At United Way Simcoe Muskoka, we understand that lasting social change requires collaboration. We are proud to bring together partners from the private, public, and social sectors to address the most pressing needs in our community. By uniting our efforts, we can tackle complex social issues because everyone in Simcoe Muskoka deserves a chance to lead a good life.

Our work focuses on three key pillars:

1. Moving People from Poverty to Possibility: We’re committed to helping individuals and families break the cycle of poverty, ensuring access to essentials like safe housing, nutritious food, and stable income.
2. Building Strong and Healthy Communities: We believe that a thriving community is one where everyone feels connected and valued. Through local partnerships, we foster environments where everyone can flourish.
3. Helping Kids Be All They Can Be: By supporting youth programs, we invest in the potential of the next generation, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to succeed.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference. Thank you for standing with us as we work to create strong, healthy, and inclusive communities across our region.

Keeping People in Their Homes

Home Relief Bank – Supporting Housing Stability

The Home Relief Bank is a vital lifeline for lower-income tenants and homeowners facing financial challenges. By offering interest-free loans for rent or mortgage payments, it helps individuals maintain their housing during difficult times. With extended repayment terms, participants have the chance to improve their financial stability without risking their homes. As repayments cycle back into the program, more people in need receive support.

In collaboration with local community agencies, United Way Simcoe Muskoka delivers this assistance directly to landlords and mortgage holders, creating a strong support network across the region.

Why it Matters:

• Communities: Housing stability benefits everyone and prevents the high costs associated with homelessness.
• Other Renters: Lower turnover helps keep rental prices affordable.
• Landlords: Consistent payments reduce costs related to missed payments and tenant turnover.
• Social Service Agencies: Relieving the strain on shelters and other services.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Learn more

Our Investment in Collaboration

Your United Way Simcoe Muskoka is investing $2.1 million over the next three years in collaborative projects that drive systemic change in food security, mental health, housing, and income stability. This effort involves more than 30 partners from the public, private, faith, and non-profit sectors, all working together to create lasting impact.

United Way-Funded Initiatives for the Next Three Years:

• Arts Immersion for Mental Health: Connecting individuals receiving mental health support to the arts, fostering community connections.
• Creating Supportive Housing and Income Stability in Rural Simcoe County: Offering vulnerable individuals pre-employment construction training to build affordable housing.
• Finding Home: Addressing barriers that prevent abused women and children from living safely and independently.
• Getting Ahead Across Muskoka: A life-stabilization program for women, youth, and Indigenous people living on low incomes in rural Muskoka.
• Groundwork: Providing training, mental health support, mentorship, and safe job opportunities for vulnerable youth and adults.
• The Art Engagement Project: Inspiring a sense of pride, belonging, and potential among racialized youth through the arts.
• Mobile Youth Wellness Hub: Delivering outreach to Muskoka youth through inclusive educational and recreational activities.

Over thirty organizations will be engaged as partners in delivering these initiatives, creating a stronger, more supportive community for all.

Learn More about our Collaborative Projects

Holiday Magic in Action!

On November 23rd, United Way Simcoe Muskoka hosted its 4th Annual “Holiday With A Hero,” a day dedicated to creating joyful holiday memories for 80 at-risk youth in our community. Over 130 incredible volunteers and “heroes in uniform”—including firefighters, paramedics, police, and military personnel—came together to make this a truly unforgettable experience. Each child was paired with a local hero for a fully-funded holiday shopping spree, followed by a joyful procession of emergency vehicles to the Innisfil YMCA. There, the children enjoyed breakfast, face painting, cookie decorating, and a festive holiday party, complete with a bouncy castle and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

While the kids and heroes shared laughter and holiday cheer, volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes, gift-wrapping each child’s purchases and preparing Santa sacks for them to take home. This event was a true community effort, with all funds raised through the generous donations of individuals and local businesses.

United Way’s Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer, Brian Shelley, captured the spirit of the day: “Today was all about coming together to support some awesome kids and their families. It was impactful for all of us; I’ve had several officers tell me that it was one of the most rewarding days of their careers.”

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, whose generosity made this magical day possible: Honda, Attitude Print, BobHawkins.com, Casal Catering, Echoes in the Attic, IG Wealth Management, Kimberly-Clark Inc., Michael Clark, OIAA Georgian Bay Chapter, Orillia Fire Full Time Local 1100, Quota Club of Barrie, Orillia and Area, Sweet B’s, Teresa Mitchell, Walmart, YMCA Innisfil, and YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated heroes who joined us from Innisfil Fire, Beausoleil First Nation Paramedic Services, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services, Base Borden, Orillia Fire, Tiny Township Fire and Emergency Services, Barrie Police, South Simcoe Police, Penetanguishene Fire, Oro Medonte Fire, and Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire and Emergency Services.

Together, we’ve spread holiday cheer and created memories that will last a lifetime. This is what community looks like!