Help the most vulnerable as our communities press on through COVID-19
Addressing urgent needs.
Creating lasting change.
When the pandemic began, United Way quickly mobilized to see how we could support those most in need.
Working closely with frontline agencies, all levels of government, and other partners, we identified the greatest needs, and organized to achieve the greatest impact.
Since then, grassroots groups have formed, and new services have emerged, as a result of incredible teamwork and creativity through the COVID-19 Community Response Table.
Crises are not unfamiliar to our region. New waves of community-wide infections, natural disasters, and other emergencies put even more pressure on the social services vulnerable people rely on.
As we continue to address these challenges, we’ve reported back on how we’ve made a measurable, local difference. In our annual report, you’ll see the impact and breadth of our COVID-19 response over the past year.
As “COVID fatigue” and mounting exhaustion sets in for all of us, the pandemic is hitting our communities harder than it ever has. COVID-19 continues to challenge the efforts we’ve made to ensure no one struggling falls through the cracks, and we know there are many months to go before we’re in the clear. Now more than ever, we need to keep our communities strong.
Your community still needs you.
Since the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 began to take hold, people who were already experiencing inequities—like poverty, homelessness and social isolation—have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. They need even more help during this time, and their needs will require our attention in 2022 and likely much farther into the future.
As we head into another year of living with COVID-19 in our region, we’ve renewed our commitment to provide ongoing support for the people hit hardest by this pandemic.
When you give to Local Love in a Global Crisis, you provide:
Basic
needs
Basic needs
Providing access to life’s essentials that help the most vulnerable stay healthy.
Help for seniors
and caregivers
Supporting isolated seniors who are vulnerable and at risk of developing severe illness if they contract the virus.
Capacity for the
community sector
Ensuring frontline services can continue their vital work.
Mental health and
crisis supports
Enabling vital crisis lines and system navigation services that benefit everyone.
Addressing learning loss for vulnerable children and youth
Ensuring kids get back on track with their education.
An equitable
economic recovery
Building a more prosperous future for people who have been sidelined by the pandemic.
As the situation evolves, United Way will continue working with our community partners to adapt.
We’re making a difference in people’s lives every day
United Way East Ontario works in the communities of Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County to tackle the tough problems. Our donors understand that while COVID-19 poses a threat to everyone, it amplifies the challenges vulnerable people already deal with year-round—making United Way more important than ever.
Thanks to our supporters, we’ve sought out and continue to put in place new, innovative approaches to ensure those sidelined by the pandemic get the help they need, when they need it.
United Way’s Annual Report highlights our accomplishments over the past year, thanks to our donors and partners. Take a look to see incredible highlights of community work and detailed breakdowns of our impact.
This report will tell you who we helped, how we helped them, and what more we need to do.
Check out the latest news and impact updates.
May 2022 storm: Neighbours helping neighbours in times of crisis
Anyone in need of community support in the wake of May’s storm is encouraged to call 2-1-1.
Long road to recovery underway following convoy occupation
Residents living in and around downtown Ottawa will continue to feel the impacts of the occupation long after immediate crisis needs have been met—particularly those most vulnerable.
The Road Ahead
COVID-19 brought the fault lines of our communities into focus and provoked an urgency to take them on. But it will take courage and commitment to continue tackling these chronic challenges—like poverty, social isolation, and mental health.
Our path forward will focus on taking “what’s worked” during the pandemic and turning that into systemic change. It’s about looking at the chronic issues and treating them with the urgency they require to build more resilient communities over the long term.
Michael Allen
President and CEO, United Way East Ontario
Need help?
211 (2-1-1)
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311 (3-1-1)
Customer service and municipal information
911 (9-1-1)
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24/7 call, text or chat helpline
For the most accurate and up to date information on COVID-19, refer to health officials:
If you’re able, please give generously today.
