Over the past seven weeks United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) has worked in partnership with local organizations to help support vulnerable members of the community as the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people across Perth and Huron. Thanks to the generosity of individual donors and organizations, UWPH’s COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund continues to help individuals and organizations weather the pandemic. Now, UWPH is proud to announce the results of a partnership forged between United Way Centraide Canada and the Government of Canada to help seniors in need; funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
“We appreciate the federal government’s confidence in United Way to meet the most pressing needs in our local communities,” says UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “We’re committed to funding programs and services that help vulnerable seniors across Perth and Huron.”
The organizations chosen to receive funding from the more than $50,000 received by UWPH represent a mix of existing and new partners. What all recipients share is a desire to help seniors and caregivers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funded Senior programs include:
- Mobile Food Bank
Funds used to purchase nutritious food for this program—serving over 100 households in four communities each month, approximately two-thirds of which are seniors. Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre. - Resident Well-being
Funds used to help support Telephone Reassurance check-in calls through Community Support Services program for high- to moderately-at-risk residents. Town of St. Marys - Community Meals
Funds used to subsidize and deliver affordable homestyle meals to older adult residents. Town of St. Marys - Grocery Shopping
Funds used to assist with subsidies or provide access to food for those who can’t access essential needs. Town of St. Marys - Meal Delivery
Funds used to provide delivery of meals to clients and caregivers. VON Canada Perth Huron - Grocery Gift Cards and Delivery
Funds used to provide grocery gift cards as well as grocery delivery service to clients. VON Canada Perth Huron - Care Packages
Funds used to provide care packages including items to ensure food security, personal wellness, cleaning essentials and activity kits. VON Canada Perth Huron - Food Delivery Costs
Funds used to cover the delivery cost for approximately 2,000 food deliveries so seniors with compromised health can physically distance and reduce potential exposure to the virus. ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services - Subsidized Respite Services
Funds to help provide subsidized respite services in the home to help prevent caregiver burnout. ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services
“While physical distancing is essential to protecting seniors from COVID-19, it risks isolating them from their community,” said The Honorable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors. “That is why the Government of Canada is proud to work with United Way Canada to help support the needs of seniors during this difficult time. By using local expertise, this funding will help provide support tailored to the unique, local needs of seniors across the country. As we work together to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus, the government is supporting Canadians every step of the way.”
About the New Horizons for Seniors Program
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) provides grants and contributions for projects helping improve the well-being of seniors and fostering their social inclusion. To provide immediate essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19, the Government of Canada is providing $9 million under the NHSP to be distributed through the United Way Canada network. Funds will help organizations supporting seniors dealing with the impact of COVID-19.