Overview
Downtown Toronto Reside Project
By creating employment opportunities and new units of deeply affordable housing with wraparound supports, Raising the Roof’s Reside provides a tangible, targeted long-term solution to ending homelessness in Canada.
Raising the Roof renovated a single-family house in downtown Toronto that was deemed “uninhabitable” by the City of Toronto and sat empty for years. Now, it is a refugee family of 6, with HOTT (Houses Opening Today Toronto) providing property management, ongoing supports for the family, and connecting them to the resources they need as they get established in their new life in Canada.
Not only did this home prevent ongoing homelessness for the family, but also for 38 others through the hands-on training and support they received at Building Up. 38 people who had real challenges finding and keeping employment because of issues such as mental health concerns, conflict with the law, being newcomers to Canada without Canadian work experience, or were experiencing homelessness had the opportunity to fully renovate the home and learn sustainable building techniques as they used some of the latest green building materials and technologies. At the same time they received wraparound supports such as mental health resources, employment counselling, and financial help with rent and groceries. 22 of the people who worked on the property are now registered apprentices or are working full time in the trades. 13 are still active in Building Up’s program and are continuing their training on other projects. One trainee found a full-time position outside of the construction sector and only two exited without placement.
Thanks to our partners and supporters, this Reside project was able to prevent homelessness for over 40 people through housing and employment with supports.
Project Impact
38
people with barriers to employment received training, employment and support during the project renovations
35
out of the 38 trainees are now completing paid apprenticeships, working full time in the trades or are working with Building Up on other projects
6
refugees who were homeless and now have a beautiful, safe, affordable home with wraparound supports
172
people whose lives have been changed through full time employment in the trades and affordable housing with supports through the Reside program so far (and we're just getting started!)
"Before" Virtual Tour
"After" Virtual Tour
Project timeline
Downtown Toronto
Before, Construction and After Photos


























Contact us
You can help
To find out more about the Reside program, become a sponsor or participate in a Community Build Day with your team, please contact us.