Working together for safer communities

The Community Safety Unit (CSU) continued building towards its 2021 goal of “Working Together for Safer Communities”, supporting TCHC’s Community Safety and Supports pillar. This progress was accomplished through a variety of community programs and enhancements to service.

In 2021, CSU made changes to its operations that position it to expand with the needs of TCHC, while maintaining the highest level of service.

The CSU relocated the West District Office and several other administrative positions to its new headquarters at 90 Wildcat Road. The new facility will allow the CSU to modernize the dispatch system to guarantee year round, 24/7 response and activate contingency plans in case of a loss of service. The CSU plans on replicating these upgrades to both the East District and Central District offices in the future.

The CSU continued to press forward on its commitment to the Confronting Anti-Black Racism (CABR) strategy by setting forth a plan to address tenant concerns and feedback. This is a top priority for the CSU, supported by consultation and expertise from TCHC’s newly launched the Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People. It is of the utmost importance that the services provided to all tenants and staff are informed by and respectful of community members’ differing lived experiences, and that CSU staff continue to hold themselves accountable for this responsibility.

The CSU also supported the Violence Reduction Program in certain communities. The program contributed to a notable decline in violent crimes in TCHC communities, reinforcing the comfort and safety of tenants.

In 2021, the CSU partnered with various agencies across Toronto to support TCHC tenants with career and resume building workshops, community engagement initiatives and numerous holiday celebrations. Some of the activities included:

• Distributing donated Calvin Klein apparel to local shelters, including Youth Without Shelter, Humewood House and Ernestine Women’s Shelter.
• Hosting the Holidays Come Early program in December at 275 Shuter Street in Moss Park. About 600 TCHC tenants and other members of the community received hot meals, clean clothing and personal hygiene items before the holidays.
• Distributing donations from the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club, including $1,000 to families for food and presents, as well as Tim Hortons gift cards.
• Hosted the Shoreham/Driftwood community Christmas event on December 11, with a CSU officer posing as Santa Claus and assisted by the TTC Special Constable Service Community Engagement Team
• Partnering with the Toronto Star to deliver 1,300 gift boxes to tenants in Driftwood, Shoreham and Grandravine on Sunday, December 12, 2021.
• Joining the ANIDA Read and Feed program to deliver over 300 turkeys to households in Black Creek, Scarborough and Rexdale.
• Supporting a safe Halloween by distributing 100 donated pumpkins to TCHC households and attending events in TCHC communities throughout the city.
• Participating in World Kindness Day celebrations, delivering 100 meals to tenants.
• Distributing over 380 donated backpacks of school supplies to TCHC youth as part of the Project Smart Kid program organized by Community Safety Advisors.
• Leading the Shoreham Safe Play event series to counter community violence and build confidence and comfort in safe play in the Shoreham area. CSU provided refreshments and arranged for visits from local entertainers, including the GTA’s own Batman and his Batmobile. The Safe Play events received strong positive feedback from tenants.