Despite a challenging economy, the United Way in Perth and Huron counties is on pace for another record-breaking fundraising campaign – good news for the charity and its local partners as they prepare to tackle a slew of social issues in 2023. With inflation driving up the price of groceries and, well, just about everything else, the Beacon Herald asked United Way Perth-Huron executive director Ryan Erb to discuss the past 12 months and what he believes will be priorities for non-profits and the social services sector next year.
Q: How would you describe the need for social services the United Way and its partners have experienced in the region over the past 12 months?
A: Most, if not all, are experiencing greater demand for services. We are seeing pressure on food banks, mental health-support providers, housing and homelessness services in particularly. In short, demand is outpacing already stressed social services.
Q: Demand for many social services right now is high, including at area food banks, for example. Can you share any insights into why people are struggling to make ends meet?
A: The main reason is low income; 57 per cent of people in our region earn less than a living wage. Way too many people who are working struggle to make ends meet – having to choose between eating healthy food and paying the hydro bill or rent. Rent has increased by 35 per cent. The cost of food has increased substantially as has almost everything. Social assistance rates are so low that anyone on them is living in deep poverty.
Q: What social issues do you think communities in Perth and Huron counties should be focused on in 2023?
A: At the root of most of our challenges is income. If we fix that, we fix a lot. So, we must focus locally on increasing the number of Living Wage employers in the region. A close second, and it is very intertwined, is housing. We must find ways to increase the number of affordable and supportive units in the region.
Q: Many charities and non-profits in the region have begun to recover from pandemic-related disruptions. What challenges do they face now as they attempt to address needs in their communities?
A: They are tired. After heroic efforts sustained over three years, our leaders are burning out. Social service agencies are facing the same labor force shortage as everyone. Getting enough qualified workers to take on a taxing work load is very difficult. Thankfully, there are many incredible people working hard each day on the front lines providing care along with strong leaders that continue to give sacrificially.
Q: The United Way celebrated the grand opening of its Connection Center in Stratford earlier this year, one of several new social services hubs in the region. What’s the latest on the impact of that project?
A: Approximately 30 people per day are accessing the center for basic needs and connection to services. We are thrilled with the outcomes so far – seeing people housed, seeing people make small but important steps toward improved health each and every day. The community continues to be incredibly generous both financially and with donations of food and clothing. For that we are grateful!
Q: Is the United Way working on any other unique ideas communities might benefit from in 2023? What are some of the organization’s main goals next year?
A: We continue to work toward our first housing projects through the new Community Renewal Company, our region’s new entrepreneurial not-for-profit housing corporation, operated by the United Way. A strategic plan for the (renewal company) will be released and, hopefully, announcements about pending builds. We will be releasing our Quality of Life report – a comprehensive look at well-being for all residents through our Social Research and Planning Council. We will announce our Impact Funding for the next three years – these are core program grants for social service agencies. We will be offering funding from the Community Services Recovery fund (federal) to charities and organizations to modernize, building back better post pandemic.