United Way Elgin Middlesex plays a key leadership and support role in the initiatives critical to meeting the needs of individuals living in poverty or low-income. These include:

Community Resource Centres and other service agencies are an open door to a network of support for individuals, newcomers, and families. These programs are often the first point of contact when people need food, emergency supplies and referral to other community services. We know that basic needs programs provide more than emergency food and clothing and other items. They offer a warm front door and access to information and referral to other community services.

As costs rise, it is getting more difficult for people in our community to find and keep a safe place to call home. Using a Housing First approach, United Way Elgin Middlesex funds programs that help singles, youth and families experiencing complex challenges get housing and stay housed.

2023/2024 Outcomes in Brief:

• 46% of our investments support our ongoing commitment to basic needs and housing supports.
• 404 clients were able to maintain their housing with support through housing stability programs.
• 52 clients received support through rural transportation programs in the county.
• 126 individuals gained access to social benefits through advocacy services.
• 6,479 children and youth from low-income families increased their access to healthy food.
• 210,686 meals and snacks were provided.
• 32,736 food boxes/food hampers were provided.
• 365 shelter nights were provided.
• 139 individuals were provided with safety features such as locks for doors and windows, and outside lighting to feel safe in their residences.

Detailed Outcomes for Poverty to Possibility

For a community to be great, it must be great for everyone. We work with local agency partners, multiple levels of government, people with lived experience, and thousands of donors to change lives across our region. Through research, consultation and analysis, we identify where our communities need help the most and where our investments will show the greatest results.

United Way is uniquely positioned to deliver on these 8 outcomes:

• More residents have access to affordable, nutritious and appropriate food
• More residents have access to basic needs
• More residents have access to transportation
• More residents have access to safe, affordable, suitable housing
• More residents have access to supports to maintain safe, affordable, suitable housing
• More residents have access to meaningful, stable employment
• More residents have access to appropriate social assistance
• More residents have access to supports to maintain their income

Total # of individuals who have accessed services to move from Poverty to Possibility

• 32,751 in 2023
• 26,921 in 2022
• 24,592 in 2021

Basic Needs

Long term outcome: Everyone’s basic needs are met.

Provide basic needs for all individuals and families including access to emergency food provisions, health needs, baby food and supplies, clothing and transportation. Includes, but is not limited to, emergency food provision, breakfast/snack programs, meal delivery, community meals, food collection programs, assistive devices and transportation. Emergency shelter, which provides emergency accommodation and basic needs for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, may also be considered.

Outcomes:

• 46% of our investments support our ongoing commitment to basic needs and housing supports
• 52 clients received support through rural transportation programs in the county
• 6,479 children and youth from low-income families increased their access to healthy food
• 210,686 meals and snacks were provided
• 32,736 food boxes / food hampers were provided
• 365 shelter nights were provided

Housing stability

Long term outcome: Everyone’s right to housing is met.

Ensure people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find, obtain and maintain safe and attainable permanent housing using a Housing First approach. Includes, but is not limited to, affordable housing, permanent housing with the right level of support and house finding supports.

Outcomes:

• 404 clients were able to maintain their housing with support through housing stability programs
• 139 individuals were provided with safety features such as locks for doors and windows, and outside lighting to feel safe in their residences

Income stability

Long-term outcome: Everyone has a stable income

Enhance job readiness, support individuals to find and maintain employment and support individuals requiring social assistance. Includes, but is not limited to pre-job guidance services, mentoring, financial literacy and soft skills training and development programs.

Outcomes

• 126 individuals gained access to social benefits through advocacy services
• 23 individuals who obtained employment in their chosen field
• 78 individuals with increased knowledge of community-based services and supports