An update from Heather McDonald, CEO
If I were asked to name one common thread among the updates I’m bringing to you, I’d call it “New Beginnings”.
You may notice the bold new design and colours that convey LOFT’s sense of determination and strength in the life-changing services we provide to clients. Now, more than ever, we are being called on to be there for the increased mental health and supportive housing needs of our community. We need help to meet that growing demand and believe that our new look will invite new partnerships. While LOFT’s rebranding has brought a new look and feel to our logo, we proudly maintain the same commitment to our clients and to the services we provide.
We have also established exciting new connections.
In our effort to bring meaningful frontline support to the TTC’s public spaces, LOFT has expanded our Toronto’s Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team (M-DOT). We have assigned a team of mental health outreach workers, including a nurse, to the city’s transit system. This year-long pilot project focuses on mental health and homelessness, giving vulnerable people in the transit system access to the long-term support they need.
In Bradford West Gwillimbury, the Town has enthusiastically supported LOFT’s vision to build new housing. They are donating a Town’s .35-hectare property at 31 Frederick Street to LOFT for the construction of the new Bradford House. With 100 self-contained units planned for the new home, there will be room for 60 more residents than at the current Barrie Street building. The land donation better positions LOFT to receive government and provincial funding. Council has endorsed LOFT’s efforts to secure a Rapid Housing Initiative grant from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. If the application is successful, LOFT may not need a mortgage on the building. This could lead to even more affordable and improved housing opportunities on the current Barrie Street property.
Local support for our services has been wonderful, and LOFT looks forward to making an accessible building where even more health services can be brought to the community.
As LOFT continues to grow, I’m proud to report that we are focused on consolidating and integrating new services, as well as adding new committed staff to support our growth.