In 1972 the City of Toronto purchased the building at 519 Church Street and the pieces of land surrounding it to create The 519 Church Street Community Centre and Cawthra Square Park.

The 519 was the first community centre to be funded with a structure that ensures community control of programming. The City of Toronto owns the building and funds the administrative and maintenance expenses. The community, through its volunteer Board of Management, is responsible for programs, fundraising and personnel.

The 519 opened its doors in 1975. At that time many programs were developed out of the expressed needs of people in the community:

• Homeless people began dropping in on Sunday afternoons, a day when many other programs were closed. Coffee, cards and checkers were the first activities in a program that has become an essential service for homeless people. Over the years, as poverty has increased for so many people, the Sunday Drop-in has developed into a meal and clothing program, with referrals, a book cart, movies and other activities. Since 1996, we have opened for longer hours on Sundays in the winter months, in order to offer two meals. We also open on statutory holidays in winter.

• The Family Resource Centre, another essential program in the 1990's, began when a group of mothers in the neighbourhood formed a play group in the 1970's. The program now offers support, referrals and workshops to families with children aged 0-6, and the drop-in program has been augmented since 1994 by The 519's involvement in Growing Up Healthy Downtown.

• Gays and lesbians living in The 519's catchment area have been among the most active and visible members and users of the community centre. Most groups are run by volunteers, and the group members appreciate the safe environment, the accessibility, and The 519's role within the community.

• 12-step programs, other mutual support groups, and recreational programs such as Bridge, Checkers and Go have thrived in The 519's environment of accessible space, a welcoming attitude towards diversity, helpful and knowledgeable staff, and a strong volunteer contingent.

In the 1970's, many other programs were developed. Seniors formed one of the first social clubs at The 519. Developmentally handicapped adults have had a dance on Friday Nights since the late 70's. Healthy Kids Summer Day Camp offers families with school-aged children high quality and affordable fun when school’s out.

In more recent years, our program development has focused on urgent issues such as poverty, violence, and advocacy. Our Thursday Legal Advice Clinic has been joined by a Wills Clinic for people who are HIV+. An Income Tax Clinic assists low income people every year. Our Anti-Violence Program supports Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals and Transgendered people who are victims of hate-motivated violence, or who are victims of same-sex spousal abuse. More and more gay and lesbian support groups within cultural communities have come forward, and made The 519 their home. Short term Community Counselling is available to anyone, in response to the overwhelming need in the neighbourhood. Most recently, we’ve developed the Trans Programmes, services unique in Canada, which focus on support, advocacy and drop-in programmes for the transgendered and transsexual communities, particularly those who are street active and living in poverty.

The 519 is truly a home to everyone in the downtown community. Over 300 community groups use our centre every year. It stands as an example of what a neighbourhood can do with basic resources, dedicated volunteers, staff infrastructure, and an activist Board elected from among those who use the Centre.

"In Days Gone By: The 519 Chruch Street Community Centre History Project"
[ Adobe PDF ]