Healthy People, Strong Communities
United Way believes in building a region that is great for everyone—made up of healthy, equitable, and vibrant communities.
The issue
In every community, there are individuals and families that need support, people who face barriers to services or resources, and those who are socially excluded based on their identity, gender, race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, ability, and/or economic status.
26%
of people in Ontario reported their mental health as poor or fair.
120%
increase in the number of Ottawa police calls about suspected overdoses from 2022 to 2024.
14.7%
of seniors living alone in Ontario are under the poverty rate, compared to 3.9% of seniors who live in a family setting.
19.5%
increase in hate-related incidents reported to the Ottawa police in 2023.
Our response
Our goal is to create equity across communities by building a set of social, economic, cultural, healthy living, and civic engagement opportunities for all residents. Part of how we do this is through initiatives that bring local stakeholders together to pursue a collective mission. These include:
Equity in communities
United Way leads and serves as the backbone for United for All, a coalition of community experts committed to overcoming hate-based violence, racism, and extremism in East Ontario.
This tool was developed by United Way, the City of Ottawa, and the Social Planning Council of Ottawa to assess how neighbourhoods compare when it comes to factors that impact wellbeing. An exciting recent development in the use of NEI data was the development of a Summary Portrait of Ottawa’s Black Community in comparison with the general population.
Prioritizing community safety and wellbeing
This is an initiative, supported by United Way and Women United donors, that helps residents build skills and confidence to make positive changes together. The work of CCWW graduates has been essential in supporting communities facing growing safety, socioeconomic, and isolation challenges at the neighbourhood level. It provides peer support and warm referrals to nearby services, creates opportunities to connect through food and conversation, and engages residents in advocacy, planning, and leadership work.
…
The SVI is a key data tool that maps how seniors throughout the East Ontario region are doing, based on key indicators such as age, income and education levels, location, and access to in-home support. The SVI has two immediate goals:
- To understand where seniors across all our communities are most vulnerable and visualize the trends that contribute to this vulnerability.
- To create a method by which we can enhance efficiency and decision-making to provide seniors with better care, where it’s needed most.
Jewish Family Services (JFS) and Muslim Family Services of Ottawa (MFSO) say our partnership is helping both their communities and staff cope with the challenges brought forth by the ongoing violence in Gaza and Israel. Throughout 2024, we helped address an immediate need for culturally appropriate care in the communities served by JFS and MFSO and ensured that the burden on front-line staff was reduced. We are always seeking new partners and donors to join us so that everyone across our region can reach their full potential.
The outcomes
United Way also partners with local, front-line agencies to deliver vital programs and services that help improve lives, break down barriers, and create opportunities for our region’s most vulnerable people. These include day programs for seniors, 24/7 crisis lines, mental health and addiction supports, and resident-led, community-building initiatives. As part of our commitment to measuring our impact, we track and report how these investments make a difference.
Outcome: Adults have access to mental health and addiction supports
91% of clients had improved mental health outcomes
11,332 individuals received mental health and addiction supports
Outcome: Seniors and caregivers have improved wellbeing and are less isolated
94% of clients reported improved feelings of well-being
3,146 seniors and caregivers accessed programs to improve their wellbeing and sense of community
Outcome: Neighbourhoods achieve positive change
91% of participants had increased meaningful connections as a result of their engagement
8,743 residents engaged with their community on issues of shared importance
Outcome: Adults in crisis have access to immediate supports
56% of clients experienced a reduction to their distress
39,146 individuals received crisis supports
Results from 2023-2024 investments.
As we continue to align our work across Ottawa, Prescott-Russell, Lanark County, and Renfrew County, our reporting on outcomes will grow and strengthen each year.
Help ensure our communities are great for everyone by improving equity, connections, and overall well-being.
I want to…
help people in crisis.
Donate now
I want to…
support newcomers.
Donate now
I want to...
celebrate diversity.
Donate now
I want to…
fuel inclusion.
Donate now
I want to…
end hate and violence.
Donate now
I want to…
make sure every kid graduates.
Donate now
I want to…
end youth homelessness.
Donate now
I want to…
show my local love.
Donate now
I want to…
help seniors thrive.
Donate now
