“For many people, moving to EHM is their first experience of stability in a long time,” says Ainsley Chapman, Executive Director. “It’s our responsibility to make sure they feel truly at home.”
That work is at the heart of Evangel Hall Mission’s recognition as one of 25 Toronto organizations to receive a Community Champion Award- granted to agencies demonstrating deep impact on their community.
Award recipients were honoured earlier this month at a ceremony at the Toronto Reference Library.
For EHM, the recognition reflects the work happening every day to create a sense of community for people who call EHM home.
At EHM, building community means creating opportunities for connection, especially for seniors who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Through daily interactions and group activities, staff support residents not just in where they live, but in how they live.
“These are the moments that matter,” Ainsley says. “They’re what turn housing into a place where people feel they belong.”
“This is not just about four walls and a roof,” Ainsley adds. “It’s about what happens inside those spaces. It’s about helping people build relationships and feel part of a community.”
The Community Champion Award is unique in that organizations are nominated by peers an
d members of the community. For EHM, that makes the recognition especially meaningful.
“We see this as something we’ve all received together,” Ainsley adds. “Our staff, our residents, our donors, and our broader community all play a role in making this work possible.”