COVID-19
As the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, we at United Way Simcoe Muskoka encourage you to be safe and make sound decisions to help limit the spread and impact of this virus.
For information and best practices, we encourage you to visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s information page: http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Promos/Novel-Coronavirus
The Government of Ontario has also launched a website that can provide more information including a self-assessment tool: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
For information on which community resources are open or available, contact 211 Ontario by visiting 211ontario.ca or calling 2-1-1.
If you are concerned about symptoms you may be experiencing, you can contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
It is advised that you do not call 911 unless it is an emergency and you do not visit an assessment centre unless you have used the Government of Ontario’s self-assessment tool or called Telehealth Ontario.
LEAP Applications
Please note that, due to recommended Public Health and government precautions, our LEAP call centre intake process has changed. The LEAP call centre will still continue to run, however we ask that you click the link below to begin the application process.
With poverty, there is no hope
Poverty limits our potential.
It traps us before we can escape.
It affects us all.
This year, United Way Simcoe Muskoka introduced the Urgent Needs Fund. By issuing small, one-time grants to those experiencing or living on the edge of poverty, we aren’t just addressing the most pressing issues in our communities.
We are giving people hope.
In Simcoe Muskoka…
More than 60,000 people experience poverty every day.
Less than 1 in 3 youth from the lowest quarter of household incomes can attend college or university.
1 in 8 residents have to choose between a decent meal and keeping the lights on.
Those in the lowest income bracket must spend 128% of their monthly income on food and rent alone.
The Impact of Hope
Last year, UWSM donors helped…
5,125
Youth access life-changing programs
79%
Of youth participants gain skills to face adversity
116
Homeless youth access safe, affordable housing
3,395
Youth experience an increase in mental health
Words of hope from Urgent Needs Fund recipients
“The money came at a perfect time for us. We are now warm for the winter.”
“The funds kept our hydro on and got me some emergency dental work. It was a huge help.”
“I received the money for a test for my lungs that I could not afford. I was then able to get further tests I required…to find out more of what was wrong. It was like God answered a prayer getting this financial help.”
“You have given me the ability to start over, to start fresh. I was able to put some food in my belly – get some sanity needed to keep going. You kickstarted the process to improve my situation, I also went to court and got my kids back. Things are so much better now.”
“This will really help me out, thank you so much.”
*All of the above are real examples of real people in Simcoe Muskoka getting help from the Urgent Needs Fund.
Join United Way Simcoe Muskoka in giving hope to the most vulnerable in our communities
Poverty is an everyday reality for more than 60,000 Simcoe Muskoka residents. That’s a reality that forces people to make the daily choice between going to work or staying home to watch their children, without pay. It’s a reality that stops youth from attending a higher education. Its a reality that increases the likelihood of mental and physical health problems.
We want to change that reality, and you can help.
By supporting United Way Simcoe Muskoka, you are giving hope to someone that has to deal with the daily hardships of poverty.
Hope that their house will stay warm for the winter.
Hope that their children will grow up to be the best that they can be.
Hope for a better life.
On behalf of United Way Simcoe Muskoka and the thousands of Simcoe Muskoka residents who are experiencing poverty, thank you for giving the gift of hope.
Give the Gift of Hope
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