Affordable Housing
A Foundation for Thriving Communities
Housing is the foundation for health, stability, and opportunity. Without it, every other part of life, from employment to education to mental health, becomes harder to manage.
The Local Reality of Homelessness
In Waterloo Region, we see the daily crisis in shelters, encampments, and families struggling to pay rent. But we are not alone — this is part of a province-wide emergency. United Way Greater Toronto’s Built for Good plan demonstrates that with an investment of $16.7 billion over two years, Ontario can scale up non-profit and co-op housing, create 185,150 new units of deeply affordable homes, preserve 65,000 existing homes, and provide portable benefits to low-income households.
2,371
people were counted as experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region in 2024, including more than 1,000 living rough in encampments, on the street, or in vehicles.
70%
of respondents reported mental health challenges while navigating homelessness.
80%
of respondents identified low income as a barrier to permanent housing, while 78% said rent is simply too high.
80,000+
Across Ontario, 80,000+ people experienced homelessness last year, and we are losing affordable homes faster than we can replace them.
United is the way we build better homes. protect hope. strengthen community.
How United Way is Helping Locally
Beyond the Stats: Faces of Hope in Our Community
Homelessness isn’t just a statistic – it is real people facing impossible choices. Behind every number is a person with a story – a story we have the power to change.
Sara's Story
From Fear to Parenting with Confidence
Sara arrived at Marillac Place, overwhelmed and alone, hoping for a better beginning for her and her unborn child. She was met with warmth, understanding, and practical care from the moment she walked through the door. In that supportive environment, Sara gave birth to her daughter, learned essential parenting skills, and accessed community resources that helped her regain her strength. Encouraged by staff and other residents, she found the courage to return to school and rebuild her life. Today, Sara is planting the roots for a secure, independent future and motherhood filled with hope.
Teddy's Story
A Journey from Park Bench to Home
Teddy used to sleep in a public park, left with nowhere else to go. His path to homelessness wasn’t of his making: family dysfunction and lack of support pushed him onto the street. A volunteer introduced Teddy to Cambridge Shelter Corporation, where he was connected to critical services: mental health support, employment resources, and housing assistance. With caring staff and wrap-around support, Teddy regained his footing. Today, he has a safe place to call home, stability in his life, and confidence that a brighter future lies ahead.
Join the Effort to Help Build a Thriving Community
Affordable housing is a community responsibility and it cannot be addressed in isolation. By supporting United Way’s Community Impact Fund, you are investing in local housing solutions and many other supports people need to thrive.
Your gift doesn’t just provide shelter for those sleeping rough, it will also ensure mental health care for people in crisis, wrap-around supports that help families build stability, and community connections that reduce isolation. When housing, health, and social supports come together, lives are transformed.
Every dollar you give helps open the door to a stronger, more resilient future for our neighbours and our community as a whole. Together, we can make sure no one in Waterloo Region is left without a place to call home.
Built for Good: Delivering the Housing Ontario Needs
Learn more about how investment in the non-profit and co-op housing sector can deliver the housing Ontario needs.
