YMCA of Greater Toronto Opens Applications for Transitional Housing Initiative, mYplace, for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth

Toronto – April 13, 2026 –  The YMCA of Greater Toronto is now accepting applications for its Transitional Housing Initiative, called mYplace, designed to provide safe, affordable rental housing and wrap-around supports for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 18 to 29 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Set to open in spring 2026, the six-storey building near Queen and Spadina in downtown Toronto was supported by the City of Toronto through the former Open Door Program and the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). The RHI is delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the National Housing Strategy.

YMCA’s mYplace will include 31 private bachelor apartments, each with its own kitchenette and bathroom. Youth can stay for up to four years less a day or until their 30th birthday, whichever comes first, while working toward long-term housing goals. The program includes access to wrap-around supports such as employment and education opportunities, financial literacy training, mental health resources, and legal aid clinics.

While they represent 10% of the Canadian population, it’s estimated that almost one in three young people experiencing homelessness in Canada identifies within the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

YMCA’s mYplace prioritizes applicants who identify within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, are earning a low income, and are working or in school. Applicants must be able to live independently and agree to work within program guidelines toward greater independence and self-sufficiency.

For application details, visit the link here.

“We are proud to be partnering with the YMCA of Greater Toronto to support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. This program, set to open in spring 2026, will feature 31 private apartments and ensure 2SLGBTQIA+ youth have a safe and stable place to live. Together we’re delivering a more safe, affordable and caring city.” – Mayor Olivia Chow

“The City of Toronto is proud to have contributed to YMCA of Greater Toronto for this important project. We remain committed to working collaboratively with our partners to accelerate the delivery of housing across Toronto, ensuring strong alignment with all orders of government to address the City’s housing shortage. In particular, this project represents a significant step towards supporting the 2SLGTQIA+ community.” – Jag Sharma, Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, City of Toronto

“Opening applications gets us an exciting step closer to creating housing for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Stable housing changes everything. It opens doors to opportunity, and long-term stability. mYplace gives 2SLGBTQIA+ youth the foundation they need to build the lives they envision.” – Candace Hamilton, General Manager, Youth Outreach and Intervention, Employment and Community at the YMCA of Greater Toronto