The Affordability Crisis
A rent increase. A missed paycheque. A grocery bill that keeps climbing. It doesn't take much for the cost of getting by to outpace what a family can afford.
Rising costs are making it harder for people across Waterloo Region to keep up — with rent, groceries, utilities and other everyday essentials.
When people struggle to afford the basics, the effects ripple outward. Families face difficult choices between housing and food. Young people can struggle to succeed at school. Financial stress can make mental health challenges harder to manage, and people may wait longer to ask for help because they’re already stretched to their limit.
This fall, your support helps local organizations meet people where they are — providing the practical support, services and connections they need to get through a difficult time, regain stability and move forward.
When affordability becomes a struggle, the right support can make all the difference.
Community Support Connections delivered more than 100,000 meals in 2025–2026
Almost 3,000 people were diverted from homelessness or emergency shelter through Argus' First Connect service.
Counselling Collaborative partners provided more than 3,000 same-day and quick-access counselling sessions.
Local Challenges. Local Experts. United Support.
United Way Waterloo Region raises funds on behalf of more than 50 programs and charities in Waterloo Region.
Why so many? Because people rarely experience only one challenge at a time. Housing, food security, mental health, safety, learning, and belonging are deeply connected. The most effective supports respond to the whole person, not just a single need. No single charity can support a person living in poverty.
United Way looks at the bigger picture, bringing together data, local knowledge and community partners to understand where needs are greatest and where funding can make the biggest difference.
When you give to United Way Waterloo Region, you’re supporting a network of local organizations working together to help people navigate the challenges that can keep them from getting ahead.
"I wasn't sure counselling would even help, and I didn't want to commit to something ongoing when I was already stretched thin."
A Story of Hope and Transformation
Gord was navigating long-term unemployment and facing the stress of looking for a steady job alongside financial uncertainty and a lack of benefits. He was unsure if counselling would help and didn’t want to commit to ongoing sessions blindly.
Through the Counselling Collaborative of Waterloo Region, Gord was able to access Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health’s single-session, quick-access counselling program and readily connect with a therapist who validated his experiences and offered resources to cope with the emotional toll of unemployment.
Last year, more than 3,000 counselling sessions were provided through the Counselling Collaborative of Waterloo Region, helping people receive support and service referrals for a range of issues.
Gord found his footing because this community showed up for him.
Every Dollar has a Destination
Through United Way’s network of local partners, donations help people meet basic needs, build skills and confidence, and access support during times of uncertainty. Your generosity can make an immediate difference:
$100
could support a learner to meet with their tutor for a year. This covers transportation and a complete set of accessible Canadian learning resources, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to reach their goals.
$500
could provide emergency food hampers for approximately 16 people experiencing food insecurity during times of crisis, helping ensure they have access to nutritious food while navigating financial uncertainty.
$1200
could provide 10 people with their first counselling session, allowing them to learn how counselling can help them become the community members they want to be.