TCHC wins three major awards at ONPHA conference

A Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) tenant group and multiple staff members took home half of the awards at the 2024 Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association Conference (ONPHA) in Ottawa this week. 

The Birchmount Community Action Council and its Executive Director Laura Hammond received the 2024 Tenant Achievement Award (Group). TCHC staffer and community leader Trevaun Douglas was honoured with this year’s Young Changemaker Award. TCHC’s The Next Surgeon Program was recognized with the 2024 Innovation Award, while eight retired TCHC staff members received ONPHA’s Lifetime of Service Award.

In total, nearly a dozen TCHC staff were recognized for their efforts by ONPHA. Those honoured represent all areas of the organization, including Operations, Programs and Partnerships, Community Economic Development, Facilities Management, the Community Safety Unit, Finance, Tenancy Management, and Maintenance.

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“I’d like to express my pride in our team and our tenants for the hard work they do every day to make our communities better. These awards showcase how important staff and tenants are within community housing—and ONPHA’s recognition is a testament to how well we’re working together.”

- Sean Baird, President and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Community Housing

TCHC’s 2024 ONPHA Award Winners

Tenant Achievement (Group) Award – Birchmount Community Action Council 

Since 2013, The Birchmount Community Action Council (BCAC) at 1021 Birchmount Road has been an active TCHC resident group. BCAC members have been involved in various programs and committees, including food security, economic development initiatives, and well-being capacity-building efforts. These programs are designed to empower residents and address key community priorities through a collaborative and resident-led approach. BCAC is currently partnered with FoodShare and Second Harvest to help families and individuals experiencing food insecurity. BCAC also sits on several committees or networks, including Golden Mile Redevelopment, Toronto Community Benefits, and Frontline Connections. Executive Director Laura Hammond co-founded BCAC, and she continues to play a pivotal role in fostering community engagement and leadership amongst TCHC tenants. 

This award is given to a tenant group that has made their non-profit housing community a better place to live. The tenant group has fostered connections within their community and contributed to the well-being of their neighbourhood. Their efforts have made a meaningful contribution that can serve as a model for tenants across Ontario.

Young Changemaker Award – Trevaun Douglas 

From an early age, Trevaun Douglas has been involved with TCHC and the Lawrence Heights community, where he grew up. At 11, Douglas was a volunteer landscaper, planting flowers and gardening. At 12, he became a volunteer community engagement worker, helping with barbeques and back-to-school events. In 2019, Douglas interned as a Tenant Service Coordinator, helping to organize one of the largest job fairs assisting TCHC tenants with finding employment. In 2021, Douglas took a job as a TCHC Cleaner and Maintenance worker. In May 2024, he was hired as a Program Coordinator and is now part of TCHC’s Tenant and Community Services department.

In addition to his formal work experience, Douglas is an outstanding individual with a true passion and love for his community. This is evidenced by his selfless efforts to raise monies for those in need. This summer, he raised more than $40,000 for the Lawrence Heights community by walking to Niagara Falls.

This award recognizes young professionals whose energy and vision have furthered the cause of non-profit housing. Open to those 18-35 who have made significant contributions in areas of leadership, innovation and community engagement. Recipients have created a lasting legacy that benefits tenants and the community.

Innovation Award – The Next Surgeon Program

The Next Surgeon Program, founded in 2022, is offered to TCHC youth and local high school students. The program focuses on recruiting Black students and students of colour who live in social housing and who are interested in healthcare—specifically the fields of cardiac and neurosurgery. The purpose of the free, accessible, and hands-on program is to inspire the next generation of medical students. 

Participants get the unique opportunity to engage with the country’s top medical students, residents, and doctors. They work directly with cardiac surgeon Dr. Bobby Yanagawa, Division Head of Cardiac Surgery at St. Michael’s Hospital. Program sessions include: how to excel in school and apply to university; applying for medical school; life in medical school; and, life as a cardiac and neurosurgeon. Participants also engage in workshops featuring coronary anastomosis, surgical hand-tying, suturing and laparoscopic surgery—all in a hospital setting.

This award recognizes non-profit housing providers that have developed an innovative response to an environmental, operational or community challenge. Must demonstrate promising outcomes and serve as an inspiration or model for others. The initiative must be recent and have evidence of impact (qualitative or quantitative). 

Lifetime of Service Award Recipients

• Albert Koke, Senior Director of Strategic Procurement (retired in 2023; 32 years)
• Mary Lee, Tenant Services Coordinator (retired in 2023; 40 years)
• Joe Montesano, HVAC Manager (retired in 2024; 30 years)
• Bill Neal, Special Constable (retired in 2023; 33 years)
• Cheryl Pryce, District Rental Officer (retired in 2023; 36 years)
• Alex Rankin, Facilities Manager (retired in 2023; 35 years)
• Steve Sparks, Senior Superintendent (retired in 2024; 30 years)
• Jason Yeomans, Property Administrator (retired in 2024; 35 years)

This award recognizes the people who have dedicated their careers and talents to Ontario’s non-profit housing sector. These professionals, volunteers or board members are retiring after 20 or more years of service.