A Helping Hand for Seniors
VALERIE HAS FOUND A SENSE OF BELONGING AND INDEPENDENCE IN NEW HOUSING
“I’ve been living on my own since August 2021, and I’m very happy with my apartment. I have privacy and I have supports in place. There is a tenant support worker who helps me when I need it. I also have the freedom to come and go as I like. It took me a while to adjust to being independent but I’m doing OK.
It’s been really challenging to make ends meet on my budget. With the United Way-supported agency I work with, I can also get help with accessing food, toiletries and other necessities I need. And, it’s always done with a smile.
They’ve been fantastic. I can’t say enough good things about the agency. I’m really glad that United Way is supporting them. I’m really happy to be a spokesperson because I know that both agencies care about people.
The centre gives seniors a sense of independence and a chance to have a social life. They make them feel important.
The senior’s centre offers a sense of community and also a place where seniors are cared about. You walk in the door and it’s ‘Hi Valerie, how are you today?’ It’s like you’re part of the family.”
“The centre gives seniors a sense of independence and a chance to have a social life. They make them feel important.”
ISSUE
Ontario food bank use is skyrocketing, seeing a 64% increase in first-time visitors.
IMPACT
People have increased food security.
ISSUE
In Ontario, the rise in precarious employment—low-paying, temporary and part-time jobs—is one of the main contributors to more people turning to food banks for support. Gig work, such as third-party food delivery apps, now represents almost 1 in 10 workers.
IMPACT
People working towards meaningful employment and/or financial stability.
ISSUE
Many people face barriers to filing taxes. Without doing so, they can’t access subsidized housing and other critical government benefits.
IMPACT
People experiencing homelessness were supported through free tax-filing clinics; 50 of those individuals moved into permanent housing.