Halton Hills, ON – Monday, December 11th – We can’t be complacent about the 103,000 individuals facing long-term unemployment in Ontario. United Way provides crucial financial support to 23 different programs in Halton Hills. Of those 23 programs, two provide supports that help people and families in crisis access basic needs like food and shelter, while also helping them develop knowledge and opportunities to increase their long-term stability. These opportunities are provided to people like Anne.
Anne worked for an automotive supply company for years, making a good living and providing well for her three children. When the company closed, leaving Anne without a job and without an income, she lost an ability she had long since taken for granted – she was no longer in control of her family’s financial wellbeing. When Anne’s Employment Insurance benefits ran out and she hadn’t found a new job, she applied for social assistance, but still needed to make difficult choices for her family. One of those choices meant that she no longer paid to have her taxes completed.
That’s when a United Way supported program made a big difference to Anne and her family. With a volunteer helping Anne complete and file her taxes, she began to receive a monthly tax credit that was worth more than a third of her rent. It was a small step, but an important one. From there, she was connected to a Holiday Hamper program which provided her family with clothing, winter coats and toys for the kids. On top of that, she was connected to another program, where the staff helped Anne complete an application for subsidized housing and connected her with employment services.
With her home life more secure and a link established back into the employment world, Anne was able to find a good and stable job. It took a little time, some volunteers, a caring local organization and the support of United Way, but Anne is back where she belongs – in control of her family’s future.
When you give to United Way, you improve lives locally. United Way Halton & Hamilton works with local agencies and thousands of donors, to change lives right here in Halton Hills.
“United Way is dedicated to working with the community to measure and address the challenges that are most pressing in our communities. We ensure that 100% of the donations in Halton Hills stay in Halton Hills and are invested back into important programs at agencies,” said United Way Halton & Hamilton President & CEO, Brad Park. He continued, “There is a large percentage of individuals facing long term unemployment, many of whom are struggling to have their basic needs met. We need the community to rally together to ensure important community programs have access to critical funding to build a stronger for the future.”
United Way’s goal is to make measurable and important progress towards solving our community’s most pressing problems. It’s focused now, more than ever, on ensuring that the organizations is connected to the issues that face each of the communities served, ensuring that all dollars raised local will stay local. United Way will continue to ensure money raised in each community, stays in that community – in other words, local gifts will remain focused on meeting local needs.
Read the article: https://www.theifp.ca/community-story/8036863-halton-hills-holiday-house-tour-raises-17-300-for-united-way/
Topics : Halton Hills, In the News, Uncategorized