United Way Halton & Hamilton is proud to lead and partner on strategic initiatives that support our mission in new ways. Through our trusted position in community, we bring together Labour, government, private companies, non-profits and people with lived experience. Additionally with your support, we identify gaps and explore which initiatives will have the greatest impact, and take action.
Strategic initiatives respond to deeply rooted barriers in our communities. From service navigation to low income inequality, United Way Halton & Hamilton works with partners to change the odds for our most vulnerable neighbours.
211
Dialing 211 helps people navigate the network of health and social services in their area. The service connects them to the information they need when dealing with life’s challenges. Available 24/7 through phone or live chat, and in 100+ languages, 211 recognizes diverse needs and, provide specialized support for key communities, including Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, and LGBTQ+ people. Click here to learn more.
Chalmers
Research shows that 94 percent of people experiencing homelessness have a mobile device. Now they can use these devices to more easily find social services using Chalmers, an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot. Chalmers uses information from local data providers such as Ontario 211, Halton Information Providers and The Hamilton Public Library to connect people with services that are close to them. Using Chalmers, people can search for free meals, shelter, clothing and other supports. Chalmers was created by Ample Labs, with support from United Way Halton & Hamilton, the Federal Government of Canada and Halton Region. Visit chalmers.app to try out Chalmers today.
Community Development & Research
In addition to internal research, United Way partners with local community planning and research organizations including Community Development Halton and the Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton. These organizations identify and research the root causes of social needs in our communities.
ConnectED
In partnership with topic experts, this program provides affordable training, resources and networking to help non-profit staff expand their knowledge and skills. With, your support ConnectED builds the sector’s capacity to create community impact. Click here to learn more.
Financial Empowerment & Problem-Solving (FEPS)
FEPS aims to break the cycle of poverty through financial stability, education and support. Through FEPS, individuals with low incomes can receive free tax filing supports to access unclaimed benefits and financial returns. They are also connected to training and other financial supports that help to improve long-term financial security and well-being. Click here to learn more.
Social Prescription
Social prescribing is a new model that combines social services and medical care in order to connect people to the supports they need. We are bringing together stakeholders to research what a local model could look like, in order to better support physical, mental and social well being. Click here to learn more.
The Social Innovation Lab (SIL)
Engages diverse community members and social service leaders in a collaborative quest to ignite change. Leading with innovation, the UWHH SIL helps nonprofits explore transformational ideas, build resiliency, drive impact and stay agile, as they tackle persistent social issues. Click here to learn more.
