locally focused
About United Way
Our Mission
United Way Waterloo Region brings together people and organizations across Waterloo Region to help meet community needs and tackle complex social issues. We exist locally to serve those experiencing vulnerability in our community and to create an equitable future for all.
Why United way?
When we unite, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. A donation through United Way empowers not just one organization, but an entire ecosystem of change. As an 'umbrella organization,' donations are strategically allocated to deliver the greatest impact.
Poverty is complex
We focus our work in seven distinct, yet interconnected areas, with a focus on equity in all we do. Funding through general operations or specific programs provides critical flexibility to our partners.
Your impact
The following reflects the 2024 reporting period
What's New?
recent Posts
- Emancipation Day 2025 July 31, 2025
- United Is the Way We Build Stronger Communities – Grand River Magazine July 8, 2025
- Disability Pride Month July 8, 2025
- Press Release: United Way Waterloo Region Announces $509,000 in Q2 Funding June 19, 2025
working together for community
We're here for you
Have questions? Contact us and we will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for!
Community Conditions
With your support we are proud to be making a real difference to the lives of those in need.
Local Facts & Statistics
- 1 in 8 people in Kitchener-Waterloo live in poverty — that’s more than 70,000 neighbours struggling to meet basic needs.
- 15% of recent immigrants to our region live in poverty, highlighting the barriers newcomers face as they build a new life.
- In 2024, 2,371 people in Waterloo Region were experiencing homelessness — more than double the number from 2021.
- Families are under pressure: 8% of households in Waterloo are in core housing need, meaning they spend too much of their income on housing or live in unsuitable conditions.
- Rising costs and limited affordable housing options mean too many people are forced to choose between paying rent and buying groceries.
- Through United Way, every dollar raised supports frontline programs that provide food, shelter, counselling, and pathways to stability.
- Together with our funded partners, we ensure that:
- Thousands of meals are served to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
- Hundreds of people access shelter and transitional housing supports.
- Mental health programs connect people to counselling, crisis support, and peer networks when they need it most.
100% of your donation stays local, always.
With your support we are proud to be making a real difference to the lives of those in need.
Solving Poverty is complex
We focus our work in 7 distinct, yet interconnected areas, with a focus on equity underpinning everything we do:
- Affordable Housing & Homelessness
- Food Insecurity
- Mental Health and Addictions
- Children and Youth
- Community and Social Supports
- Literacy, Employment Skills and Assistive Devices
- Hate, Gender-Based and Family Violence
Join our Mailing list
Stay up to date on charitable giving news, read stories of philanthropy, and learn how your dollars are making a difference right here in our community.