About Us //
What is Pulse?
Pulse is a multi-platform hyperlocal news and information hub that focuses on pressing community issues like homelessness and food insecurity in Toronto’s Downtown East. At the heart of Pulse is a physical print product, Pulse MVP, which will be distributed throughout our coverage area. You can learn more about our publications on this page.
Our Goals
Pulse is dedicated to creating a resilient, informed, and connected community. We provide specialized news coverage, highlight local organizations, and serve as a way to discover resources and support systems. Our goal is to ensure all individuals have access to the information and assistance they need to overcome challenges and thrive.
- Mission: To empower and uplift the Downtown East Toronto community by connecting residents to crucial resources, support systems, and information through various platforms, including journalism, technology, and community engagement.
- Vision: To create a resilient, informed, and connected community where all individuals have access to the resources and support they need to overcome challenges and thrive.
Values
Pulse is built on a foundation of core values that guide everything we do. We are committed to serving our community with a focus on inclusivity, integrity, and innovation. Our mission is to ensure that every voice in Downtown East is heard and represented, and that our readers are empowered with the information and resources they need to thrive.
- Community-Centric: Focus on the needs and stories of the local community.
- Inclusivity: Ensure diverse voices and perspectives are represented.
- Engagement: Foster active participation and dialogue within the community.
- Innovation: Leverage technology and new approaches to enhance the delivery of news and information.
- Integrity: Uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and transparency.
- Support: Provide tangible support to vulnerable community members through information, resources, and advocacy.
Why?
At Pulse, we believe that local news should do more than inform — it should inspire, connect, and empower. Our mission is to bridge the information gap in Downtown East by focusing on solutions and community-building.
- Addressing a Gap: To fill the void of an outlet focused on helping people discover local support resources.
- Empowering the Community: To empower residents with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate local issues.
- Building Connections: To foster a sense of community by highlighting local stories, events, and initiatives.
- Spotlighting Local Efforts: To use journalism and technology to help the community learn more about those advocating for change.
- Resource Accessibility: To make vital resources and support systems easily accessible to those in need.
Our Publications
Pulse MVP
Our bite-sized print publication, Pulse MVP, is laser focused on the key social issues facing Downtown East.
Designed to be evergreen and insightful, each issue of Pulse MVP is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the community and how they can pitch in to make it better.
We hope that Pulse MVP will be much more than words on a page; we hope that it will be a conversation starter and a window into the heart of our neighbourhood.
Pulse Online
Our website is the home to everything Pulse. You’ll find articles from our print publication, Pulse MVP, as well as full issues.
You can also sign up for our newsletter, Vital Signs. (You can learn more about that on this page.)
We’re planning for Pulse Online to be deeply integrated into our print publication, but in a way that isn’t distracting and doesn’t take away from the print experience.
And we are exploring other ways to keep our readers engaged with our content online in unique and impactful ways.
Pulse Vital Signs
Our Vital Signs newsletter gives you a chance to dive even deeper into the issues affecting Downtown East.
But Vital Signs is also meant to be quick and digestible, making it the perfect way for busy folks to stay on top of the latest in the community.
Vital Signs is where you will be able to find some of the top news stories of the week affecting our community, as well as updates on events and volunteer opportunities in the area.
You can sign up for it here, and then watch out for it in your inbox every week.
Coverage Area
Pulse serves the vibrant, dynamic, and diverse area of Downtown East in Toronto, Ontario. There is a particular focus on the area bordered by Bloor St E to the north, Yonge St to the west, Parliament St to the East and King St E to the south. This area includes Toronto’s Village, Upper Jarvis, Garden District, Cabbagetown South, Old Town, and St. James Town communities. It also includes parts of Cabbagetown.
Pulse 