Summer 2025 You, your community, and your city
Lubicon visits
exchange
Your Summer Tenant LOOP
The power of one
How Deqa Nur used her passion to improve community engagement
Deqa Nur’s journey as a changemaker started with a simple question: “How can I help?”
It began when Deqa walked into her East Mall community space and asked if she could volunteer. That small act led to much more, as she joined tenant programs and became a tenant representative. She later became a part of the City of Toronto’s Tenant First Advisory Panel, pushing for safer, stronger, and vibrant communities.
In 2018, Deqa become an intern at Toronto Community Housing. “The internship changed my life,” she says. “I met staff, I met tenants from other buildings, and I saw how real change starts at the local level.”
Finding her passion
Her push for change is shown through everything she does. She’s a York University graduate in International Development Studies, an emergency replacement person (ERP) in teaching, and founder of a nonprofit called Hooyo Innovation Hub.
Deqa calls herself a “social developer.”
“It’s sort of a love to make sure that socially, everybody is doing well,” she explained.
As a tenant representative, she helped bring in youth programs and create spaces for conversation and mentorship. She continues to raise awareness about job opportunities and training. “Engagement is the most important part of building strong communities,” she said.
Women helping women
In 2017, Deqa founded the Hooyo Innovation Hub. A mother of three herself, Deqa named her non-profit “Hooyo,” which means “mom” in Somali. The non-profit helps women, especially mothers, get job training in areas like childcare, First Aid, and food handling.
In May 2025, she received a YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Award for her work supporting women. Deqa is currently working in the constituency office of the Honourable John Zerucelli, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North and Secretary of State for Labour.
Deqa’s message to others? “Get involved. Volunteer. Start small. It’s in the service of others that you find your passion.”
Tenant representative Deqa Nur
R-PATH reports: advocating for a Minister of Disabled Persons
When Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his new Cabinet in May 2025, it did not include a Minister for Disabled Persons. This means that for the first time in ten years, Canada does not have a federal minister to support decisions and issues for Canadians with disabilities.
The Responsible Personal Accessibility in Toronto Housing (R-PATH) Committee is a strong advocate for accessibility. We have sent a letter to the Prime Minister sharing how the eight million Canadians with living disabilities will be affected by this decision. When there is no Minister responsible for this area of government, the needs of disabled Canadians are being excluded.
In this letter, R-PATH also spoke about the accessible housing crisis. Canada has large social housing programs, like Toronto
Community Housing, and they are trying to keep up with the need for inclusive housing. However, most of the homes and condos built by private companies are not accessible.
Mr. Carney’s government has developed a Housing Plan to make it easier and more affordable for Canadians to find housing. While it is a detailed plan, it does not mention accessibility. In our letter, R-PATH has told Mr. Carney that it is essential to include accessible housing.
We asked Mr. Carney to appoint a Minister for Disabled Persons to include the voices, issues, and needs of disabled Canadians in federal policies and programs.
As advocates for accessibility, we hope to see recognition and change in the future.
Left to right: R-PATH Committee members Jane Donohue, Ella Jeans, Cathy Birch, Chair; Lene Andersen, Amanda Boudreau
Making a difference in the community
Tenant of 291 George Street gives back
Adrian Scantlebury in the backyard of 291 George Street
When we arrived at 291 George Street, Adrian Scantlebury greeted us with a warm smile and led us straight to the community garden he had been working hard on.
He proudly showed us the raised garden beds, pointing to the flowers blooming along the edge, and the vegetables he’s planted. These tomatoes, herbs, and leafy greens were brought to life through a beautification project Adrian led this year. “Gardening calms the mind,” he said with a smile. “But it also brings people together.”
That sense of care and community is what defines Adrian’s work as a tenant leader—a role he’s held for over 12 years. From food programs to community meetings, Adrian has become a regular fixture at 291 George Street. He says the value of giving back was something he learned early on from his parents. “Growing up I saw my parents always lending a helping hand and giving back to the community,” he says. “It stuck with me, and I wanted to do the same.”
Earlier this year, Adrian received an $8,000 grant from the City of Toronto to launch a breakfast program. Twice a month, tenants would gather in the community room for a hot, healthy meal. “It made a real
difference,” Adrian recalled. “People had lots to eat, and it brought us together like a family.”
Adrian also organizes monthly food bank deliveries, preparing flyers and making sure every tenant knows that the food arrives on the last Tuesday of every month. He also helps run building meetings, keeping tenants informed and connected.
He’s always thinking ahead. His dream is hosting more social events like an ice cream day or a barbecue. Adrian is also hopeful the breakfast program might return one day. “I like helping people get good nutrition,” he says.
Whether through raised garden beds, warm breakfasts, or simply lending an ear, Adrian has made a real and lasting difference in the lives of those around him.
Photos shared by Adrian from the breakfast program
Youth exchange participants in a festive mood at the CN Tower
Lubicon visits Toronto
Youth from Toronto and Alberta form a connection through an eye-opening exchange
This spring, something amazing happened: Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) launched a unique cultural exchange program connecting 15 TCHC youth with 15 Indigenous youth from Lubicon, Alberta.
From May 16 to 23, the group of youth from the Lubicon Cree Nation arrived in Toronto for the first part of the exchange. For most of them, it was their first time in a big city! Their schedule was packed with unforgettable adventures.
The youth explored Toronto’s downtown core during a wild “Amazing Race”-style scavenger hunt, went to the top of the CN Tower, and visited animals at the Toronto Zoo. They then wandered through Kensington Market and Chinatown,
and got to watch a Blue Jays game in a box suite. The youth also dived into Caribbean history and culture at Centennial College, and then potted plants and wrote thoughtful notes for seniors living in TCHC buildings in the East region.
“This was such a great experience. Best week ever!” said Kelly YellowkneeNoskiye, one of the Alberta youth.
“Thank you for everything you did for us, you’re all amazing!” added fellow youth participant Mark Cardinal.
“This was such a great experience. Best week ever!”
TCHC youth who helped welcome the visitors also had a blast. “It was so cool to see how they went from being shy and overwhelmed to opening up and getting
comfortable in the city,” said Asher Whelpley, a TCHC Active Living Senior Program Leader. “They started out unsure, asking if their phone data would even work in Toronto. But by the end, they were racing around downtown like pros.”
Programs like this exchange are important for TCHC youth because they open the door to new experiences, perspectives, and friendships. They help youth step outside their daily routines, explore different cultures and communities, and build confidence through travel and connection. Most importantly, these programs show youth what’s possible beyond their neighbourhoods. When they leave, they’ll have a deeper understanding of the world around them.
“By the end, they were racing around downtown like pros.”
Due to the wildfires in Alberta, the second half of the exchange has been postponed— but this story isn’t over yet. We’re already looking ahead to next summer, when TCHC youth will get the chance to explore life on the land, build new friendships, and experience the rich culture of the Lubicon Cree Nation. The trip will include outdoor activities, traditional food, and a chance to learn about Indigenous culture firsthand. These experiences will include fishing, sighting buffalo, and creating handmade crafts or souvenirs.
One young participant summed up her thoughts: “I’m nervous, but excited. I’ve never been away from my parents or on a plane. But I know it’s going to be amazing.”
Photos 1-3: Youth exchange participants visited lots of scenic areas around the GTA
Meet the Youth Cadets
The Youth Cadet Program provides employment opportunities in community safety.
Chevon Smith and Maryam Farah, two youth from TCHC communities, are among the first set of youth cadets hired to join TCHC’s inaugural Youth Cadet Program.
This program was first created in 2022 by TCHC’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) and The Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People (CABR). It was designed to give young people hands-on experience to learn about community safety and law enforcement, and provide youth with access to jobs.
Chevon and Maryam joined TCHC as Youth Cadets in October 2024. Coming from a social work background, Maryam decided to apply for the program to challenge herself and change the perspective she had about law enforcement. “I wanted to learn more about community policing and challenge myself as much as I can and [also] contribute to the CSU,” said Maryam. “But along the way, I came to realize that much of the training CSU already does is in community policing.”
For Chevon, who holds a diploma in Police Foundations, the Youth Cadet program seemed like a natural fit. “I had a passion for community policing, and an interest in sharing my perspective as a tenant to CSU,” he said.
The Youth Cadet Program gave Chevon and Maryam opportunities to explore various functions within CSU, from supporting community events to community patrols to dispatch.
“I had a passion for community policing.”
“My favourite part of the program so far is working with the Community Safety Advisors, and the work they do to prevent anti-social behaviours. I also like how they connect with the community on a personal level,” Maryam explained.
Chevon, on the other hand, enjoys working with the Special Constables. “It’s been a great experience learning about the type of calls they respond to. It’s a chance for me to combine the practical way of policing with the way I learned through school.”
Cadets Chevon Smith (left) and Maryam Farah (right)
Since joining the program, Chevon and Maryam have focused on learning more about confronting anti-Black racism, addressing anti-social behaviours, de-escalation, and community engagement.
“When you live in TCHC, you may not know about issues that exist within your community, “explained Maryam. “Since joining the program, I am more aware of how TCHC addresses some of the issues, such as anti-social behaviours, and seeing how issues start within different communities.”
Chevon chimed in and mentioned the dedication from staff he has seen since joining the program. “Seeing the amount of work that CSU and the site staff do, dayto-day, to maintain safer communities, makes me appreciate the work the team does,” he explained. “At the same time, having this program in partnership with the Centre, we are bringing more awareness to the systemic barriers and racism that tenants experience in housing and addressing these issues to improve the tenant experience.”
As Chevon and Maryam’s cohort wraps up in the fall, both of them would love to see this program expand in the years to come.
“As tenants, we have a unique perspective that we can bring to the CSU,” said Chevon. “If we can have more cadets working in different communities, we can support with long-term engagement in communities and help bridge that gap and disconnect between tenants and the CSU.”
“As tenants, we have a unique perspective.”
Maryam added that this program can offer youth living in TCHC opportunities for mentorship and new learning.
“Never in my life did I think I would be working with Special Constables, but the amount of mentorship and learning I have gained from my team will be a benefit to many more youth.”
The second cohort of the Youth Cadet Program starts later this fall. To learn more about how the Youth Cadet Program aligns with our CABR Strategy, visit torontohousing.ca/cabr.
Chevon and Maryam getting ready to conduct safety audits with the YouthWorx team
The Green Café: feeding hope with purpose
Serving fresh, healthy food to St. James Town residents every day
As soon as we entered the Green Café community space, the aroma of delicious food filled the air.
Aravind Joseph is the Lead for the Green Café and Catering Collective, a social enterprise based in the St. James Town Community Corner (240 Wellesley Street East). He invited us in where the cooks were busy preparing a vegetable biryani for the lunch service. Aravind was excited to show us around the community space that was filled with plants and natural light.
Started in 2018, The Green Café is part of a larger initiative called The Kitchen Collective. It is a non-profit organization with the purpose of providing income generation opportunities for members of the St. James Town community. Aravind explained that “The Green Café is more of the brand that faces the community,” where they sell daily meals from a takeout window. Catering is the other part of their operation. The idea for the Green Café began when The Kitchen Collective had food donations that they didn’t want to waste and wanted to help with food security within the community.
Aravind Joseph standing out front of the St. James Town Community Corner
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for affordable, home-cooked meals soared for homebound tenants in the surrounding apartment buildings. “We realized there were many people left out in the community who wouldn’t come out for groceries, or they were disabled and couldn’t cook for themselves,” said Aravind. “The Green Café was able to deliver these meals during that time, and I can easily say 60 to 70 per cent of these customers came from the surrounding Toronto Community Housing buildings.”
“We realized there were many people left out in the community who wouldn’t come out for groceries.”
The Green Café has been popular ever since, feeding up to as many as 100 individuals in a day. “Our samosas are very popular,” he said with a laugh.
Aravind told us they want the menu to appeal to everyone. Except for soup and wraps, the menu changes daily and includes foods from around the world like chicken curry, pasta, schnitzel, and chow mein. He also told us that, “we have people facing homelessness that come in, and they ask for food. We will never refuse them. We want to reach a point where we are making a profit, but we are also mindful of the fact that we are a community-based organization. Our responsibility is the community.”
As for employment opportunities, Aravind said that many of the individuals who arrive in St. James Town face language barriers. “They don’t come with the best English skills or computer skills and it’s very difficult for them to find employment. The Green Café has helped them to overcome these barriers and bring them together.”
The Green Café is just one aspect of the St. James Town Community Corner. This is a space that also offers computer workshops, a bike repair service, a reuse program, small repair service, after school club, sewing and knitting classes, and a
crafting circle. Many of the programs are tenant-led. “Some of the people that come to the café just want to socialize, and a few come from other neighbourhoods,” said Suhayla Kamarudheen, Coordinator of the Green Café.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to make an impact.”
She says that she finds fulfillment in the people she’s met at the Green Café. “It’s very fulfilling to work with the women in the kitchen, to hear their stories. For many of them, it’s their first job here.” Suhayla added, “I feel very fortunate to be able to make an impact.”
The Green Café is located at the St. James Town Community Corner, 240 Wellesley Street East, and is open for business from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.
To learn more about the Green Café, how to get involved or to find out what’s on today’s menu, check out their Instagram: instagram.com/greencafe_sjt/
Left photo: The Green Café has a colourful pick-up window for residents. Right photo: delicious, nutritious food is always the order of the day.
LIFT Local Initiative Funding for Tenants
LIFT is a new tenant funding program from Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) that replaces the former Tenant Action Funds.
How does it work?
Tenants come together in Tenant Circles to decide on community priorities and how to spend the funds.
Every TCHC community receives an amount (not less than $1,000) based on the number of bedrooms in the building or townhouse community.
Five things you need to know about TCHC’s October Tenant Council Elections
This October, tenants across the city will elect their local Tenant Councils. These elected groups are made up of tenants who want to make a difference in their buildings and communities.
Whether you’re thinking about running or just want to vote, here are five things you need to know:
1. Tenant Councils give tenants a voice. Tenant Councils are elected by tenants and made up of tenants. There will be nine councils across the city, one in each district, with every community represented. Tenants will work with TCHC staff to raise and address concerns, identify priorities, and help make decisions that affect daily life in your community.
2. Nominate yourself. If you care about your community and want to make a change, consider running for Tenant Council. You don’t need experience, just a willingness to listen, speak up, and work with others. Nominations opened on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.Visit torontohousing.ca/tenantelections for the nomination form and details.
3. Every tenant can vote. All eligible tenants aged 16 and over will have the opportunity to vote for their local Tenant Council Member in their regions. Regular voting is on October 14, 15, and 16, 2025. Advance voting is from October 2 to 9, 2025. You’ll be able to vote in person at your community polling station or at an advance poll. If you need support to be able to vote, please request it through the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500.
4. Candidate support is available. If you’re running, TCHC provides tips and resources to help you campaign fairly and effectively. You’ll also get access to campaign materials, advice on how to connect with voters, and guidance every step of the way.
5. It’s your community—help shape it. Your vote matters. Your voice matters. By running or voting in the Tenant Council Elections, you’re helping to build a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
Learn more and get involved: Visit torontohousing.ca/tenantelections or speak to your Community Services Coordinator—Engagement.
Campers gather for a group photo
Opening day at Camp Inspire
A fresh new look for a great summer program
TCHC staff and YouthWorx program volunteers gathered on a hot July morning to set up a fun day for TCHC’s newest cohort of Camp Inspire kids. The event marked the beginning of summer camp for TCHC kids ages six to 12.
With support from local vendors and the City of Toronto, we transformed Wishing Well Park in Scarborough into a play area with giant inflatables, face painting, obstacle courses, and big field games like soccer and baseball. Check out this video for a full recap of the Camp Inspire launch day: bit.ly/45tvbuj
Activities were enjoyed by both kids and staff
From firetrucks to sack races, at the end of the day, campers were all smiles
How SOSO World Ministries
is fighting hunger and restoring hope in Scarborough
TCHC tenants and staff volunteer to feed hundreds of people in need
SOSO Food Ministries volunteers and staff
Across Scarborough, hundreds of residents rely on SOSO World Ministries each week not just for food, but for connection, dignity, and hope. What began as a grassroots outreach led by Garth Soso has grown into a trusted network of food programs serving TCHC tenants and beyond.
“It started as a simple act of faith and compassion,” says Garth, SOSO’s Founder and Director. “But it became clear that food insecurity wasn’t just a downtown issue—it was happening right here, in our own neighbourhoods.”
Today, Garth runs three weekly food banks and 11 pantry programs. Six of them are located directly within TCHC buildings. With over 100 volunteers, SOSO provides culturally diverse groceries, fresh produce, and essential household items to more than 2,000 people weekly. These programs impact over a dozen TCHC communities along the way.
“We serve with love, not labels,” says Garth. “Our clients become volunteers, and
many go on to lead. That’s what making a difference looks like.”
The impact goes far beyond food. SOSO offers job training opportunities, clothing drives, and youth employment opportunities. It also gives referrals for services like housing, immigration, and mental health support. SOSO partners with Second Harvest, Daily Bread, and Centennial College to help extend its reach and impact.
“We’re not just feeding people, we’re building leaders.”
During last year’s holiday season, TCHC staff joined SOSO’s volunteers to pack and distribute food and care items for families in need. Their support helped bring joy and relief to hundreds of households during challenging times.
“People come here because they need food. However, they also find a purpose,” says Phil Joachim, a TCHC tenant leader and longtime volunteer. “Knowing that someone counts on you—that’s powerful.”
“We’re not just feeding people, we’re building leaders,” adds Val, a TCHC tenant from the Gordonridge Community. She has volunteered with SOSO since 2016. “Seeing people grow, gain confidence, and give back keeps us going.”
In a time when food prices continue to rise, SOSO World Ministries is a reminder of what’s possible when community comes together with compassion and consistency.
In every bag packed, every smile exchanged, SOSO reminds us that providing food is just the beginning—and restoring hope is the destination.
If you’d like more information, or want to volunteer with SOSO World Ministries, visit sosoworldministries.com or email Tressa Rismay, Programs & Community Engagement Coordinator, at Tressa@sosoworldministries.com.
Garth (left) helps visitors pick-up fresh produce and other food items
TCHC tenant volunteers Val and Phil
A volunteer uses a forklift to move boxes of fresh produce
Visitors line up for various food items
Well-being in action
Street Health supports health, safety, and housing
For almost 40 years, Street Health has supported people in downtown Toronto who are homeless or under-housed. This non-profit, community-based organization offers healthcare, education, and advocacy. It also operates with a strong focus on harm reduction.
We spoke with Lin Sallay, the Executive Director of Street Health, about the organization’s mission. She shared how their team delivers life-saving care and works with partners to keep people safe in the community of their choice.
Street Health offers many services. These include drop-in nursing and foot care clinics, mental health support, help getting government ID and health cards, and access to hygiene items and harm reduction supplies. They also run an overdose prevention site, and support people in shelters and who are moving into housing. These services save lives and help build trust and stability for people facing serious challenges.
Street Health works closely with local partners including hospitals, shelters, religious organizations, and food banks. They also partner with TCHC to help tenants keep their homes. Street
Health helps with skill building, provides advocacy support, and links tenants to social assistance where needed. “It’s very hard to focus on your health without a stable place to live,” says Lin.
Street Health gets funding from all levels of the government and from individual donors, foundations, and community groups. Unfortunately, the organization and their clients still face challenges like toxic drug supplies, not enough shelter beds, and long waits for housing.
“We work tirelessly to secure more funding for our outreach services, to meet the growing needs of communities, and advocate for improved access to supportive housing, so people can recover and rebuild their lives,” says Lin.
Want to help?
If someone you know is homeless or needs harm reduction support, call Street Health at 416-921-8668. You can also visit streethealth.ca to view the ID clinic schedule and to apply for mental health support.
Street Health Executive Director Lin Sallay
Children and staff at Walt Disney World
It was a lifelong dream for TCHC tenant Naomi Adu to one day take her children to Florida’s Walt Disney World. In May, that dream became a reality when the charitable organization Dreams Take Flight and TCHC’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) joined forces to take 16 TCHC children to the amusement park.
“Ken Tooby, TCHC Community Safety Advisor, called me up and told me about the program and I was very excited to get my kids involved,” said Adu. “I’ve known Ken for years, so I knew my kids were in good hands with him.”
Adu said she didn’t tell her three children— Clayton (11), Patrice (7) and Nathan (8)— until they went to pick up their swag bags nine days before the trip.
“I wanted to surprise them,” she said. “So, I told them we were going to pick up some stuff and when we arrived at the hotel (to pick up the trip’s swag bags), I told them they were going to Disney World—and, oh my goodness, they were just bursting with excitement.”
A day with Mickey
TCHC children watch their Disney dreams take flight
Dreams Take Flight gave every participant a new backpack, a pair of shoes, sweatpants, hoodie, t-shirt, and a variety of other things to take on the trip.
At the airport, the children were treated as VIPs throughout their flight and at the theme park. All meals and drinks were covered, and they were given a souvenir spending allowance.
The children spent about 12 hours at Disney World before driving back to the airport for their flight home.
“On the way there, the kids were not sure of the other kids from TCHC (and other organizations) and some were very quiet. But, on the return flight, they were all talking excitedly non-stop, and exchanging phone numbers and Instagram handles. The bonds of new friendships were solid,” said Brittany Lithgow, a Community Safety Advisor with CSU.
Adu said her three children absolutely loved the trip. “Clayton said he wants to go back next year as a volunteer to help the kids navigate the park.”
Please
Summer fire safety tips
Barbecues are not allowed on balconies. In some cases, barbecues may be used outside at least 15 feet from the building; check with your superintendent first. When barbecues are used too closely to the building, it can catch fire and spread, putting you and your neighbours in danger.
Your unit door is a fire door. Fire doors are required to fully close and latch. Leaving fire doors open allows smoke and fire to spread into the unit, causing damage to your property. Check that your door is secure. If it isn’t, notify your superintendent or call the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500.
If your food burns when cooking, always use the exhaust fan above the stove, open windows and, if possible, balcony doors. Do not open the door to the hallway to vent smoke, as this will set off the building alarm and cause a false alarm.
Contest: your favourite summer song
or concert
Summertime in Toronto means the jams are out in full force. Whether you’re at an epic concert in Downsview Park, or listening to tunes at the beach or on the TTC, this time of year brings a lot of great music to enjoy.
Tell us about your favourite summertime song or concert experience and you could win a $50 Amazon gift card. The winning entry will be featured in our Fall/Winter 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, October 3, 2025.
Congratulations to Rebecca, the winner of the “Let your creative side blossom” contest from our spring issue. Rebecca loves cross-stitching and sent us this wonderful hand-made lotus as a reminder of the simple beauty that can be found in nature.
Your comment Our solution
Your comment: “I complained to my building staff and nobody got back to me. I just want to know where to go to follow up on complaints.”
Our solution: Talking to local staff or the Client Care Centre is the first step in the Tenant Complaint Process. If you called the Client Care Centre, make sure to write down your reference number. This makes it easier for staff to find previous information about your request.
If you don’t feel like your request or complaint was resolved by local staff, you can talk to the supervisors.
• For anything related to cleaning or maintenance in your building, get in touch with your District Supervisor.
• For issues related to your rent or lease, contact the Tenancy Management Supervisor.
After the supervisors, you can escalate the request to Regional management staff. This would be your District Manager or the Manager of Tenancy Management in your region.
If you don’t know who your management staff are, you can call the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500. Don’t know what Region or District your building is in? You can check our online map at torontohousing.ca/our-buildings.
Still don’t feel like your complaint has been resolved after talking to management staff?
Get in touch with the Solutions team. This team focuses on resolving tenant complaints at TCHC. Call 416-981-6000 or email Solutions@torontohousing.ca.
For more information about the complaints process, visit torontohousing.ca/complaints.
Tenant Survey coming fall 2025
