By Gazette Staff

November 5^th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

The Burlington Community Foundation (BCF) announced the launch of a community campaign with the formation of a Housing Support Fund The goal is to raise  $50,000 for two local housing initiatives and create a long-term investment in housing support for the Burlington community.

The campaign, which will run from Nov. 5 to Dec. 31, has two giving goals:

1) Provide $25,000 each to housing initiatives from charitable organizations Wesley and Shifra Homes and

 2) Establish a permanent Housing Support Fund at BCF that provides grants to charitable organizations annually. The Housing Support Fund has received a generous opening lead donation of $25,000 from Burlington residents and BCF fundholders Doug and Maryella Leggat.

Megan Tregunno, CEO of the Burlington Community Foundation.

“Housing is a complex issue, and there’s an urgent and growing need for housing assistance in Burlington,” said Megan Tregunno, CEO of the Burlington Community Foundation. “Our Housing Support Fund is a response to that.”

“Last year, Halton’s shelter system operated at 40% over capacity.  Housing affordability was also identified as top issue in Burlington in the recent BCF Vital Signs research report. We know that through the generosity of collective action, we will be able to make a meaningful impact to help our neighbours in need.”

The fund will support Wesley’s Emergency Supportive Housing program in Burlington, which serves Halton residents and is the only emergency shelter for unhoused families and single women facing homelessness in the region.

“We are grateful for the support of the Burlington Community Foundation and the generosity of community members who understand the urgent and complex requirements around providing emergency housing support,” said Kristyn Bruce, Senior Director, Housing and Outreach Services at Wesley. “Unfortunately, the need continues to grow. One way these funds will help Wesley is to add bunk beds to rooms at our shelter so that we can keep larger families together during an already traumatic time.”

Shifra Homes is Halton’s only maternity residence. Mothers and babies are supported with wraparound services through pregnancy and the transition to independent living. The organization operates without funding from any level of government and is supported through the generosity of community members.

“Each year, the number of mothers and babies needing our support increases and it is through community generosity and partnership that we are able to meet those needs,” said Nancy Romic, executive director of Shifra Homes. “These funds will help us provide housing, mental health, and nutritional support, as well as contribute to the continued support of mothers and babies as they move on from Shifra to their own residences.”

Through the Housing Support Fund, community members can make a bigger impact, working together. Donations to the fund can be made through personal and holiday giving, employee campaigns, local fundraisers, and in honour of loved ones.

Businesses, community groups and individuals are welcome to contact the Foundation for more information on how they can support the fund at Info@BurlingtonFoundation.org or 905-639-0744.

HOW TO DONATE:

 Online at

1. Through Gifts of Securities (there is no capital gains tax on charitable securities gifts)
2. Through a donor advised fund
3. Credit card donation by phone – 905-639-0744 1
4. By cheque payable to: Burlington Community Please contact BCF to arrange pick up or drop off due to mail disruptions.

ABOUT BURLINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Established in 1999, the Burlington Community Foundation is this city’s trusted philanthropic partner, and one of more than 200 community foundations across Canada. We manage charitable gifts from donors whose generosity allows us to create permanent, income-earning funds. Funds are then distributed as grants for charitable or educational purposes. To date, the Burlington Community Foundation has invested $12.7 million in people, projects, and non-profit organizations that strengthen Burlington and communities throughout Canada.

ABOUT WESLEY: Wesley is a long-standing local non-profit, offering support for people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and barriers in the community. We provide programs and services to meet diverse community needs in Hamilton, Halton and Brantford. As a multi-service organization, we offer Children, Youth & Family Services, Housing & Homelessness Services and Newcomer, Employment & Community Services. Wesley’s services are possible through a broad base of funding support from government, business, foundations, groups and individuals.

ABOUT SHIFRA HOMES: Shifra Homes is Halton’s only maternity residence. Mothers and babies are supported through pregnancy and the transition to independent living. The organization operates without funding from any level of government and is supported through the generosity of community members. In 2024, Shifra opened an additional residence, increasing its capacity to support 17 mothers and babies.