United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) is working towards a more equitable GTA for all with the launch of a new Community Real Estate Initiative and the commitment to raise and invest over $100 million, developing 10 community hubs across the GTA over the next 10 years. This unprecedented investment aims to secure stable, accessible spaces for essential community services like healthcare, social programs, and recreational activities, which are increasingly at risk of displacement due to skyrocketing occupancy costs—a 57% increase over the past decade. More than 70% of these vital spaces are leased, leaving services vulnerable to rising rents and threatening the support networks that vulnerable communities rely on.
The initiative includes $1.8 million in grants for early-stage project costs and explores alternative financing options, such as community loans, to help organizations acquire or revitalize spaces. United Way Greater Toronto is also working with partners like the Infrastructure Institute at the University of Toronto to provide professional development programs that equip agencies with the real estate expertise needed for long-term sustainability. The first of the 10 planned hubs is underway in Toronto’s Parkdale, with future hubs planned in Peel and York Regions, each designed to bring essential services together under one roof.
Other key elements of the initiative include:
- Distributing $1.8 million in grants and small capital funds to support pre-development costs such as feasibility studies;
- Exploring alternative financing such as community loans for organizations in the GTA to acquire or revitalize spaces; and
- Building community sector capacity with professional development programs in collaboration with the Infrastructure Institute, equipping agencies with the real estate expertise they need to navigate and manage these spaces long-term.
In partnership with the City of Toronto, work is underway for a new hub location in Toronto’s Parkdale. The goal of breaking ground on 10 new hubs also includes developing UWGT’s first community hubs in Peel and York Region, bringing together vital social services, healthcare, recreational spaces, and government services all under one roof.
“United Way Greater Toronto’s goal is to create, facilitate, and support community real estate infrastructure that sustains and empowers neighbourhoods across the region for the long term,” said Ruth Crammond, VP of Community Infrastructure. This initiative aims to secure the future of community services in the GTA and foster resilient, inclusive neighbourhoods, allowing everyone the stability and resources needed to thrive.
For an interactive look at this work, and to learn more about the real estate landscape for community services, visit unitedwaygt.org/spaces.