When things feel uncertain, your support helps United Way East Ontario bring caring people and strong local programs together.
The rising cost of living is putting a strain on families. Every day, people are struggling to put food on the table or keep a roof over their heads. And as more of our neighbours face homelessness, mental health challenges, isolation, and violence, more people are reaching out for help.
United we can help people in need
At United Way East Ontario, we tackle the root causes of local issues and drive lasting change across Ottawa, Prescott-Russell, Lanark County, and Renfrew County.
Life is getting harder
Behind each number is a neighbour trying to get through a difficult time.
1 in 4 Ottawa households faced food insecurity in 2024—up from 1 in 7 households in 2019.
47% of people facing homelessness first experience it before age 25.
11% of seniors living alone in Ontario live below the poverty line.
26% of people in Ontario reported their mental health as poor or fair.
Community services that people depend on for help are stretched. Demand continues to rise, but resources haven’t caught up. People are overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn.
But there is a way forward
One rooted in local action, collaboration, and compassion.
For a community to be great, it must be great for everyone. Your dedication and generosity helps people access the support they need today while creating lasting change in our communities.
When you give to United Way, you not only impact one person’s life, you contribute to a current that connects us all.
United we can solve the toughest social issues
By bringing together donors like you, local community organizations, governments, and people with lived experience, we identify where support is needed most and where we can make the greatest impact – together. Here is how we do it:
Here is how we do it:
We learn about the problem
We use rigorous data analysis, evidence, and community voices to understand the diverse challenges our communities face.
We bring people together
We convene people and organizations from across all sectors to learn and find innovative solutions.
We advocate
We amplify unheard voices, speak up for action, and engage all levels of government to drive change.
We fundraise
Whether through individual and workplace donations, grants, or other resources, we mobilize our communities’ generosity in support of the people who need us most.
We invest
Together with expert volunteers, we evaluate and fund programs and initiatives that create measurable, lasting impact for people struggling.
Real stories of local change
These are the stories of your neighbours—people whose lives were changed because of community support powered by United Way East Ontario.
“They opened their arms with big open hearts and welcomed me and gave me everything that I need to get my life back on track.”
“It gave me a place to sleep, it was a roof over my head and that gave me the opportunity to care about myself.”
"Not only did I gain valuable skills and knowledge through this program, but I met wonderful people and got to practice my English.”
“A cheering squad that I’ve never experienced before in my entire life. They empowered, motivated, and welcomed me.”
“When we get this support from the community—especially for your children—it’s precious.”
"The confidence I have in myself now—to stand up and advocate for myself—I feel like this place gave me a backbone.”
“I was able to understand what strong, healthy friendships look like. I was able to build relationships that are really important to me.”
"We share experiences, we share successes, and we share failures. It’s a new social group that’s really important for me.”
"They gave us a lot of tools to work with. It was really nice to find something with no cost that he could be involved in.”
“Learning disabilities are tough when you’re in high school. A lot of people doubted I was going to get through it. But look where I am now.”
“Now, because of the program, I've made connections. I feel like Hawkesbury has really become my home—my community—because of this."
“This support has given me hope. It’s given me the ability to hold my head high and obtain some dignity and self-worth.”
We see the needs. United we can meet them.
Poverty. Homelessness. Mental health. Social isolation. These challenges can feel overwhelming, but together, we can make a difference. No matter the size of your gift, your support helps create lasting change in our communities.
With your support, we can build a brighter future for everyone
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United we make impact possible
With the support of our donors, 89,662 people were helped across the region in 2025-2026. Read our latest Annual Report to learn how we are building a brighter future for those in need.
Your donation is in good hands
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.
TOP-RATED CANADIAN CHARITY
Charity Intelligence recognizes United Way East Ontario as one of Canada’s top-performing charities, receiving an “A” for results reporting and a “✔+” for financial transparency.
Issues You Care About
Poverty. Isolation. Homelessness. Together, we can tackle the issues that seem impossible to solve.