Our annual Oxford Supplies4Students program is in full swing, and we will continue to register students until mid-month. If you know of a family that could use a helping hand with back-to-school expenses, this is the program for them! It is easy to give help – or get help – just visit our Supplies4Students page. Supplies4Students is a collaborative effort of many local agencies who envisioned a better, more dignified way to help families. In the 11 years that Supplies4Students has been running the number of students has increased by over 425%!!! Previously, many families were able to just stretch a little more and make it through the extra costs associated with September. Unfortunately, for too many, that is no longer possible. The rising costs of everyday essentials – food, housing, gas, utilities – is making that impossible. Did you know that 46% of Canadians are one pay cheque away from debt, and they can only cover 1 month of basic expenses should they need to. And while all costs have escalated, it is the cost of food that is taking the biggest toll.
In Oxford, the number of households that are considered food insecure has risen to a staggering 1 in 4. Oxford County is fortunate to have many groups and volunteers working to get food out to individuals, families, seniors, and the organizations that serve meals across our community. This is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when volunteers come together to make a difference – from the delivery of food baskets to a new summer student lunch program in Ingersoll, there are lots of opportunities available to provide additional supports that help fill bellies and allow people to stretch their funds a little further. As the local landscape and programs continue to evolve and grow, United Way will be sharing more details, resources and stories as our way of continuing to shine light on unignorable local issues.
Last month, Oxford County held a public meeting in Woodstock to share information about their purchase of the former YMCA site and their plans for the Oxford Homelessness Support Centre that is anticipated to open in Spring 2028. It is in the early stages, and the plans are still under development; however, they are being informed by consultations with local service providers – including representatives of health care, law enforcement and faith communities – as well as those with lived or living experience. Over the past few years, those meetings have been held to identify best practices, needs and existing gaps, which will help ensure that the new Homelessness Support Centre is developed to best meet the current and emerging needs, all with the intent of wrapping around services and then as quickly as possible, moving people to housing with the appropriate supports.
As we enter the final weeks of summer, I encourage you to go out to enjoy one of the many events, festivals, patios, neighbourhood gatherings or Downtown activities happening across Oxford County. What a great way to connect with others and feel like a part of our community…and don’t forget to invite a friend! The more the merrier when it comes to creating a sense of belonging.
Enjoy August…it always flies by,
Kelly Gilson
Executive Director
United Way Oxford