COVID-19 Emergency Response 

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a global pandemic. This resulted in public health agencies, social service agencies, and United Way Halton & Hamilton convening to see how we could work with you and our community to support those most in need. Since then, grassroots groups have formed. Neighbours helped neighbours. Volunteers stepped up. Everyone played an important role to ensure our safety net was strengthened and continues to stay intact, helping those most vulnerable receive the support they need. Financial Empowerment & Problem Solving helps to break the cycle of poverty by building financial stability and well-being. Alongside lead partners at Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre and the Social Planning Research Council of Hamilton, we collaborate with diverse community partners to provide people with low incomes free tax filing assistance, financial education and counselling.

Scott's Story

“2020 was a stressful and disorienting year. I lost my wife to cancer in January. Then the pandemic shut down my practice and I was left isolated and without an income. Then I lost my father in May to COVID.


As I was trying to reboot my life, a new acquaintance asked me if my rough edges were normal for me and suggested that I might want to check out a mindfulness program.


I was reacting to things not as myself, but out of stress. I wasn’t addressing my grief appropriately. I started the nine-week program in October, and it taught me about my grief. It showed me how to slow down and how to think about things in a different way. It taught me how to approach conflict and how to diffuse my stress.


United Way is there to help people face the challenges in their life. It’s there for anyone who needs it. You can count on that.”

‘This program has helped me to keep moving forward and to be the best person I can be for my family, my friends and my co-workers.’

COVID-19 Response & Impact 

United Way Centraide Canada, in partnership with its network of local members, was one of three intermediaries chosen to administer federal funding from both the Emergency Community Support Fund and the New Horizons Seniors Program, by the Government of Canada. Because of our advocacy and strong existing community connections, the government selected United Way to support local charities and non-profit organizations serving vulnerable populations who were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program and Emergency Community Support Fund

Basic Needs

Ensuring people have access to life’s essentials, such as food, hygiene products, baby formula, and diapers.



Total Invested

$1,275,164

# of Projects: 46

Mental Health

Support for individuals and families experiencing stress from life disruptions and economic strain due to COVID-19.



Total Invested

$1,016,594

# of Projects: 34

Help for Seniors

Support for seniors including those who are isolated to ensure their emotional, social, and physical needs are met.



Total Invested

$1,275,164

# of Projects: 46

Agency Capacity 

Ensure that frontline community agencies who are working with the most vulnerable can continue to do their vital work by supporting staffing, materials, transportation, and other operational costs.

Total Invested

$2,009,029

# of Projects: 53

Priority Demographic # of Projects Supported* % of Project Investments Corresponding $ Amount
People Experiencing Poverty 101 72% $3,226,469
Racialized Communities 34 24% $1,196,567
Women & Girls 19 13% $629,040
Disabled Communities 41 29% $1,210,587
Minority Language Populations 15 11% $565,469
Seniors 30 21% $760,252

* Projects may serve multiple demographics

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