Blue Door says impact of $149K fund from province was 'tremendous' in helping to provide services to homeless across York Region

Funding helped Blue Door hire new HR, Fundraising Coordinators

yorkregion.com
Aileen Zangouei
Feb. 22, 2022

Blue Door has been able to meet the increase in demands of services and other needs with the help of the $149,800 Ontario Trillium Fund grant they received in late 2020.

The funding was given through the Resilient Communities Fund to Blue Door - an organization committed to supporting people at risk of or experiencing homelessness to attain and retain affordable housing- and the impact has been positive.

"The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be underestimated," said Michael Braithwaite, CEO of Blue Door.

"This grant has helped our teams tremendously. With more opportunities for increased funding and a focus on staff wellbeing and safety, we’ve been able to provide the urgently needed support for those facing poverty and homelessness in York Region during the COVID-19 pandemic," Braithwaite said.

Beginning February of 2021, Blue Door put the funding towards increasing its ability to navigate reduced volunteers, rising revenue demands, increased demands for safety cleaning and equipment, and increased service demand.

A new HR Coordinator was hired to recruit and train new stage, develop increased and evolving health and safety procedures, and improve staff retention through Blue Door's Wellness Committee.

A new fundraising coordinator was also hired to help increase funding opportunities and identify new sources of revenue to meet the rising costs associated with keeping everyone safe.

Funding has also supported purchasing health and safety equipment to adapt services, including professional sanitizing and cleaning and portable physical distancing screens in emergency housing programs.

"Blue Door has provided emergency housing for the homeless population of York Region since 1982, and our government recognizes the importance of supporting local projects like this to ensure vulnerable individuals have access to safe housing during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond," said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York-Simcoe.

"The nearly $150,000 in funding can be used for a range of innovative and inspiring initiatives that will ensure those who need a place to call home have one," Mulroney said.

This year marks Blue Door's 40th year of service to the York Region community.