With a new concert venue announced in the ByWard Market, construction underway on a new central library branch, and the latest proposals unveiled for the development of Lebreton Flats, Ottawa is shaking off the cobwebs of the pandemic.
As we speed into a new era for our city, it’s critical that we support the most vulnerable residents to come along on this ride. People who are housed, healthy, employed, and connected are more likely to visit local businesses, take part in events, and contribute to making our community more vibrant.
Last year, one in five Canadians reported that they needed help with their mental health, but 45 per cent felt their needs were partially or completely unmet. The pandemic exacerbated complex problems our community was already facing like poverty, homelessness and social isolation. We know that the lingering effects continue to cause significant pressure on social service providers.
More people are moving to downtown Ottawa, and the Ottawa Board of Trade’s Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda expects tens of thousands more to join the community over the next decade. We must then, with the same enthusiasm, ensure a strong safety net for those who need our help.
Housing and homelessness, poverty and basic needs, seniors and caregiver support, mental health and addictions are all issues that we at United Way East Ontario are working tirelessly to address, but we can’t do it alone.
We need individuals and businesses to support our communities so that we can build sustainable, long-term solutions to the pressing issues facing our neighbours.
United Way can help organizations have significant local impact while engaging their employees and strengthening their profile as an active community leader. Employees today expect their employer to have a commitment that goes beyond the company’s returns. And that expectation extends to clients, partners and beyond.
We keep a pulse on where need is greatest in our communities and can build the right partnership program for you. Whether you’re a small startup looking to grow your reach or a well-known brand wanting to make a difference, our team creates opportunities to achieve your strategic, corporate social responsibility and environmental, social, and governance goals—with measurable results.
We understand how integral it is to have business leaders champion a safe, healthy and prosperous community for everyone. Your support—along with our expertise in understanding the neighbourhoods where you work—gives us a unique advantage to create a program that changes lives.
Let’s get excited about a revitalized downtown Ottawa, knowing that together, we can make it benefit the local economy and every single person who calls Ottawa home.
