POVERTY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

Poverty touches many aspects of a person’s life from food, shelter, and employment to mental and physical well-being. Addressing inequities for people experiencing poverty and/or social isolation is at the heart of United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s mission. In 2022,  51,643 people in Simcoe County, District of Muskoka and the Town of The Blue Mountains reported living in poverty.

We recognize that poverty disproportionately impacts people.

Poverty among single working-age adults  (aged 18-64 years) is more than five times higher than among adults in families

Poverty among female lone-parent families is more than four times higher than among two-parent families

Poverty among Indigenous peoples is twice as high as non-Indigenous peoples

One in 10 racialized people live below the poverty line compared to one in 14 non-racialized people

Through multi-year collaborative projects focused on poverty reduction and social inclusion, United Way Simcoe Muskoka mobilizes collective action in our communities. In 2024-2027 partnerships with over 30 organizations from the public, private, faith, and non-profit sectors will address food security, mental health, housing and income stability to create social impact.

1 in 5

people are spending more than

30% of their income on housing

1 in 5

people experienced

food insecurity

50%

of the population by age 40 will have or have had a mental illness. Most people will see their symptoms begin before age 18.

Together, we can work to alleviate poverty and support belonging for everyone in our community.

See the current initiatives making an impact on poverty and social inclusion in your community.