Volunteers and donors built Suomi-Koti and made it a reality from the start. In the early 1980’s, Maire Keskikyla spoke at a Town Hall meeting organized by Agricola Finnish Lutheran Church. Her speech was the catalyst that started the Suomi-Koti building project. Upon the building’s opening, she then became the first staff person to sale & market the Home Privilege concept to Toronto’s Finnish-speaking community. Under the leadership and dedication of Board Chair Dr. Veli Ylänkö (Jukka), the building came to be. Funds were secured for the building, programs were built and the first residents moved in.

Beginning in 1987, Pentti Järvenpää became the first Executive Director. He was instrumental in getting funds for the Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) and other government funding. 

Since 1996, Leila Carnegie has been the longest standing Director of Care and Administrator of the 7th Floor Nursing Home, Hoivaosasto, exceeding 20 years. In 2007, Lea Jokinen set up the policies for Home Care, which offers packages and à la carte services (i.e., laundry, cleaning, meal delivery) to residents.