LOFT Community Services receives $2.7M to expand supportive housing offering in the region

LOFT Community Services is one of the recipients receiving funding through the federal Reaching Home Strategy administered by United Way Greater Toronto in York Region. We have received $2.7 million dollars in funding to build on our Crosslinks Housing and Support Services program.

“We’re thrilled to continue to serve the most vulnerable in York Region with quality care and affordable, supportive housing units,” says Heather McDonald, LOFT’s CEO. “Our programs have supported this community for over 35 years. While the need for mental health, addiction recovery and supportive housing services continues to grow, we’re proud to lead the way with our partners to offer life-changing solutions.”

Thanks to this transformational gift, we purchased a new property in Richmond Hill that will provide more affordable, supportive housing and services to people living with mental health and/or addiction challenges who are also experiencing homelessness. Additionally, these funds will also cover much-needed renovations at our LOFT supportive housing location in Newmarket to improve the quality of life of our clients.

Crosslinks Housing and Support Services Expansion

The new property represents an expansion to LOFT’s Crosslinks Housing and Support Services program, which provides a range of supportive housing options across York Region. Each house or apartment, whether individual or shared, comes fully furnished and with support services attached. Housing fees are calculated based on the client’s income. Most of our housing programs accept referrals from York Support Services Streamlined Access program, which provides coordinated access to a number of mental health and supportive housing agencies including LOFT.

LOFT also supports the region through a mobile outreach van that delivers basic needs like food and personal care items to residents experiencing poverty and/or homelessness. The Street Outreach Van is the only mobile outreach service in York Region and it operates seven days per week (excluding statutory holidays).

This program offers mental health, housing, community outreach, and addiction support through specialists that are always in the van. It also offers an opportunity to help those who are ready to get off the streets and connect with other support or community services.

Supportive Housing Services

Having a place to call home and live with dignity is a vital part of the journey towards recovery, independence and well-being. Clients served at LOFT’s new property in Richmond Hill will receive one-on-one support from LOFT’s Case Managers, who assist individuals in building on their strengths, developing skills, and connecting to resources to meet their identified needs.

Thank you to our partners at United Way Greater Toronto and Service Canada, for this transformational investment to help meet the growing needs in York Region.