“We’re focused on funding programs and services that improve lives and help folks meet their most immediate and pressing needs. At its heart, this is about investing in local people through local organizations that do great work. Together, we’re building a community where everyone has a fair shot at a good life.”
– Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO,
United Way Elgin Middlesex
Investments support poverty relief, housing, belonging throughout region
Thanks to the generosity of our community, 39 social agencies that offer 44 programs and services to local neighbours-in-need will receive $4.2 million from United Way Elgin Middlesex for each of the next two years.
The investments include a renewed emphasis on alleviating the impact of poverty on people in our region, including in housing stability where United Way has nearly doubled its investments.
This year’s spectrum of grants includes helping London Coffee House support marginalized neighbours, strengthening housing stability for at-risk women in Middlesex County, and promoting belonging for marginalized kids throughout the region.
Poverty-focused services account for half of this round’s total community investment, up from one-third the allocations in the previous round of funding. Building resilient communities and programs for children make up the other half of the allocations. Several funded services intersect with all three priority areas.
“We’re focused on funding programs and services that improve lives and help folks meet their most immediate and pressing needs. At its heart, this is about investing in local people through local organizations that do great work. Together, we’re building a community where everyone has a fair shot at a good life.”
During an open call for applications for the two-year 2024-2026 Community Fund, United Way received grant requests of $10 million.
Thirty-one diverse volunteers from across our region collectively contributed upwards of 400 hours reviewing applications through a rigorous four-round process.
Said Ziegner, “The volume of grant requests reflects the extent of local need, and we wish we could fund every agency that’s doing excellent work. At the same time, we’re confident that the investments we’re announcing today – all of them made possible through continued donor support – will go a long way towards building a community where everyone matters.”
The two-year cycle for Community Fund grants enables agencies to plan, carry out and evaluate their programs. Grants include programs at neighbourhood resource centres; services helping seniors; and several programs helping Indigenous people, newcomers and people facing gender-based violence.
A few examples:
Basic Needs:
- London Coffee House, where friendship, food and basic needs meet street-involved neighbours.
- Family Central Apartments in Aylmer, food security program serving people in need
Housing stability:
- YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, housing stability program for women at risk of homelessness.
- John Howard Society of London & District, breaking homelessness cycle for people, post-incarceration.
Gender justice, safe spaces, and gender-based violence prevention and protection:
- Women’s Rural Resource Centre of Middlesex County, counselling and other supports for women and children fleeing violence in the home.
- Rainbow Optimist (Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario), trans and gender-diverse inclusive safe space and community hub.
Karna Trentman, of London Coffee House, said United Way support for the Hamilton Road program is a crucial investment in people who are unhoused or are at risk of being homeless. “London Coffee House fills a niche in a part of London that doesn’t have similar services – we’re a place many people turn to first when they need connection and a meal, and we’re a place of hope for some people who are facing significant challenges.”
A full list of 2024 – 2026 Community Fund investments is on our website.
Topics : Community Fund, News
