As the cost of living continues to strain household budgets, United Way Simcoe Muskoka says it is adapting to meet the growing number of local residents struggling to stay afloat.
Brian Shelley, the organization’s chief executive officer, said more people are finding themselves in financial trouble due to unexpected setbacks such as illness, missed work, or a sudden expense.
“There’s just so many people struggling,” Shelley said during a recent interview. “There’s so many grassroots organizations emerging and, as such, it’s harder to get our word, our name out there sometimes.”
Listen below to our interview with Brian Shelley, which begins at the 20:54 mark.
While United Way is still known for fundraising and supporting community agencies, Shelley said the organization has changed its model in recent years to ensure that more donor dollars go directly into local programs.
One of its newest initiatives is the Home Relief Bank, which offers interest-free loans to residents who are at risk of eviction but have a realistic path to repayment. Loans can cover up to two months’ rent, with borrowers given up to three years to pay the money back.
“This is designed to help folks who are at risk of becoming homeless,” Shelley said.
The program is intended for what Shelley called the “mushy middle” - expense or temporary loss of income throws their finances off track.
Shelley said the goal is to provide what policymakers often call a “circuit breaker” to prevent a short-term crisis from becoming homelessness.
“We hope this is a circuit breaker for someone that’s on that trajectory towards homelessness,” he said.
In addition to the loan program, United Way provides one-time, non-repayable grants through its Urgent Needs Fund. The micro-grants can help cover essential expenses such as replacing broken eyeglasses or paying utility bills.
The organization also funds the 2-1-1 helpline, which connects people with social services and serves as the entry point for both the Urgent Needs Fund and the Home Relief Bank.
Shelley said many residents are unaware of the support available and encouraged anyone facing financial hardship to call 2-1-1 to see what assistance they may qualify for.
United Way Simcoe Muskoka is also preparing for its annual Everest Challenge fundraiser on May 31 at Horseshoe Valley Resort. Teams climb the resort hill enough times to equal the height of Mount Everest, while raising money to support local programs.
“We’re here, and we need support so we can help those that need it,” Shelley said.
More information about the Everest Challenge and donation options is available through United Way Simcoe Muskoka
