About
Founded in 1975, The 519 is Canada’s most prominent LGBTQ2S community centre and service-provider. The 519 serves marginalized LGBTQ2S communities such as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour and their families, 50+ and elderly, refugees and newcomers, those living with a disability, homeless and street involved, and the Downtown East neighbourhood.
Located in downtown Toronto, we are committed to the health, happiness and full participation of LGBTQ2S communities. A City of Toronto agency and registered Canadian charity, we have an innovative model of Service, Space and Leadership. We strive to make a real difference in people’s lives, while working to promote inclusion, understanding and respect.
Our Impact
The 519 is a multi-service organization, offering a wide range of supports and services built by, for and with 2SLGBTQ+ communities. We work to:
- Centre our activities to support our most marginalized LGBTQ2S community members: children, youth and families, 50+ and elderly, newcomers & refugees; and respond to urgent needs of local vulnerable folks such as those living with a disability, homeless and street-involved;
- Introduce new programming to continue addressing the dire food insecurity facing our communities;
- Further develop strategic partnerships to support urgent and emerging community needs;
- Build organizational knowledge and capacity to advance our anti-racism and equity commitments.
