PRESS RELEASE
Posted: July 31, 2023. By: Blue Door Staff.
This transformative $1.6 million funding from United Way Greater Toronto and the Government of Canada, through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, enabled Blue Door to purchase a fourplex to support senior men experiencing homelessness and women escaping domestic violence.
On July 19, Blue Door held a recognition event to express their gratitude to the Government of Canada and United Way Greater Toronto for a transformative $1.6 million contribution. With the funding, Blue Door purchased a fourplex in Newmarket to provide supportive housing for underserved people experiencing homelessness – specifically senior men as well as women and their children escaping domestic violence.
Often overlooked, these two groups face significant hardships.
As the population ages and costs of living rise, seniors are being pushed into homelessness. Although approximately 60% of individuals experiencing homelessness in York Region are men, senior men are overrepresented and under-supported by available services.
Women and children are often forced into homelessness by domestic violence, which increased dramatically during the pandemic. In some cases, women and children escape without money, coat, or even shoes.
It is important to ensure the well-being and safety of women and senior men especially with current living costs being so high.
In response to these ongoing issues, generous funding from the Government of Canada and United Way Greater Toronto has enabled Blue Door to purchase an existing fourplex in Newmarket to provide a supportive housing unit to underserved and highly vulnerable senior men experiencing homelessness in York Region.
“The road to home starts with a safe place to shelter, where people can access the supports they need to heal, establish stability, and move forward towards their goals. United Way Greater Toronto is pleased to work in partnership with the Federal Government to support Blue Door in ensuring these vital ingredients are available to underserved populations in York Region – a critical step as we make access to safe, stable, affordable housing a reality for all in our region,” says Daniele Zanotti, President and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto.
Through a partnership with Yellow Brick House, Blue Door also established additional affordable housing solutions for women and their children seeking refuge from domestic violence in York Region. Through this collaborative effort, Blue Door has created a safe and supportive environment, offering hope and stability to those facing challenging circumstances.
“We are working to reduce homelessness and housing insecurity by making targeted investments in initiatives like Blue Door, and by working with partners like the United Way, which will help ensure that women and children fleeing domestic violence and marginalized seniors have a safe place to call home,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
“We are immensely grateful to receive this funding from United Way Greater Toronto and the Government of Canada to support providing refuge to these two very vulnerable groups in our community. Our deepest gratitude goes to these two organizations, who share our vision of creating a compassionate society where no one is left without housing or protection. Together, we can make a lasting difference,” shares Michael Braithwaite, Blue Door’s CEO.
The Government of Canada and United Way Greater Toronto’s generous grant is already transforming lives and will continue for decades to significantly impact and improve the York Region community.
To learn more about the program and Blue Door’s vision that this fourplex represents, visit www.BlueDoor.ca