QUESTIONS FROM community
Q. How has federal emergency funding affected the money United Way normally invests in Greater Toronto?
This one-time funding from the federal government, in addition to our own Local Love Fund, is a welcome investment when it comes to addressing emergency needs. These time-limited funds need to be spent in community no later than January 2021 and will allow our network of agencies to respond in real-time to urgent priorities including access to food, mental health counselling, employment supports and more. As we move from response to recovery in the weeks and months ahead, the $6 million in monthly, flexible funds we continue to invest in our agencies will take centre stage as we rebuild and sustain a strong, GTA-wide social safety net.
Q. What are community tables and why are they important?
Within days of the crisis, United Way teamed up with local municipalities in Peel, Toronto and York Region to coordinate emergency response plans. To date, we participate in more than 20 community tables that facilitate quick decision making and concise action when it comes to supporting vulnerable populations. One example? The COVID-19 Community Coordination (3C) initiative, a joint partnership between United Way and York Region that brings together local municipal partners, community organizations and other key stakeholders to support York Region’s most vulnerable residents during COVID-19.