At Trellis Society, we believe a safe home is the core foundation for well-being, financial stability, and growth.   

Iris Place is one of Trellis Society’s housing-first sites for youth who identify as 2SLGBTQIAA++ and are at risk of or have experienced homelessness. This safe space, designed to help youth transition to adulthood and independence, desperately needed some love care to match the beauty within its walls. Right after hearing about this, The Home Depot Canada Foundation came up with an idea.  

Just before 7:00 AM on a scorching July day, with temperatures forecasted to reach 34 degrees Celsius, Team Depot arrived at Trellis Society’s Iris Place, ready to make a lasting change. 

 
Among the volunteers were associates from The Home Depot Canada Foundation, and a team from the Home Depot’s supplier, Canfor with tools provided by Makita. They journeyed across Canada, some travelling as far as Vancouver and Toronto, ready to make a difference. Trellis Society’s CEO - Jeff Dyer, greeted the team at the door, sharing insights about Iris Place and extending heartfelt gratitude to everyone who showed up.  

By 9:00 AM, silence was replaced by the sound of shovels, drills, and laughter. From the front door to the back yard, a whirlwind of transformation began! Garden beds were weeded, colorful flowers planted, landscaping fabric laid, and mulch spread, transforming the yard into a vibrant, welcoming space.  

At the front door, the hum of Makita power tools began. Within hours, thanks to Team Depot's carpentry magic, beautiful wooden gardening boxes were built – benefiting not only the place, but several other Trellis locations.  

From the roof to the fence, the crew didn't slow down. A fresh coat of paint transformed the exterior, a charming lattice trellis graced the front deck, and a shiny new shed offered much-needed storage. The team went above and beyond to install a beautiful handrail for the back stairs and a sturdy side door to the garden - every detail thoughtfully considered by this team of specialists. 

The Home Depot Canada Foundation crew truly has the gift of turning a house into a home – one that is comfortable, accessible, and beautifully inviting. As the day drew to a close, Iris Place was transformed. and the smiles on Team Depot's faces reflected the pride they poured into this project.  

We captured some special moments that day, but the real magic was the overwhelming gratitude we felt for our partners. The Home Depot Canada Foundation, Canfor, Makita – and especially that incredible team who rolled up their sleeves and made a difference.  

 
This isn’t the first time this year that The Home Depot Canada Foundation show their support for Trellis Society. Since the beginning of 2024, Trellis and The Home Depot Canada Foundation have collaborated on several impactful projects. Among these is the Orange Door Project, which raises funds directly to support housing for at-risk youth in Canada. This initiative aims to prevent and address homelessness, including efforts in Calgary. 

The Home Depot Canada Foundation supports organizations working with youth at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, to create new paths for them to exit homelessness.  

Together with the support of our associates, suppliers, and customers, THDCF works to create new paths for youth by focusing on three strategic priorities; improving housing stability for underserved youth, increasing youth employment readiness, and investing in quality wrap around supports for youth.  

Our Foundation's Community Build projects allow our Vendors and Suppliers to help us make a direct impact on improving housing for Youth, and the organizations that serve them. 

• The Home Depot Foundation 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to The Home Depot Canada Foundation for your impactful work. Looking ahead, Trellis is excited to continue our collaborative work with The Home Depot Canada Foundation to provide safe housing, financial stability, and spaces where everyone flourishes.