Highlighting the Results of $400,000 in Ontario Government Grants at Blue Door
On Thursday, MPP Caroline Mulroney and MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy were at Blue Door’s Aurora location to hear about the impact of two grants, totalling $400,000 from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). In 2023, Blue Door received a $200,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant to help it navigate the challenges created by the pandemic, and then last year, Blue Door got the good news about a $200,000 Capital grant to help support four emergency housing units at Kevin’s Place, a youth emergency housing program that helps 200+ young people annually.
“Our government recognizes the important contributions that non-profit organizations like Blue Door make in our local communities,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York-Simcoe. “These critical investments will help provide additional staffing supports and equipment, ensuring service excellence for individuals at risk or experiencing homelessness.”
In 2023, Blue Door saw an urgent need to strengthen its team to ensure continued high‑quality service for vulnerable individuals and families in the community. Thanks to the grant, Blue Door was able to fill two crucial roles: a Human Resources (HR) Coordinator and a Resource Development Manager. Funds from the grant also helped Blue Door with some Administration and technical equipment costs as well. The two roles have been instrumental in stabilizing operations, supporting existing staff, and ensuring Blue Door’s sustainability. The HR Coordinator has helped streamline recruitment, training, and staff retention efforts, while the Resource Development Manager has helped secure funding to sustain and expand Blue Door’s life-changing services. Thanks to this, Blue Door is in a stronger position to navigate the workforce shortages impacting the non-profit sector, regain full staffing capacity, and enhance the programs serving individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
“Blue Door plays a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “I’m proud that our government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, has invested $400,000 to help Blue Door strengthen its services and expand emergency housing for youth. These grants are helping ensure that people in York Region have access to safe shelter and the resources they need for their personal growth.”
And since receiving its $200,000 Capital grant last summer to support new emergency housing units for Kevin’s Place. Funds from the grant were used to purchase and install doors and windows, lighting, plumbing, as well as installing security systems. The funds also enabled the group to purchase kitchen appliances like stoves and dishwashers, as well as some furnishings for the four units.
“While the pandemic was hard on us all, even more so on the nonprofit sector and the vulnerable people we serve,” said Michael Braithwaite, CEO, Blue Door. “We are so grateful for the incredible support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation as it’s allowed our organization to remain strong and resilient for the thousands of individuals that depend on Blue Door for housing, health and employment services across the region.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
To learn more about Blue Door and the programs offered please visit bluedoor.ca. Since 1982 Blue Door has been serving the community and is now the largest emergency housing provider in all of York Region. Starting as the first emergency housing provider in York, Region for men, Blue Door rapidly expanded over the last 42 years to meet the ever-pressing needs of our community’s most vulnerable. By focusing on the root causes of homelessness and breaking down barriers to housing, health, and meaningful employment, Blue Door has proudly become a leader in delivering dignified solutions and pathways out of homelessness and poverty. For more information visit BlueDoor.ca
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Please send all Media Inquiries and Requests for Photos to:
Rebecca Turner, Marketing and Communications Manager
rebecca.t@bluedoor.ca | 905-251-5580
18838 Highway 11, East Gwillimbury, ON, L9N 0C5
Charitable Registration Number: 1305 71896 RR0001
info@bluedoor.ca | 905-898-1015 | www.bluedoor.ca
For Quotes or an Interview, please contact:
Michael Braithwaite, Chief Executive Officer at Blue Door
michael.braithwaite@bluedoor.ca | 647-888-6521