Toronto, ON – On Saturday, Parkdale-High Park MPP Alexa Gilmour joined Sistering to recognize a $153,000 Capital grant from the Ontario government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) supporting critical upgrades to Sistering’s 24/7 Drop-In for women and gender-diverse people experiencing homelessness and extreme marginalization.

“For over 40 years, Sistering has been a shining light in our community, providing essential services for women and gender-diverse people navigating violence, deep poverty and homelessness,” said Alexa Gilmour, MPP for Parkdale-High Park. “This funding from the Ontario Trillium is critical in a time of growing need to ensure Sistering can continue to provide around the clock, life-saving support for all who rely on them.”

The OTF grant, awarded last summer, will enhance safety, accessibility, privacy, and service efficiency at Toronto’s 24/7 low-barrier drop-in for women and gender-diverse people. As demand grows and the space remains in continuous use, these upgrades will help ensure participants can reliably access a safe place to rest, nutritious meals, washroom facilities, harm reduction supports, case management, mental health care, housing referrals, social integration programs, employment and skills development opportunities, and other essential community services.

For participants facing poverty, homelessness, mobility challenges, and gender-based violence, physical space directly impacts access to care. These improvements will allow Sistering to deliver trauma-informed support more safely and effectively.

“For the women and gender-diverse people who rely on Sistering, safety and accessibility are not luxuries, they are essential,” said Volletta Peters, Executive Director of Sistering.  “This investment from the Ontario Trillium Foundation allows us to strengthen the physical space where critical supports happen every day. When someone walks through our doors, the environment should reflect dignity, privacy, and care. These upgrades help ensure we can continue meeting growing community need safely and effectively, 24 hours a day.”

Sistering supports thousands of women and gender-diverse individuals annually through low-barrier services designed to reduce harm, increase housing stability, and improve overall well-being.

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.