Poverty and Basic Needs
Removing barriers to opportunity
Everyone deserves to build the life they want for themselves and their families.
But without a support system, stable internet, or healthy meals to get through the day, many people are stuck in survival mode.
Your donation to United Way East Ontario helps people in our communities achieve financial independence and stability.
Poverty and Basic Needs
Removing barriers to opportunity
Everyone deserves to build the life they want for themselves and their families.
But without a support system, stable internet, or healthy meals to get through the day, many people are stuck in survival mode.
United Way East Ontario believes that everyone deserves a job, a purpose, and a sense of belonging.
Your donation helps people in our communities achieve financial independence and stability.
Selina is walking the runway to success
Alongside homeschooling and parenting, Selina attends the Sewing for Jobs program, powered by United Way, to grow her sewing, design, and professional skills. Her achievement is especially meaningful, as Selina left an abusive relationship to take care of herself and her family.
Many students in the program have left something behind: war-torn countries, pandemic upheaval, or violence at home. But what Selina has gained is a resume full of practical skills and a community that lifts her up as she builds a new life.
Poverty isn’t a level playing field.
We know that poverty can happen because of an unexpected life change, but many people also have the cards stacked against them from day one.
Many marginalized groups are more likely to live in poverty because of systemic issues like racism or colonialism. As they continue to face stigma, biases, and other forms of oppression, it can be even harder to secure a good job and financial independence.
In rural parts of our region, limited public transportation options make it hard to get to school, work, healthcare appointments, and other essential services. In remote areas where internet is spotty, access to information, education, and certain types of work are just not possible.
The lack of opportunities in some neighbourhoods and communities, paired with inflation and the rising cost of living, makes it harder for people to break out of the cycle of poverty.
9.2%
of racialized populations are unemployed in Canada, compared to 7.3% of non-racialized people.
~59%
of working age adults with disabilities are employed compared to 80% of those without disabilities.
1 in 5
single mothers live in low-income situations in Ontario, and almost half (44%) of single mothers with young children are living below the poverty line.
$5,200
is the difference in median income between rural ($39,200) and urban centres ($44,400) in Ontario.
How we help
United Way East Ontario works in communities Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County, and Renfrew County to make it easier for people to get a job, thrive in their workplace, and become financially independent.
While we help people meet their basic needs and get through crisis, we also work on long-term solutions to break down barriers and improve lives for the next generation.
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Boosting job readiness
We invest in employment programs and supports that help youth, newcomers, and people with disabilities strengthen their skills and land the job they want.
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Reducing the impact of poverty
We advocate for and invest in financial literacy programs, making healthy food more accessible, transportation in rural communities, and utilities relief so people aren’t stressed about meeting their basic needs.
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Building community wealth
We advocate for, invest in, and bring people together to create a local economy that is more inclusive of marginalized groups. This includes powering social enterprises, promoting local and ethical supply chains, and recommending community benefits during big infrastructure projects.
Inclusion at work
We convene leadership tables that remove systemic employment barriers for Indigenous peoples, underrepresented and vulnerable youth, people with disabilities, and newcomers.
The Employment Accessibility Resource Network brings together employers, service providers, and other partners to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities and promote inclusive and accessible workplaces.
Hire Immigrants Ottawa brings together employers, immigrant agencies, and stakeholders to enhance employers’ ability to access the talents of skilled immigrants in the Ottawa area.
With the aim of creating more culturally inclusive workplaces for Indigenous Peoples, the Indigenous Employment Advisory Leadership Table (IELAT), in collaboration with the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition, brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment service providers, employers, post-secondary institutions and other stakeholders to make an impact.
What impact looks like
What impact looks like
When we remove the stress that comes with meeting basic needs like shelter or food, people can focus on finding the right job for their skillset and planning a bright future.
Your gift to United Way East Ontario empowers people in your community to achieve financial independence and stability.
We take accountability seriously.
You should feel confident when supporting a charity, and we’re committed to full transparency, accountability, and cost-efficiency. We invest your gift in smart, strategic ways, to ultimately move the needle.
100% LOCAL IMPACT
Every donation is put to work in the community where it is raised to tackle the causes you care about.
TOP 100 CANADIAN CHARITY
Charity Intelligence, MoneySense & Maclean’s named United Way East Ontario a top-100 Canadian charity.
Learn more about United Way’s charity ratings and how your gift is managed here.
Need help?
If you or someone you know is seeking mental health help, here are some immediate resources you can use:
CALL 9-1-1
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
DISTRESS CENTRE OF OTTAWA AND REGION
24/7 access to a mental health support hub.
Visit dcottawa.on.ca
Call the Distress Line at 613-238-3311
Text 343-306-5550
211 EASTERN ONTARIO
Find community, social, government, and health services closest to you.
Visit 211ontario.ca or call 2-1-1
