Local Initiative Funding for Tenants (LIFT)
Wednesday, July 9
Traditional Land Acknowledgement Emphasizing Reconciliation
We acknowledge that Toronto Community Housing is on the traditional territory of many Nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. We respectfully acknowledge those First Peoples who have been stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters, and that today remain vigilant over their health and integrity for generations to come.
In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we acknowledge that these treaties have not always been honoured, and often they have been broken. We also acknowledge that we are all a part of building good relations. We endeavour to go beyond land acknowledgments to material support and advocacy to forward Indigenous people's interests. We are all a Treaty people.
African Ancestral Acknowledgement
Toronto Community Housing acknowledges all Treaty peoples –including those who came here as settlers – as migrants either in this generation or in generations past – and those of us who came here involuntarily, particularly those brought to these lands as a result of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery. We pay tribute to those ancestors of African origin and descent.
Agenda
Time Activity
Speaker
6 to 6:05 p.m. Land and African Ancestral Acknowledgement Alejandra
6:05 to 6:30 p.m. Local Initiative Funding for Tenants (LIFT) Overview Christine/ Pablo
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. LIFT Q&A/ Next Steps All
Local Initiative Funding for Tenants (LIFT)
What is LIFT ?
• A new tenant funding program
• Helps pay for community development and tenant engagement activities in your building and townhouse communities.
• Will replace Tenant Action Funds (TAF) in 2026
• Embeds equity through a per-bedroom funding model
How much money is available ?
• Buildings/ townhouse communities get LIFT funds based on number of bedrooms
• No building receives less than $1,000 per year
• All funds must be spent before the year ends
Local Initiative Funding for Tenants (LIFT)
Who decides how funds are used ?
• Tenants do! Through their Tenant Circle
• Tenant Circles are open meetings for all tenants in your building/ townhouse community
• Tenant Circles started meeting in May to set community priorities
Local Initiative Funding for Tenants (LIFT)
Local Initiative Funding for Tenants (LIFT)
At the next round of Tenant Circle meetings, tenants will decide by consensus on how to use funds
What can LIFT funding be used for?
LIFT funding can be used for things like:
• Hosting community BBQs, seasonal events, or movie nights
• Buying supplies for group activities like crafts or games
• Hiring instructors for programs like dance or exercise classes
• Purchasing small equipment for shared community use (like kitchen tools, decorations, or fitness gear)
Local Initiative Funding for Tenants (LIFT)
What can’t LIFT money be used for?
LIFT funding cannot be used for:
• Alcohol, gifts, or personal items
• Large equipment that exceeds $1000 or requires regular maintenance to upkeep (e.g. pool table, larger exercise equipment – treadmill, etc.)
• Private events or items for individual use
• Transit costs or events held outside the community
Local Initiative Funding for Tenants (LIFT)
How are items purchased ?
• All items are ordered through TCHC’s purchasing processes by staff
• We’ll do our best to fulfill requests, but everything may not be available
• If not available, we’ll offer alternative options and keep you informed
What if something can’t be funded ?
• Some priorities may fall outside LIFT
• Staff will work with you to:
o Adjust the idea to fit LIFT
o Explore community partners or external funding
• The goal is to move your priorities forward and staff will do their best to support
Next steps
Get Involved!
• Watch for building posters about upcoming Tenant Circle meetings in your building and townhouse community.
• Talk to your Community Services Coordinator, Engagement.
Help shape your community!
Announcement
Elections for Tenant Council Members will place in October.
Look out for additional details in the coming weeks.