Waterloo Region – United Way Waterloo Region (UWWR) is proud to announce a $510,000 investment in over ten local organizations and strategic partnerships as part of its 2026 First Quarter (Q1) focus on Affordable Housing and Homelessness, one of the biggest challenges affecting our community.
This investment will support emergency shelters, prevention measures, and assisting vulnerable persons in securing permanent housing. The investments align with the Region of Waterloo’s ‘Plan to End Chronic Homelessness’, contributing to a service system that is working towards ending homelessness and boosting housing stabilization, and health-focused outreach, that is desperately needed across Waterloo Region.
“At United Way, supporting frontline work isn’t just part of what we do, it’s our driving purpose,” said Joan Fisk, CEO of United Way Waterloo Region. “This revised community investment strategy reflects a bold shift toward deeper collaboration, greater stability for our partners, and a more focused approach to tackling the most pressing issues in our region. By aligning our investments with quarterly priorities, we’re not only strengthening community impact, we are also making it easier for donors to see the difference they’re making and be part of lasting change.”
Eleven applications were reviewed during this quarter, with funding requests totalling over $900,000.
Current needs pertaining to affordable housing and homelessness services are best articulated by House of Friendship: “Since 2020, chronic homelessness in the region has increased by 129%, and, if current trends continue, the number of residents experiencing chronic homelessness could triple by 2028. As homelessness increases, unmet housing, health, and income needs to place growing strain on the region’s social and economic systems, while individuals face profound physical, emotional, and psychological harms. To change this trajectory, the Region of Waterloo has emphasized that increased investment is needed to reach functional zero chronic homelessness by 2030.”
According to the Cambridge Shelter Corporation (The Bridges), United Way’s quarterly funding plays a pivotal role in their organization’s operation. “[United Way Waterloo Region’s funding] allow us to continue the work with those who are significantly impacted by mental health and substance use, as we aim to find them appropriate housing. Nearly 3/4 of our shelter participants fall into this category, and having the appropriate funding available allows us to employ an on-site nurse clinician to facilitate the work needed.” – Cambridge Shelter Corporation
Local Organizations and Strategic Partnerships funded include:
- Argus Residence for Young People
- Cambridge Shelter Corporation
- House of Friendship
- YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo
- Children & Youth Planning Table
- Immigration Partnership (Regional Municipality of Waterloo) amongst others.
About United Way Waterloo Region:
United Way Waterloo Region (UWWR) is dedicated to helping people live better lives in every one of the seven communities we serve, and we focus on understanding issues and solutions unique to our community. Thanks to generous donors and partners, we are privileged to collaborate with people, non-profits, and businesses to empower multiple innovative, impactful, and measurable solutions. We are fundraisers and local community builders that support a network of agencies whose programs and services are locally focused, informed, connected, and deeply invested in helping people reach their full potential. UWWR also provides free meeting and training space in UWWR offices for local groups to meet and collaborate – serving as a hub to these groups. To learn more, connect with us at www.uwaywrc.ca. Digital Assets:
Digital Assets:
Please visit www.uwaywrc.ca/about-us/communications/ to download our digital assets and further information, including photos, CEO bio and photo, and other United Way materials.
For more information or for media interviews, please contact:
Peter Lenardon
Senior Manager, Corporate Relations
United Way Waterloo Region Communities
519-888-6100 ext. 206
plenardon@uwaywrc.ca