Spring 2025 You, your community, and your city
From local leader to global advocate
How Shazz Nalir’s work in Regent Park inspired a lifelong passion
Your Spring Tenant LOOP
•
•
•
R-PATH reports: Unit inspections help plan for the future
Annual Unit Inspections will be starting soon for all Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) buildings and units! Accessibility feature checks will now be a part of these inspections.
The Accessibility Program and local Operations teams work together to make units safer for disabled tenants. The Accessibility feature check helps TCHC to have an up-to-date record of how many units are partially or fully accessible and the specific features in each. This will help future tenants be matched to units that meet their medical needs. Staff will also note if a unit does not have any accessibility features. Please help TCHC staff with this project when they come to your unit.
Here are just a few of the items on the accessible features checklist:
• Automatic door openers
• Wider unit doors
• Roll-in/walk-in showers
• Raised toilets
• Grab bars
• Knee clearances under sinks
• Entry ramps for townhouses
• Main floor washrooms in townhouses
• Visible fire alarms
These kinds of features will be noted on the unit’s record to help tenants who need accessible features in the future. It will make it easier and faster for staff to modify the tenant’s unit or find one that better meets their needs. Creating the accessible inventory helps TCHC plan for the future when you or another tenant may have a medical need for accessibility.
Bloom where planted
A Black History Month event dedicated to showcasing the talents and stories of Black tenants
Black History Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the rich, inspiring stories and achievements of Black individuals, past and present.
On March 8, The Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People (“The Centre”) and the West Region’s Active Living Team celebrated Black History Month with a community event. The event at 2195 Jane Street was called “Bloom Where Planted.” It drew dozens of TCHC tenants and their families from across the city to celebrate the achievements of former and current tenants who are Black.
“Black History Month is a time of reflection and paying homage.”
This year’s Black History Month event focused on how these tenants contribute to the improvement of their communities, the city, and beyond.
Treshanna Williams, TCHC Tenant Training Facilitator, developed this year’s theme.
From left: Stephen Mensah, Nekpen Obasogie, and Precious Danso
She says the Bloom Where Planted event serves as a reminder that tenants’ stories matter.
“We brought tenants together to celebrate the brilliance, the resilience and the beauty of our communities,” she said. “No matter where they start, the challenges they face, they can bloom.”
In showcasing the talents and contributions of Black tenants, the event featured Rare Chattargoon as the emcee, a keynote address by community advocate Laura Hammond, and a performance by the Grandravine Dancers. There was also a panel featuring author and founder of Nigerian Canadian Multicultural Centre Nekpen Obasogie, Toronto Youth Cabinet Executive Director Stephen Mensah, and Grow Esteem founder and community leader Precious Danso.
In addition to a message from TCHC President and CEO Sean Baird, tenants also enjoyed art displays by digital artist Libin
Ali, performances by DJ Shysofly, Toronto’s Youth Poet Laureate Shahaddah Jack, and musical artist JERMAL.
During the keynote address, Laura Hammond spoke about launching her nonprofit organization, Let’s Bee Connected Foundation. She did it not only to empower her community, but to help address systemic barriers in food security and environmental stewardship.
“When I started Let’s Bee Connected Foundation, it wasn’t just about beekeeping. It was about creating spaces where people could grow, heal, and reclaim their power,” she said. “It was about listening, learning, and asking—how do we create opportunities, not just for ourselves, but for those around us?”
“ A single bee cannot sustain a hive. But together, we are unstoppable.”
Laura’s message emphasized the importance of community and collaboration in creating change. “Like a wildflower, we bloom where we are planted—not because conditions are perfect, but because we refuse to wither.”
The message of empowerment continued into the panel, where attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand about the journey of each panelist and why Black History Month is so important to them.
Toronto Youth Cabinet Executive Director Stephen Mensah shared, “Black history is a time of reflection and paying homage and recognizing those who came before me. I recognize that I did not get here on my own;
Singer JERMAL opened the event
there are others who have paved the way and made it easier for me to succeed.”
For Precious, her “bloom where planted” journey began when she started to use the resources available to her. “I applied for scholarships and took leadership roles such as being a tenant leader,” she shared. “I also applied for funding, such as TCHC’s Tenant Action Funds and The Centre Community Fund, which I was able to use to start programs in my community and became a turning point for my life.”
This year’s Black History Month event became a powerful reminder for tenants that no matter where they live, they can also influence and inspire the future generations growing up in TCHC.
“A single bee cannot sustain a hive. But together, we are unstoppable,” said Laura. “Together, we can reclaim our narratives. Together, we can bloom, not just as individuals, but as an entire ecosystem of strength, resilience, and change.”
The Bloom Where Planted event was held in partnership with COTA Health (Cota) and FoodShare Toronto. To learn more about the work of The Centre, visit torontohousing.ca/cabr.
Homeward Bound
participants Cacilda and Arianne
For Gordonridge tenant Cacilda (Cassie to her friends), the idea of going back to school was a tough thing to consider. With young children to care for and an existing student loan from a previous degree, she needed help. When she came across a Homeward Bound flyer in her building, Cassie saw an opportunity to make this dream possible.
Launched by WoodGreen in 2004, Homeward Bound is an innovative, fouryear program for unhoused or publicly housed single mothers. It supports participants aged 19 and up in earning college diplomas, starting careers, and achieving financial independence. In January, TCHC and WoodGreen Community Services collaborated to offer the Homeward Bound program to womenled families with children living in TCHC buildings. This three-year pilot program will support up to 25 single mothers.
According to Yordanka Petrova, Senior Manager of Homeward Bound, the program addresses some unique challenges single mothers face when entering or re-entering the workplace. “Many women
Finding success in a safe space
Homeward Bound helps single mothers build a career
in our community, including those in TCHC, struggle with multiple barriers, such as affordability of housing, access to education, childcare, and securing well-paying jobs so they can be financially independent,” she said. “Homeward Bound was designed as a comprehensive solution to provide access to academic training, childcare, internship placement, and job support all in one.”
“ With Homeward Bound, if I have questions, I always have someone to ask.”
Program participant Arianne agrees. “When I first heard about this program, the saying ‘it takes a village’ came to mind, because the supports they offer are very beneficial,” she said. “If I had gone to school on my own, my journey probably would have been different. I wouldn’t have guidance on doing certain things, like applying for financial support. With Homeward Bound, if I have questions, I always have someone to ask.”
Arianne is enrolled in phase 1 of the program, which includes English and math skills. She hopes to become a Construction Engineering Technician with her own
business. Meanwhile, she’s enjoying every step of the journey. “Just getting to this point and completing the requirements to get here has been rewarding in itself,” she said. “Thinking I can’t do something and doing it, that’s rewarding to me.”
Cassie is finding success as well. She is currently trying to decide between early childhood education and construction. “Coming into this program, I really wanted to go into early childhood education, because I have young kids, and I would like to open up my own daycare,” she said. “If I do this, I would also like to partner with TCHC because it’s a need that we as tenants require with TCHC being such a broad organization.” Cassie points out they have classmates who travel from Rexdale every week, and that’s difficult when you have children that need to be looked after.
Cassie also appreciates the holistic approach the program takes, providing mental health services and access to counselling. For mothers like her who go through trauma, the program provides a safe space to recover, focus, and ultimately succeed.
Yordanka says that this is a valuable part of Homeward Bound. “While the core focus of the program remains employment and education, it has strengthened its supports when it comes to mental health. It has also developed an emphasis on financial literacy offering tutoring services for children, a mentoring program, and networking opportunities.”
She adds that one of the most significant changes to the program has been the
expansion of partnerships with both employers and post-secondary institutions. These partnerships allow them to connect participants who have a more diverse skillset.
“ If you have the will to achieve it, you can do it.”
Kristi Odiakosa, Manager at Homeward Bound, speaks to the success of this approach. “It’s important to know that Homeward Bound consistently has strong completion rates across all groups of participants,” she said. “The success rate is very high.” Kristi added that it’s been incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact the program is making in the lives of TCHC tenants. She’s proud to be part of the program that creates lasting change.
For Cassie, that lasting change means newfound confidence and the will to succeed: “Bet on yourself, love yourself, and go for your dreams. If you have the will to achieve it, you can do it.”
Are you a single mother looking to go back to school? To find out more about Homeward Bound, you can contact Riva Abcede by email at riva.abcede@torontohousing.ca.
To apply online, scan the QR code with your mobile device or visit hbpclients.woodgreen.com.
Homegrown with heart
A group of tenants in Toronto’s East region used Tenant Action Funds to transform their community garden.
The sun is shining. A warm breeze is blowing. Buds are emerging on a branch, slowly turning into peppers, tomatoes, and even watermelon! Community gardens add life to their neighbourhoods, as the residents of 98 Elmer will tell you.
Amanda Brown, Lee Lewis, and Caroline Penny are neighbours in this TCHC East Region community. They’ve each played a part in creating the vibrant garden in front of their building.
Caroline first began the garden in 2016. “I just saw the property and the condition it was in—at first there was nothing,” she said. A landscaper for over 40 years, Caroline began to transform the space with flowers, plants, and trees. Soon other residents got involved, like Lee.
Before the 2024 gardening season, Amanda saw an opportunity to grow the garden by applying for Tenant Action Funds. Lee commented that Amanda’s involvement added new momentum. “I told her, if you can get the supplies, I’ll build it.”
While Amanda took the lead on securing funding, Caroline and Lee were responsible for the gardening. “We asked everyone
Tenant Amanda Brown in the community garden at the end of harvest season
what kind of vegetables they like to eat,” shared Lee. He started growing vegetables from seeds in his apartment before moving them to the gardens for everyone to enjoy.
Using the Tenant Action Funds, Lee was able to build a few more garden boxes to grow even more food. “People have a hard time anytime of the year with buying groceries,” said Amanda. “Growing in such an abundance, people can come down and grab whatever they need from the garden. Everyone benefits from it.”
More than creating a beautiful space, the garden brings residents together as a place to connect, get to know each other, and share knowledge.
Although gardening is no small feat, Lee, Caroline, and Amanda all agree it’s well worth the effort. “To sit here, on a summer night, and have someone come down to pick from the garden—that’s one of the best memories,” said Amanda.
Do you want to use Tenant Action Funds for a project in your community? Visit torontohousing.ca/taf to download the information package or to apply today.
Foundations for the future
Please review this section for important updates from TCHC
TCHC’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029 is now available. This Plan is our roadmap and will impact everything we do as an organization. There are five strategic priorities included in the Plan:
• Support safe, healthy, and inclusive tenant communities.
• Improve the cleanliness, maintenance, and accessibility of our buildings.
• Strengthen TCHC’s affordable housing portfolio to deliver critical housing to Torontonians.
• Foster a collaborative, diverse, and thriving workplace.
• Improve TCHC’s ability to lead, learn, and innovate.
These priorities will affect our decision-making, budgets, programs and the work we do in our buildings and communities.
Thank you to everyone who shared their input, perspectives and voices to help shape the Plan. Over 1,000 tenants took part in engagement activities including surveys, workshops with tenant leaders, and a workshop discussion focused on anti-Black racism.
Explore the Plan
Visit torontohousing.ca/strategic-plan to explore our strategic priorities and to read the full Plan.
What’s next?
TCHC will now begin to implement our Strategic Plan. Some changes can happen more quickly, while others will take time. We are also working to develop our reporting framework that we will use to report on our progress to the Board and the public. We will continue to work with tenants, our partners, and our staff to build on our strengths and explore opportunities that will create better support and outcomes for tenants.
Spring fire safety tips
Never stack items so high that they may fall over. Keep a one-metre-wide pathway to your unit door from the kitchen, bedroom and, if applicable, the balcony. This will allow for a safe escape in the event of a fire. Tenants who would like help reducing the clutter in their units can contact the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 for assistance.
The fire alarm should only be pulled during an emergency. TCHC is charged over $1,600 for each false fire alarm incident.This money could be saved and used for community safety improvements. If you see anyone misusing the fire alarm system, please notify the Community Safety Unit at 416-921-2323.
Lithium-ion battery explosions are unpredictable and volatile. Overcharging batteries and using extension cords produces heat that can lead to a fire. You should only use the manufacturer’s charging cables, plug directly into an outlet, and monitor until charging is complete.
Introducing Engage Together
A new way for tenants to get involved
We are excited to introduce Engage Together, a new and transformative system for tenant engagement at TCHC. This initiative aims to give tenants more flexibility, a stronger voice, and the opportunity to shape the decisions that affect their communities.
What is Engage Together?
Engage Together is a community-driven initiative that encourages tenants to engage in leadership and decision-making roles. It includes the creation of Tenant Circles, Tenant Councils, Tenant Community Action Tables (TCATs), and the Citywide Tenant Committee. Each group has a unique role in helping TCHC create positive and lasting changes across our communities.
How can tenants get involved?
• Tenant Circles: Join your building and/or townhouse community circle to discuss community development priorities and how funding is allocated.
• Tenant Councils: Become an elected member and focus on leadership development and community priorities.
• TCATs: Engage with staff and community partners to share ideas, engage with experts, and learn together.
• Citywide Tenant Committee: Provide input on corporate policies and initiatives at a citywide level.
Visit torontohousing.ca/engagetogether to find out how you can be part of something special.
From local leader to global advocate
How Shazz Nalir’s work in Regent Park inspired a lifelong passion for community service
Our formative years can have a deep impact on shaping who we are, even if we don’t realize it.
Growing up in Regent Park, Shazzaneiy “Shazz” Mohamed Nalir remembers the music and games of community festivals from over 20 years ago, frequenting the public library, and playing basketball at the Regent Park Community Centre. However, he also remembers the feeling of being isolated from other parts of the city. “I felt so distant, looking up at the towers in the financial district. I remember thinking there’s no reason for me to be there. I couldn’t fathom even being in these environments.”
Then a mentorship opportunity became available with Pathways to Education. Now, the possibility of working in Toronto’s Financial District was a reality. Shazz described how a workshop in one of the towers on King Street transformed his way of thinking. “We were now welcomed into these spaces. Those programs were
a catalyst and helped me envision a pathway to becoming academically and professionally successful.”
Shazz also started to think seriously about the future. “At the end of the day, we were participants of these programs, on the receiving end. But what does it mean for me to be passionate about something, and to contribute in my own way?”
The “aha” moment came during an appearance from an old family friend who happened to be a speaker at one of the program’s presentations. The family friend spoke about his community group and his experience organizing community projects, and inspiring the youth around him to get involved.
Shazz was impressed and inspired enough to follow in his friend’s footsteps. “Sometimes that’s all that’s needed, that sense of similarity. Someone that has a similar cultural or religious background, someone that lives in the same community,
Shazz Nalir at Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park
someone I’ve seen over the years. And I thought, if you can do it, I can do that too” he said.
Shazz connected with his friend and asked if he could share some ideas about community work. During the brainstorm phase, Shazz knew he wanted his work to be centered in the Regent Park community. He also felt that it was important to involve youth, and to incorporate their ideas.
“
This was an opportunity for young people to be involved.”
“I’ve seen so many young people that have a lot of potential, and I know that word gets thrown around a lot. But I’ve seen examples of valuable skills, experiences, and a passion for community service and civic action.”
Soon after, Shazz launched Youth2Give with a group of youth from the neighbourhood. The group empowered youth in the community to support disadvantaged children around the world. “This was an opportunity for young people to be involved; to take agency and ownership of their community, rather than being on the receiving end,” he said.
The group fundraised for various causes around the world, like the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, the Fort McMurray wildfires, and children impacted by conflict in Syria. They also supported Indigenous and vulnerable youth in British Columbia.
Though Youth2Give is not active anymore, Shazz is happy to see a lot of organizations just like it in Regent Park. For young people
trying to dip their toes in developing community programs, Shazz’s advice is to just be involved. Find something that interests you and go out of your comfort zone to develop new skills.
Shazz’s work with Youth2Give earned him a prestigious spot as one of 50 Outstanding Canadians in 2017. He’s also a recipient of the Regent Park scholarship, awarded to tenants who made a significant contribution to their community. After his undergraduate degree, he spent some years working as a communicable disease investigator during the pandemic, and then a public health inspector. In a full circle moment, his office happened to be located at Union Station, close to the office towers that he once felt far removed from as a teenager.
Now starting his master’s in public health, Shazz has shifted his focus to how his career can contribute to the community. He wants to help address the barriers to health facing marginalized communities. In his view, public health is not just limited to disease prevention, it’s also tightly woven into issues like access to affordable housing, the cost of living, and more. These issues impact residents beyond the community he grew up in. “I started to think about what I want to do with my community work, and how I could translate that into my career. What’s the best way for me to serve?”
Upon graduation, Shazz hopes to create innovative solutions to solve the complex issues he sees. Not just in the community he grew up in, but in the city as a whole and beyond.
Contest:
Let your creative side blossom
Sunny spring days and flowers in full bloom give us a great, inspirational canvas to showcase our creative talents. We’d love to read some inspiring poetry, see some drawings or even paintings from our tenants who’ve caught the spring vibe.
Send us your best spring-themed poetry or artwork and you could win a $50 Amazon gift card. The winning entry will be featured in our Summer 2025 issue. This contest is only open to tenants of Toronto Community Housing.
Contest entries can be sent via:
• Email to TenantLOOP@torontohousing.ca
• Direct message to our Facebook page at facebook.com/TorontoCommunityHousing
• Mail to 931 Yonge St., 7th floor, Toronto, ON M4W 2H2 (Attn: Tenant LOOP)
Please submit your entries by Friday, July 4, 2025.
Congratulations to Sawdah Rahman, the winner of the “Looking towards 2025” contest from our Fall/Winter issue. Sawdah loves to crochet, and couldn’t wait to get started this year. “I am able to express my creativity through the world of yarning and bring my imaginations to life,” she said, adding that crochet also brings a sense of value and community. Sawdah’s goal is to finish at least five crochet projects by the summer, like cardigans and tote bags, and was kind enough to share some of her terrific designs with us.
Bringing theatre to Danzig
Using drama to build confidence and emotional wellbeing in children.
When Community Services Coordinator Diandra Greaves and educator Faduma Mohamed designed The Stage Program, it was intended to help youth deal with the unresolved trauma and aftermath of violence. Faduma’s experience as a poet, actor, and playwright made her a perfect partner for Toronto Community Housing.
Faduma and Diandra created The Stage, a 10-week initiative for children ages 6 to 12. “We created a program that combines wellness and theatre as a way to teach children and youth about mental health,” said Faduma. The Stage helps children learn social, emotional, and mental health skills they might not get access to otherwise. The children are then able to show the skills they learn through drama. The program runs in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Toronto District School Board, which provided the additional funding and space to run it.
When tenant leaders Omega Whyte and Shondelle Reis first learned about The Stage Program, they were excited to bring it to the Danzig community. They believed in the program and its potential impact on the children living there. Shondelle wanted to make a difference in the lives of the children in her community.
Curtain call at The Stage’s performance of “The Mystery of Brader Junior High.”
Omega and Shondelle applied for the City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Response Fund, and used the funding to bring The Stage Program to Danzig.
“I wanted to be part of a program that will uplift children to speak up about their emotions and help them make better decisions so they don’t fall into the wrong path,” said Shondelle. “It is about turning the pain into purpose, growth, and healing.”
Faduma also noted that the participants’ reading levels had improved by the end of the program. “Some of the children were struggling with reading. The program provided an opportunity to enhance their reading skills,” she said. “For some of the children who were shy or introverted, this was a great opportunity to come out of their shell.” The Stage program has now expanded to include 35 children and families.
To learn more about the grant program used to fund The Stage Program, visit the City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Response Fund page at bit.ly/42APE04. If you would like to learn more about The Stage Program or other initiatives led by the Safer Communities team, email VRP@torontohousing.ca.
A journey of advocacy and community building
Dwayne’s leadership at 75 Tandridge Crescent
Dwayne’s journey as a community leader began in June 2015, following a personal tragedy. After losing his mother in a hit-and-run accident, he channeled his grief into community engagement to make TCHC communities better.
Making a difference: one step at a time
At 75 Tandridge Crescent, Dwayne decided to commit himself to advocating for better living conditions for tenants. Recognizing the potential of an underused recreation
room in the building, Dwayne was able to transform the room into a welcoming hub for tenants with the help and support of TCHC staff and community agencies like Steps to Support, which provides mental health support and resources.
“Knowing that our community is growing stronger keeps me going.”
Dwayne finds the greatest joy in seeing tenants support each other and build meaningful relationships. One of his
Dwayne, a tenant committee member and community advocate, outside 75 Tandridge Crescent.
proudest achievements is the Tandridge “Haunted House.” The annual Halloween event, organized by the community’s tenant leaders, brings families together and creates a stronger bond among community members. The event has grown in participation and volunteer support each year.
“Make every voice count.”
Dwayne’s grassroots approach of door-todoor flyer distribution and direct tenant engagement promotes strong community involvement and tries to give everyone a sense of belonging. “Seeing smiles on their faces, making new friendships, and knowing that our community is growing stronger keeps me going,” said Dwayne.
In the future, Dwayne would like to see TCHC staff work with tenant leaders to solve challenges around funding access to vendors for event planning. This would go a long way towards making the planning of tenant-focused events easier.
Championing tenant-staff engagement
Dwayne is committed to playing an important role in giving a voice to his community. He would like to see more collaboration with tenants to improve existing programs instead of changing them in response to feedback. He would like to see training for both tenants and TCHC staff to increase knowledge about tenant rights, as well as having regional facilities stocked with reusable event supplies to reduce costs and streamline planning.
Looking ahead: community initiatives
Dwayne’s leadership continues to shape the 75 Tandridge community. Upcoming initiatives include a movie night, a community trip, Canada Day in Tandridge celebrations, and a tenant-staff Meet and Greet. His advice to fellow community leaders? “Make every voice count.”
A special shout-out to the 75 Tandridge Tenant Committee members for their selflessness and contribution to making “Haunted House” and other community events a success.
Your comment Our solution
Your comment: As a tenant, I know how TCHC’s decisions directly impact me and my community. I have ideas about how to improve the way services are delivered. How do I share them?
Our solution: One great way to share feedback is through a deputation. A deputation is when a tenant, staff member, or member of the public speaks or writes to the TCHC Board of Directors or one of its Committees about a topic on the public meeting agenda.
You can depute in one of three ways:
• in writing
• in person
• virtually online
When you make a deputation, you connect directly to people who make decisions at TCHC. Your lived experience gives important
insights that can lead to meaningful changes in how services are delivered.
Your voice can help influence decisions at TCHC.
Tenant deputations have helped shape TCHC policies on things like security cameras, accessibility, human rights, community gardens, and more.
Scan the QR code or visit the link below to learn about deputation, why it is important, and how to get involved.
Would you prefer to read Tenant LOOP online, or do you still enjoy reading your hard copy? Scan the QR code or visit tchc.qrd.by/tenant-loop-survey to let us know.
