Who we are
Raising the Roof
We work towards a day when all Canadians have access to a safe and stable home, with the support to achieve their potential.
For over 26 years Raising the Roof has been leading the way on long-term solutions to homelessness across Canada through the creation of affordable housing, employment opportunities for people at risk of homelessness, and fundraising through the annual Toque Campaign.
our
Mission
Raising the Roof provides national leadership on long-term solutions to homelessness through partnership and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, investment in local communities, and public education.
our
Vision
Raising the Roof envisions a world in which that all Canadians should have access to a safe, stable home and the supports they need to achieve their potential.
our
Values
01. Respect & Dignity
We believe that everyone has the right to be met with compassion, accepted without discrimination, and treated with respect and dignity.
02. Diversity & Inclusion
We embrace diversity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to contribute to solutions to homelessness in positive and meaningful ways.

03. Partnership & Collaboration
We believe that we can accomplish more when we work together, sharing knowledge, expertise and resources.
04. Integrity
We are ethical and accountable in our decision-making, and open and honest in our communications.
Finding long-term solutions to
homelessness
since 1996
Raising the Roof was launched in 1996 by members of the Canadian Non-Profit Housing Foundation. The goal was to create a national charity dedicated to finding long-term solutions to homelessness.
After receiving a $35,000 grant from the McConnell Foundation, the team (made up of founding executive director Suzanne Gibson, Lise Desrocher, and volunteers Donald Murphy and Lesley Sims) set up shop in an old warehouse in Toronto’s east end. Murphy, a retired Partner with Vickers and Benson Advertising, developed Raising the Roof’s name, logo, and signature toque—including the tagline “Warm your head and your heart.”
Over the years, Raising the Roof has attracted several high-profile personalities to its board of directors and advisory group. Some have experienced homelessness themselves and possess an intimate knowledge of the associated challenges. Others include such luminaries as Gordon Pinsent, Barbara Hall, Jack Layton (deceased), Duke Red Bird, Al Waxman, Ben Wicks (deceased), Shaun Majumder, and Susan Hay (Global Television).
History Timeline
Supporting frontline homelessness prevention across Canada
Toque Campaign

For over 20 years, our Toque Campaign has supported homelessness prevention programs across Canada. We have raised over $8 million in support of 200 partner agencies.
Learn moreEnding homelessness through employment and housing
Reside

Reside is an innovative program that transforms vacant buildings into homes for people who are homeless or may become homeless. We partner with social enterprises who use the renovations to train people with barriers to employment and local housing providers who provide wraparound supports to the tenants.
Learn more