Homelessness is often simplified as not having a place to live. But in Canada, it means something deeper: living without stable, safe, permanent, and appropriate housing.

Last month it was announced nearly 85,000 people in Ontario are experiencing homelessness. And the face of homelessness may not be what you expect. It’s not always visible. It can be someone working 40 hours a week who still can’t afford rent. It can be a neighbour quietly living out of their car.

At United Way Simcoe Muskoka, we’re focused not only on responding to homelessness but preventing it.

We invest in programs like Groundwork and Finding Home, which help people secure housing and rebuild stability. We also provide micro-grants and interest-free loans to individuals at risk of losing their homes, small interventions that can make the difference between staying housed and becoming homeless.

You can be part of the solution. Become a monthly donor and help create lasting change visit

Your United Way in Action

There’s exciting progress happening in our region.

Our community partner, My Friend’s House, has purchased a new property in Collingwood that will become a transitional home for women and children leaving abuse.

Transitional housing plays a critical role in the journey to safety. It provides a stable, supportive next step for women who no longer need 24/7 crisis shelter but still need time, security, and community as they rebuild their lives.

Aligning with the Finding Home project, House of Hope will support women and children as they move from emergency shelter into longer-term stability.

We’re proud to have played a part in helping make this possible and even prouder of what it represents: hope, safety, and new beginnings.

By investing in programs that build skills, confidence, and community connection, Women United is helping women and families not only meet today’s challenges, but thrive in the future.

The People Behind United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Strong communities are built through strong partnerships.

For more than 17 Years, Reliance Home Comfort has partnered with United Ways to strengthen local communities. This year, their team members raised over $1,000,000 through workplace campaigns and matching corporate commitments.

Earlier this month at the 2026 Annual Reliance Summit at Blue Mountain Resort, United Way Simcoe Muskoka was honoured with a gift of $15,000 in support of our Community Collaborative Project in Collingwood, Finding Home.

Reliance also donated 50 Comfort kits which were distributed to women’s shelters across Simcoe Muskoka, offering practical essentials and a reminder that their community cares.

We are deeply grateful for their generosity and leadership.

Take Action Now

It’s CNOY Week!

Coldest Night of the Year takes place in Bradford and Midland this Saturday and your participation makes real impact.

In Bradford, proceeds support our funding of Groundwork, a program providing adults experiencing homelessness with wraparound supports to secure housing and stability. As of this week, every participant in the Groundwork program has secured housing.

This is what your support makes possible.

In Midland, walkers are supporting The Guesthouse’s operating costs and United Way programs that provide micro-grants and interest-free loans to individuals at risk of losing their homes.

When we walk together, fundraise together, and give together, we change lives.

Join us. Donate. Walk. Be part of the solution.

cnoy.org/midland

cnoy.org/lbradford