Rima Patricia Zavys
March 16, 1966 - January 17, 2012

Rima was loved as a friend and a colleague. Her commitment to social justice and as an advocate for the most vulnerable was well recognised throughout the community.

For 16 years, Rima was dedicated to the clients at WoodGreen. Initially hired as Manager of Housing, Rima developed, implemented and evaluated a tenant-directed management model. Later, as Manager of Neighbourhood Development, Rima initiated a number of community development processes aimed at improving the quality of life in local communities on a broad range of issues. Promoted to Director, Rima also developed the Housing Help and Homelessness programs at WoodGreen, including harm reduction and housing support services. Rima initiated and implemented low barrier case management, social support, concurrent disorders and arts-based programming. She also led our Mental Health and Developmental Services.

Rima also played a lead role in developing WoodGreen’s First Step to Home. The first of its kind in North America, First Step to Home combines safe and affordable housing with on-site health services and wrap-around support, helping homeless, vulnerable seniors make a successful transition from living on the street to a stable, healthy lifestyle.
Rima actively tackled the increasing problem of bed bugs in Toronto through her involvement in City and community initiatives and at WoodGreen. Rima quickly became known as an international expert on eradicating bed bugs, and her knowledge was sought-after by housing providers, policy makers and media throughout North America.

The impact of Rima’s work was felt far beyond WoodGreen and Toronto. During her career Rima completed a number of international projects focused on housing and agency capacity building in Lithuania, Latvia and Armenia. She also organized a North American Forum on rooming house issues.
Her leadership in tackling the issues of the homeless made a tremendous contribution to so many individuals who faced these challenges, and to the community and city.

She will be missed by all those whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to The WoodGreen Foundation through the Rima Zavys Memorial Fund. To make a donation to The WoodGreen Foundation through the Rima Zavys Memorial Fund, please click here. Or, please send a cheque made to The WoodGreen Foundation and note Rima Zavys Memorial Fund. Cheques may be sent to The WoodGreen Foundation, 815 Danforth Avenue, Suite 100, Toronto ON M4J 1L2.
  .