WoodGreen was thrilled to welcome nearly 300 community members to an open house at 540 Cedarvale Ave. on November 19, 2022.
Not even Toronto’s first snowfall of the year could stop this East End community from showing up to support their new neighbours. Hundreds of visitors walked through the brand-new modular facility which will now be home to 59 seniors, viewing information displays, touring units, and crafting welcome cards at our art table.
Visitors included MP for Toronto-Danforth Julie Dabrusin, MPP for Beaches-East York Mary-Margaret McMahon, Mayor John Tory, neighbours, faculty and students from local schools, members of faith groups, and many more.
The open house was a colourful event thanks to the wonderful student artwork and letters which adorned the halls. Students and teachers were asked to create art about community, belonging, and welcome, and they rose to the occasion! Similarly, local community groups prepared welcome baskets with essential daily-use items and treats for the new residents of Cedarvale. These thoughtful, caring gestures will go a long way towards ensuring WoodGreen’s residents feel welcome.
The open house provided opportunities for visitors to not only view the new housing facility but also learn. The event consisted of several modules dispersed throughout the first floor:
- Homelessness in Toronto: This module highlighted the impact and scope of Toronto’s housing crisis, illustrating the deep community need to which WoodGreen addressed through its housing and social service programs.
- Modular Housing: Visitors were invited to learn more about modular construction directly from the source. The facility’s builder, NRB Modular, took part in this module and answered attendees’ questions about the building and how it was built. The module also included large-scale photographs and blueprints which told the story of this project from a parking lot to a home for seniors.
- Home at Cedarvale: This facility will be home for 59 vulnerable seniors in need of support to live independently. To illustrate the importance of this home, WoodGreen staged a vacant unit as it may appear after a resident moves in. These studio apartments represent a major improvement in quality of life and dignity for individuals who have experienced homelessness or lack the support they need to lead the lives they deserve.
- Supports for Residents at 540 Cedarvale Ave.: This module highlighted the robust supports made available to Cedarvale residents, including an overview of the dedicated staff who will deliver those supports.
- WoodGreen Programs and Services: In the dining hall, attendees could learn more about WoodGreen’s impact on the City of Toronto, it’s history as a community service provider, and the wide range of programs it offers. Additionally, community members were provided with opportunities to get involved through volunteering – including volunteering for WoodGreen’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee.
If you would like to learn more about 540 Cedarvale Ave., or contact us with questions, visit this webpage.
