I am the Director of Philanthropy at YWCA Toronto. A big part of my job is to meet with new people every day and share the impact that our donors’ support has on the lives of women and girls throughout the city.
Every once in a while, I’m in one of these meetings and asked a really important question:
“There are so many causes that support women. Why should I care about YWCA Toronto?”
I have a million ways to answer this question, some of which I will share with you now.
To be honest with you, it’s my hope that you will read my list and decide to make a donation to the Urgent Home Campaign today because truthfully, the need for your support has never been more dire. You have my commitment that every dollar you give will be put to work immediately, helping women, girls and gender diverse people across Toronto access the safe, affordable, supportive housing that they need to survive.
Here are some of my answers to that question, “Why should I care?”
-
Women, girls and gender diverse people are disproportionately impacted by the housing crisis. When things get worse, these communities feel it more than most.
- When you donate, you’re not only helping provide a shelter. You’re helping somebody find a home with all of the wrap-around support services they need to stay housed successfully, so they don’t end up on the streets. This can mean anything from addiction support, on-site counselling for mental health, or legal support.
- Every woman’s needs are different and your support helps make sure we have enough housing support workers to connect with each woman directly to understand and provide for their unique needs.
- Often when women flee violence, they lose everything they had. They flee with the clothes on their back and their kids diapers, and that's it. Your support makes it possible for us to help them stock back up on the essential supplies they need to keep their family safe.
- Trauma counselling and recovery programs can be accessed by any woman or girl or gender diverse person who has experienced gender based violence, and it breaks my heart to tell you that this is not a small number of people.
- Your generosity will help provide employment services and assist folks who have been unemployed to receive training for the types of jobs that will actually allow them to make a decent living.
- Your support ensures that if a resident runs into immigration issues or other legal matters that would normally prevent them from staying housed, our team can help provide support navigating these issues so they don’t end up homeless.
- Inflation. We all feel it. Imagine how much more painful this must feel for somebody living with a limited income due to a disability? By funding eviction prevention services, your support helps make sure these folks don’t get evicted.
YWCA Toronto is the largest woman-focused housing provider in the country, and as you can see from the list above, successful housing is about so much more than just providing a roof and a bed.
I am not exaggerating when I say that your support has never been needed more. There are currently women, girls and gender diverse people who are waiting for help. I have seen their faces. Will you help them?
With gratitude,
Firoozeh Radjai, Director of Philanthropy
Donate to YWCA Toronto’s Urgent Home Campaign