In late spring 2024, the City of Toronto selected Cota through a competitive Request for Proposals to provide Anchor Agency Services & Supports at 2195 Jane Street, a Toronto Community Housing (TCH) building. This expansion builds on Cota’s successful programs at 220 Oak Street and 250 Davenport Road, where our teams have been offering targeted support to improve housing stability, foster social cohesion, and address the unique needs of each tenant community.
Enhancing Well-Being Through On-Site Supports
Our Anchor Support Program at 2195 Jane Street was initiated in October 2024 and aims to strengthen the well-being and housing stability of residents through comprehensive, on-site services. These include one-on-one case management, community engagement activities, and crisis management, all designed to support a thriving, inclusive, and supportive community.
The Cota team, including four Site Support Workers and two Case Managers, are available at 2195 Jane Street Monday through Saturday to provide support and resources. They work closely with TCH and tenant leaders to address community needs, prevent evictions, and facilitate connections to health services and other community resources.
Supporting Stability Through Collaboration
Cota and Black Creek Community Health Centre have collaborated to provide onsite physical health and preventative health services to residents in the building. Soon, Cota will be collaborating with Unison to provide Socca, Zumba and Yoga classes for the residents in the building. Jane and Finch Center has partnered with Cota to provide mental and physical health workshops to tenants of 2195 Jane.
Robert, the Program Manager for 2195 Jane Street, shares his thoughts on the launch of this new site and the positive impact the program hopes to achieve:
“The residents in the 2195 Jane Street community have expressed gratitude that Cota is here to provide support. One resident said, ‘The building has come to life again—we have things to do and people to turn to when we need help. Everything has changed since Cota arrived.’… Through person-centered support, staff have helped residents maintain housing stability, improve their mental health, and increase access to community supports.”
Growing Community Through Trust and Support
One example of building successful staff and service user relationships at 2195 Jane Street has been between resident Fancy and her Case Manager, Cristalee.
For Fancy, having someone she could talk to and trust changed many aspects of her life.
“Cristalee is really kind and relatable. I feel like I’m talking to an older sister,” she shared. “She was there for me when I was grieving… and helped me get a lawyer when I was overwhelmed. She’s always smiling, always helping somebody.”
Their connection goes beyond formal supports. Fancy recalled Cristalee helping her and a group of tenants create vision boards at the start of the year- something simple, but full of hope.
“I asked her if we could do it, and she said, ‘Bring your magazines and we’ll make one together.’ It was really fun.”
For Cristalee, building that kind of trust adds a lot of meaning to her work.
“At first, people didn’t know what we were here for. But once the trust came, everything changed. Fancy’s been great- not only has she embraced our support, but she’s also become a voice in the building. She tells people, ‘They helped me, they can help you too.’ She’s a leader.”
What began as a connection built on immediate needs grew into a working-relationship grounded in encouragement and mutual respect and is an excellent example of how Cota staff and building residents are bringing new energy and connection to 2195 Jane Street.
