the strength and resilience of families but also the dedicated teams at Leeder Place and our Emergency Housing Extension program who work tirelessly each day to support and advocate for families,” says Karen Al Massaad, Blue Door’s director of programs, emergency housing and support.
Serving up to 45 families nightly, the program provides housing navigation, employment assistance, mental health resources, and parenting support. More than just a place to sleep, Leeder Place and Emergency Housing Extension programs are a space where families are met with compassion and empowered to begin rebuilding their lives — thanks to a team that explores every option and never stops working to ensure families feel seen, supported, and safe.
On this International Day of Families, let’s recognize the resilience and determination of families facing homelessness. Let’s reaffirm our dedication to ensuring that every family in York Region enjoys the safety and dignity of having a home to call their own.
To learn more about Leeder Place and the other emergency housing programs Blue Door offers, visit bluedoor.ca/programs/emergency.