The City of Toronto and United Way Greater Toronto are profiling the incredible work that frontline community workers are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic through a City proclamation and social media profiles spotlighting worker contributions.
The week of June 8 to 12 has been proclaimed as Community Workers Week by Mayor John Tory. Community worker profiles will be posted and shared on City of Toronto and United Way Greater Toronto social media channels. Recently, the Toronto Sign has frequently been lit blue and will continue to often be blue in honour of frontline workers.
Toronto has more than 14,000 community-based not-for-profits that employ more than 200,000 people (not including volunteers). These frontline agencies are the doors that people knock on when they are looking for help. Where people experiencing homelessness find support, food and shelter. Where people living in poverty get help applying for benefits and support navigating a complicated social service system. Where people living with mental health issues find support and build community. Where newcomers learn English and find friends in their new home. Where youth struggling to find their way, find guidance and support. Where Indigenous people in need of services find services that are provided by and for Indigenous people. Where isolated seniors are connected with meals right in their own homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of frontline workers are providing critical services under very difficult circumstances.
The City and United Way are working with 211 and more than 400 Toronto agencies in a newly created Community Coordination Plan, to ensure low-income and vulnerable residents continue to have access to essential services. The best source for up-to-date information is 211toronto.ca. Residents can call 211 directly or view services available on the 211 website .
The City of Toronto’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Check here for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
Quotes:
“I want to thank all of our community workers for the important work they do in our city every day and for rising to the challenge to provide vital supports and services to vulnerable people in our city during the pandemic. Your commitment to the people you serve has helped our city’s efforts in navigating this crisis and ensuring that our residents can get through these challenging times. We are so thankful for your dedication to the work that you do. You are saving lives and ensuring that our residents will get through this pandemic and that our city will come back stronger than ever.”
– Mayor John Tory
“In times like these, community matters. The need for support, close to home, has never been so vital. Behind every meal delivered, each reassuring voice on the line, all the efforts to ensure someone has a roof over their head at night, is a community worker. Thank you to all the frontline staff and volunteers in United Way’s network of more than 270 agencies across the region, working tirelessly to ensure the most vulnerable among us get the help they need now.”
– Daniele Zanotti, President & CEO, United Way Greater Toronto
As the largest non-government funder of community services in the GTA, United Way Greater Toronto reinforces a crucial community safety net. United Way’s network of agencies and initiatives in neighbourhoods across Peel, Toronto and York Region works to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive today. Mobilizing the network and other community support, United Way tackles #UNIGNORABLE issues linked to poverty. United Way’s work is rooted in ground-breaking research, strategic leadership, local advocacy and cross-sectoral partnerships committed to building lasting solutions to the GTA’s greatest challenges. Learn more
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at facebook.com/cityofto.