February: A Message From Our Executive Director

Well, that was certainly the January that felt like it would never end! Between the frigid cold, the snow, the poor visibility, the treacherous sidewalks, and the ice-covered roads, it seems that all we talked about was the weather. And while we had lots to complain about, we also had lots to be grateful for – a roof, a furnace, warm coats and boots, dry blankets and full bellies. We know that not everyone was so fortunate, and far too many across Oxford are living outside 24/7. The reasons are vast, and extremely complicated, but surely we can do better at providing safe places and spaces where people can feel welcome and supported. The Oxford HART Hub is a wonderful new addition that enhances available services, and soon Oxford County’s new Homeless Service Centre will be announced. Both will be welcomed additions to help fill service gaps. As part of the community collaborative efforts, United Way Oxford has a role to help ensure that we have adequate housing and support options; our Tillsonburg and Ingersoll Light Houses are key examples. They provide safe, welcoming, supportive and affordable transitional housing to help individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity get back on their feet. Our goal is to expand the programs, vital community outreach and wrap-around supports that make a world of difference. If you believe that the answer to homelessness is appropriate and affordable housing, please consider supporting our United Way Oxford Ingersoll or Tillsonburg Coldest Night of the Year Walks on Saturday, February 28^th.

Coldest Night of the Year Walks will be taking place in over 200 communities across Canada – all at the same day and time. Each community organization is raising funds to make a positive difference for those that experience hurt, hunger and/or homelessness. Sign up a team, join a team, donate to a walker or volunteer – there are many ways in which you can make a difference. No one in our community should face the cold alone.

Through our Community United Conversation Series, we are committed to shining a light on unignorable social issues and to building awareness and understanding. On Tuesday, February 24^th from 7:00 – 8:30 PM we will have a local panel of experts sharing information on the new Oxford HART Hub. We’ll learn what it is, the services they will provide, who can use the programs, and how to access support. This new community collaboration will fill so many current service gaps and assist folks in building a better future. You can join us on Zoom the evening of, check our website for a recording later, or watch for it to be released on Rogers Cable. 

Our Community Impact volunteers are hard at work meeting with all of our agency applicants and reviewing their funding applications. Unsurprisingly, we are seeing an increase in requests, as it is a challenging time for all charities; they are struggling to secure adequate funding to meet growing needs. Our volunteers bring their community knowledge and area expertise to the table to help us make the very best decisions. We are grateful for their commitment and wisdom.

To all our business partners – both large and small – this is for you! We have been working with the STEAM Education Centre, they are an organization that helps local youth thrive in the digital age. For children, youth, and families without access to a computer, it is nearly impossible to complete homework, attend classes, access services, or search for employment. This past year, STEAM has provided over 100 local youth with a fully-functioning laptop. If your business is upgrading its computers, please consider donating them to STEAM. They will securely wipe them clean, update the systems, add what may be necessary, and then deliver it to a youth who will benefit. If you have 1 laptop or a 101 that is no longer needed, please reach out to us, and we’ll connect you to this little group doing really big things. 

Thank you for believing in our work and supporting our initiatives – we are grateful.