A Canadian charitable, non-profit organization, it operates a community centre in the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

[1] The 519 serves both its local neighbourhood and the broader lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) communities in the Toronto area.

For over 35 years, The 519 has been working with [its] neighbours and [its] lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer (LGBTQ) communities to build healthy, welcoming spaces to meet, participate and celebrate together.

The board operates from a modified policy governance model which ensures delegation of day-to-day leadership of the organization to the executive director, Maura Lawless.

In addition to ongoing programs and services, the 519 invests organizational resources in a number of strategic initiatives and partnerships that help to create healthier more welcoming communities for its members: In November 2013, the 519 submitted a report to Toronto City Council seeking authorization to develop a sport and recreation centre in the West Don Lands neighbourhood of Toronto.

The proposal's early supporters include city councillor Pam McConnell, former Olympian and Hart House warden Bruce Kidd, and the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association.

and "What must be done to support the Church-Wellesley Village to solidify its role as a major cultural community hub in the Toronto context now and into the future?

The 519 is the trustee of the PrideHouseTO initiative, a collaborative project of more than 15 community organizations working together to make the 2015 Pan American Games the most LGBT-inclusive multi-sport event in history.

The 519's capital campaign, chaired by Salah Bachir, successfully raised money from the local community to fund the new wing.