United Way Perth-Huron continuing to support seniors

United Way Perth-Huron is continuing to support seniors with some new funding from the federal government's New Horizons for Seniors Program.

The United Way's Urgent Needs fund has been doing what it can to support local seniors. Now, as a result of a partnership forged between United Way Centraide Canada and the Government of Canada to help seniors in need, United Way Perth-Huron will be distributing over $50,000 to some local partners to continue assisting seniors.

Funded Senior programs include:

1. 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.
2. 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
3. Community Meals Funds used to subsidize and deliver affordable homestyle meals to older adult residents. Town of St. Marys
4. 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
5. Meal Delivery Funds used to provide delivery of meals to clients and caregivers. VON Canada Perth Huron
6. Grocery Gift Cards and Delivery Funds used to provide grocery gift cards as well as grocery delivery service to clients. VON Canada Perth Huron
7. 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
8. 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
9. Subsidized Respite Services Funds to help provide subsidized respite services in the home to help prevent caregiver burnout. ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services

“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.”

“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.”