From Poverty to Possibility
United Way believes that everyone deserves to make a living, as well as have a sense of purpose and belonging in their community.
The issue
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. Poverty isn’t a level playing field.
Many marginalized groups are more likely to live in poverty because of systemic barriers. Ongoing stigma, bias, and other forms of oppression make it harder to secure stable employment and financial independence.
The lack of opportunities in some neighbourhoods and communities, paired with inflation and the rising cost of living, limits people’s ability to break the cycle of poverty.
2x
Unemployment rate among very recent immigrants is twice as high compared to those born in Canada in the age category of 25 to 64.
14.7%
of youth aged 15 to 24 years were unemployed as of September 2025—the highest youth unemployment rate for the month of September since 2010 (excluding 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic).
24.8%+
Food insecurity in East Ontario exceeds the provincial average of 24.8%, reaching nearly 26% in Ottawa and 31% in Renfrew County and District.
Our response
Our role as a convener means we’re able to bring together our network of partners and donors to help our communities create solutions that will work across Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County.
United Way holds strong relationships with many sectors, industries, businesses, elected officials, social services, and community leaders. By convening community champions and experts, we build connections across East Ontario that link organizations with the tools they need to reimagine business ecosystems in ways that benefit everyone—including the most marginalized people in our communities.
We do this through initiatives that unite key stakeholders on a collective mission:
When we buy local, build inclusive workplaces, hire from underrepresented groups in the labour market, and—most importantly—work together, we reduce inequities, strengthen relationships, and help rebuild systems that create prosperity. This is known as Community Wealth Building, and we believe it is a key tool for building stronger, healthier communities where everyone can thrive.
…
Financial Literacy
By investing in financial literacy supports, we help individuals not only organize their finances but uncover new resources that ease pressure on basic needs and improve overall wellbeing. Through the Financial Literacy Action Network of Ottawa (FLANO), we leverage a collaborative, city-wide network to share knowledge, amplify financial literacy efforts, and drive coordinated action that strengthens awareness, access, and local impact.
EARN brings together employers, service providers, and other partners to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities and promote inclusive and accessible workplaces.
Indigenous Employment Leadership Advisory Table
With the aim of creating more culturally inclusive workplaces for Indigenous Peoples, 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.
HIO brings together employers, immigrant agencies, and stakeholders to enhance employers’ ability to access the talents of skilled immigrants in the Ottawa area.
The outcomes
At United Way, we bring together partners, donors, employers, and community leaders to create long-term, sustainable solutions and employment programs that recognize work as a critical part of recovery, wellness, and long-term stability. These programs meet people where they are, address stigma, and connect individuals’ strengths, interests, and experiences with meaningful employment opportunities.
By strengthening connections across East Ontario, we help organizations access the tools and insights they need to build more inclusive systems that benefit everyone, especially those most marginalized.
As part of our commitment to accountability and impact, we track and report on how these investments make a difference.
Poverty to Possibility across our region:
21
collaborations and initiatives
15
programs
11
community agencies
As a result of these investments:
5,036
people were supported
160
people volunteered with our agency partners
for a total of
6,480
hours
See our impact
For a more detailed look at outcome statistics for From Poverty to Possibility, please see our most recent annual report.