In tough times, we look to each other.
Right now, many people across our region are feeling overwhelmed—by the rising cost of living, housing instability, global conflicts, declining mental health, substance use challenges, and a deepening sense of disconnection.
It’s easy to feel discouraged.
But there’s a force that brings people together when things feel uncertain: United Way East Ontario.
We don’t just respond to urgent needs. We tackle the root causes and drive lasting change across Ottawa, Prescott-Russell, Lanark County, and Renfrew County.
United we can build a region where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
But there’s a force that brings people together when things feel uncertain: United Way East Ontario.
We don’t just respond to urgent needs. We tackle the root causes and drive lasting change across Ottawa, Prescott-Russell, Lanark County, and Renfrew County.
United we can build a region where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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.
A future for herself and her child
At 19, Crystal was struggling with her mental health, navigating a difficult relationship, and facing addiction. Then she found out she was pregnant. A United Way-supported program helped her rebuild her life. Today, Crystal has graduated high school, pursued post-secondary education, and is raising her children with the stability she once thought impossible.
From homelessness to shining hope
As a teen, Cassandra was misdiagnosed with epilepsy. After brain surgery, she had to relearn how to read, write, and talk. With no family able to support her recovery, she became homeless just eight months later. Thanks to housing and mental health supports backed by United Way, Cassandra now lives independently and dedicates her work to helping others.
Unlocking doors to independence
After arriving in Canada from Congo as a teenager, Merveille found himself homeless and living in local shelters, while also struggling with his mental health. With the support of a United Way-powered housing program, he completed school, secured a job, and now lives independently in his own apartment.
Starting school with confidence
Diagnosed with autism, Lincoln faced challenges with transitions, social interactions, and following instructions. The thought of starting school felt overwhelming for him and his family. But with help from a United Way-supported program, Lincoln successfully transitioned into kindergarten—and his family feels hopeful and confident about his development.
Getting a second chance at success
By the time he was 15, Brandan was on his own—moving in and out of shelters and young offender detention centres. By 20, he had a long criminal record. Even after overcoming addiction and homelessness, stigma made it hard to find a stable job. A United Way-supported program helped Brandan plan for the future, find steady employment, and achieve financial independence.
The power of social connection
Marsha has lived with a blindness disability her entire life. As she’s aged, her health needs have increased—and so has her sense of isolation. Through a United Way-supported program, Marsha formed a meaningful friendship with volunteer Meghan. Their connection is a powerful reminder of how companionship can ease loneliness and foster belonging.
For a community to be great, it must be great for everyone. That’s why overcoming our biggest challenges depends on the dedication and generosity of our supporters. When you give to United Way, you not only impact one person’s life, you contribute to a current that connects us all.
Life is getting harder and the numbers are only part of the story.
More people are relying on food banks, shelters, and social services just to meet basic needs.
Families are falling behind on rent and struggling to afford everyday essentials.
Seniors are increasingly isolated and facing financial insecurity as costs rise.
Young people are falling behind in school while coping with mental health and addiction.
Here’s what we know:
Community services are stretched thin. Demand continues to rise, but resources haven’t caught up. People are exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn.
- 1 in 4 Ottawa households faced food insecurity in 2023—up from 1 in 7 households the prior year.
- 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.
- 18% of Ontario residents reporting poor-to-fair mental health had a core housing need.
- 19.5% increase in hate-related incidents reported to the Ottawa police in 2023.
- Nearly 2 in 5 Ottawa students report struggling with their mental health.
- 1 in 5 students say they’ve used opioids in the past year
- 9.7% of racialized populations are unemployed in Ontario, compared to 5.6% of non-racialized people.
But there is a way forward—one rooted in local action, collaboration, and compassion.
United we can help people in need
In uncertain times, our communities look to United Way. We bring people together—non-profits, local governments, donors, and those with lived experience—to tackle the toughest challenges and make real change.
United we tackle our toughest social issues by:
- researching and understanding the needs of our community members;
- identifying opportunities for partnership and collaboration with all levels of government;
- connecting like-minded stakeholders to find innovative and long-terms solutions;
- investing our resources to address the issues that are most pressing in our region.
Poverty. Homelessness. Mental health. Social isolation. These challenges can feel overwhelming, but you can move the needle on all of them at once with a donation to United Way.
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, 92,148 people were helped across the region in 2024-2025. Read our latest Annual Report to learn how we are building a brighter future for those in need.
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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 100 Canadian Charity
Recognized as a 5-out-of-5-Star rating and Top 100 Rated Charity by Charity Intelligence.
Issues You Care About
Poverty. Isolation. Homelessness. Together, we can tackle the issues that seem impossible to solve.
