United Way Greater Toronto pledges grants to support refugees
United Way Greater Toronto has announced $250,000 in grants supporting the leadership of Black-led and Black-serving community service organizations.
The money will support organizations working on the front lines with African refugee claimants and asylum seekers across the Greater Toronto Area, the agency said in a release.
As part of this funding, United Way Greater Toronto’s goal is to catalyze increased support and public participation. The agency will match this first step with an additional $250,000 in the coming weeks, which will provide housing and employment support, food, clothing, community connections and more.
“This is the beginning of a long journey,” Daniele Zanotti, president and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto, said in the release. “The commitment of $250,000 is a step forward. We are ready to provide immediate emergency relief and support to those in need. By leveraging United Way’s expertise and network, the funds will be swiftly channeled into the community, empowering Black-led initiatives to make an impact.”
“With additional support from the public, we can expand efforts to provide essential services, including housing and employment support, food, clothing, and community connections, for African refugee claimants and asylum seekers.”
The African Resettlement Emergency Fund aligns with United Way Greater Toronto’s commitment to confront anti-Black racism, the agency said in the release. United Way Greater Toronto will ensure that additional funds and supports donated through the Emergency Fund will directly assist community organizations that help refugee claimants and asylum seekers, with a focus on efforts by Black-led and Black-serving community groups.
In addition to directing residents to the African Resettlement Emergency Fund, the City of Toronto is also helping refugee claimants and asylum seekers and referring goods and services to community agencies through its DonateTO web portal.
To donate to the African Resettlement Emergency Fund, visit unitedwaygt.org.
-Toronto.com