Local businesses joining United Way East Ontario’s effort to prevent and end youth homelessness not only helps build a stronger, safer, and healthier community, but gives a boost to Ottawa’s economy.
In the decade that the organization has worked to prevent youth homelessness, solving the issue in Ottawa has never felt more attainable than it does today – especially after Mayor Mark Sutcliffe pledged this past September to end youth homelessness in the city by 2030.
A $1 million fundraising effort focused on homelessness prevention
Following that announcement, United Way East Ontario stepped up with a commitment to raise $1 million over the next five years for investment in local prevention efforts.
“The conversations we’ve had in recent months with politicians, front-line organizations, and individual donors about coming together to end youth homelessness in Ottawa and across East Ontario have been inspiring,” says President and CEO Rachael Wilson. “There is real momentum, renewed potential for progress, and we are asking the business community to join us.”
Between 1,200 and 1,400 youth are homeless in Ottawa each year. These young people experience instability, abuse, and unsafe environments. They struggle to stay healthy, stay in school, and stay working.
United Way East Ontario and its partners continue to help youth access vital supports, including safe, stable housing.
The organization is focused on investing in prevention-first strategies, tackling youth homelessness at its root by focusing on early intervention and long-term stability. In essence, stopping youth homelessness before it starts.
“This is important work, but we can’t do it alone,” adds Wilson. “Every young person deserves a place to call home.”
Why it’s important for businesses to get involved
Here are a few reasons why it’s important that local businesses be active participants in preventing youth homelessness:
- Giving back fosters a connection that keeps folks supporting local businesses.
- Businesses that prioritize social impact attract employees and customers who care about making a difference.
- Companies that invest in their communities build stronger relationships with their neighbours.
- The more youth that get help before they are in crisis, the fewer will be forced to streets and shelters.
United Way brings partners across housing, mental health, and education together to create coordinated solutions and a long-term strategy to prevent homelessness.
This means providing local youth with wrap-around supports that help them build a more stable life – things like mental health counselling, flexible education programs, and life and work skills programs that boost their independence, confidence, and ability to thrive in the community.
United Way’s new investment is not a one-time effort, either – it’s part of a long-term strategy to transform the homelessness system from crisis response to prevention-first.
“Let’s help young folks build positive connections with family, friends, schools, and their communities,” Wilson says.
Visit the United Way East Ontario website to learn more about its efforts to end youth homelessness in Ottawa and across East Ontario.
