United Way of Peel Region’s new investment and community impact strategy was released in August 2012. Within the context of Peel Region’s demographics and social challenges, a foundational focus on poverty as the connecting theme provides strategic attention and depth to United Way’s investment strategy. The theme conveys hope, inspiration and possibilities that create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our community.

Canada is a country of exceptional opportunities. We have exceptional health, education and social programs, a robust economy and a quality of life that is envied around the world. It's hard to think of Canada as a 'poor' country. Nationally, more than 16% of the population lives in poverty. The Region of Peel has a population of over 1.3 million people. One 1 in 7 lives in poverty and, when it comes to children 1 in 5 lives in poverty.

Canada's economy has grown almost steadily over the past two decades, but not everyone has shared equally in that good fortune. Our cities have experienced a dramatic increase in homelessness, new Canadians are finding it more difficult to gain an economic foothold and young people struggle to get into the job market.

United Way of Peel Region is committed to:

• Investing in children and youth to prevent poverty
• Investing in individuals vulnerable to falling into poverty
• Investing in individuals experiencing poverty

Poverty is the result of many factors and overlapping social problems, and no single project can address them all. We need to develop a holistic, long-term approach that tackles poverty on many fronts.

Economic uncertainty puts strain on us all. It is especially trying for those most vulnerable. It is important to think about families facing imminent layoffs if things don't turn around. It is important to think about those living on fixed incomes having to choose between spending on rent or food.

Click here to download a copy on the Investment Strategy Review Report with Recommendations that was published in July 2012.

Click here to download a four-page executive summary of the Investment Strategy. It was published in October 2012.

Find out more about how United Way of Peel Region is helping kids be all that they can be, moving people from poverty to possibility and building healthy people and strong communities with its investment strategy.

On March 28, 2013, United Way of Peel Region announced how it is investing the majority of the money raised in its 2012 campaign. Approximately $7.2-million will be distributed to programs, services and initiatives based in Peel.  This investment will support specific strategies to move people out of poverty, provide them with opportunities that lead to an improved quality of life and prevent people from falling into poverty.

• $1.2-million will be invested in the people of Peel experiencing poverty – our Poverty to Possibility focus area:
  • Supporting people to get back on their feet by making sure they have access to the most basic needs in life – food, emergency shelter and transitional housing supports
• $2.5-million will be invested in the children and youth of Peel to prevent poverty – our All That Kids Can Be focus area:
  • Helping to put vulnerable children and youth on the right path for success in school and in life
• $3.5-million will be invested in individuals vulnerable to falling into poverty – our Healthy People, Strong Communities focus area:
  • Providing supports for people and families dealing with mental illness, disability and violence, and increasing awareness of mental health to reduce stigma.

This year marked the introduction of a new approach to funding, intended to further strengthen United Way’s ability to engage new partners and encourage innovation. For the first time in recent years, United Way issued an open call for proposals, inviting not-for-profit organizations to submit proposals for support of programs and initiatives that will improve our collective ability to make change happen in key priority areas.

Additional information

• Investment Strategy backgrounder
• Community Priority Funds Application and Review Process Backgrounder
• Facts about the 2013/14 Community Fund Investments
• Priority area overview: all that kids can be
• Priority area overview: from poverty to possibility
• Priority area overview: healthy people, strong communities
• 2013/14 Funded Programs