October is Community Support Month in Ontario, a time to celebrate the essential programs that help more than one million Ontarians live safely and independently at home. From personal care and homemaking to caregiver support and community connections, these services are vital to the well-being of individuals and families across the province.

Among these essential supports is the community-based Homemakers and Nurses Services (HMNS) Program, operated by the City of Toronto and funded by both the City and the Ministry of Health. VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has proudly provided HMNS services for over 30 years, serving clients across Scarborough, East York and Toronto and more recently in South Etobicoke, North York and the City of York.

This program offers practical, compassionate help for individuals with a limited income who struggle to manage household tasks because of illness, disability or age. Services include light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation and shopping assistance, which help clients live more comfortably and confidently at home. In fact, community-based support is where VHA started in 1925, providing homemaking services for families when a mother was ill.

“This HMNS program plays a vital role in helping vulnerable clients stay independent, especially for those who may not qualify for other supports,” says Yeshi Kangrang, Program Supervisor at VHA. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference our team makes every day. This work is so much more than a clean home—it’s about dignity, companionship and confidence.”

A Lifeline for Daily Living

One long-time client of the HMNS program recently shared how these services have transformed her daily life. Diagnosed with arthritis in her early 30s, she has lived for decades with significant pain and mobility challenges, making household tasks challenging.

“Over the years, Home Support Workers (HSWs) have made my life so much easier. They always leave my home spotless and are so positive,” she says. “They help me with things that are difficult, like washing dishes or peeling potatoes. My hands get very painful and swollen if I use them too much.”

She also has an unexpected connection with her homemaker. Both are originally from Uganda and speak Swahili. “It’s so nice. She cleans the same way we would back home and understands how I like things done.”

“For me, keeping my home clean and in order is deeply important. My homemakers lift me up; they truly light up my life,” she shares.

The Heart of the Work

Behind these meaningful connections are dedicated homemakers like Mavis Holder, who has been with VHA for 20 years. Mavis first joined the Extreme Cleaning team, which supports people living with mental illness and facing eviction. About 15 years ago, she transitioned to her current role as an HSW with the HMNS program, a job she calls, “a perfect fit.”

Mavis supports her clients with laundry, dusting, vacuuming, washing dishes and other household tasks depending on their individual needs, but for her the job is about much more than household chores.

“The thing I enjoy the most is meeting and talking with people,” Mavis says. “Most of my clients are really isolated and have no one to talk to. When I arrive, it’s so joyful and they often tell me they can’t wait for me to come back. I know being there really makes a difference.”

As we celebrate Community Support Month, we honour the dedicated staff behind the HMNS Program and the clients they serve. Through their compassionate care, they continue VHA’s century-long mission of helping people maintain their independence and live safely at home.

For more information on our Responsive Community Care services and how we can help you or a loved one, call (416) 489-2500, Option 2.