Image courtesy of UWGH
United Way Golden Horseshoe has released its inaugural 2025–2026 Impact Report.
They provided support for more than 440,000 individuals and families across the region over the past year through a network of 148 agencies delivering 235 programs and projects.
The report marks the first released under the new United Way Golden Horseshoe banner and outlines the impact of programs across Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk, Halton, Hamilton and Niagara. According to the organization, funding helped strengthen access to food, housing, mental health services, youth programming, newcomer supports and other community resources.
Within Halton and Hamilton, United Way-supported programs assisted 251,253 individuals and families through partnerships with 73 local agencies delivering 113 programs and projects.
“This report is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together to support one another,” says Brad Park, President & CEO of United Way Golden Horseshoe. “Across our region, donors, volunteers, workplaces, community partners, and agencies are helping ensure people have access to the supports they need to navigate challenges, build stability, and create brighter futures. I’m incredibly proud of the compassion, generosity, and commitment that communities across the Golden Horseshoe continue to demonstrate every day.”
The report notes that community organizations across Halton and Hamilton continue to face increasing demand for services driven by rising living costs, housing pressures, food insecurity and growing mental health needs.
Among the local highlights included in the report:
- 251,253 people supported through United Way-funded programs and initiatives
- 138,152 children and youth connected to services and empowerment programs
- 61,945 seniors supported to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation
- 61,819 women and gender-diverse individuals supported
- $844,464 in essential goods distributed through the Community Donation Warehouse
- 58,874 menstrual products distributed through Period Promise
- 7,521 kits assembled and distributed to individuals and families
- 215 families supported through the Holiday Helping Hand program
- 97% of funded programs reported increased or consistent demand
- 44% of programs reported maintaining waitlists, representing nearly 17,000 people waiting for support
“Here in Halton and Hamilton, we’re seeing firsthand both the growing need and the incredible response from our community,” adds Park. “Whether it’s helping families put food on the table, supporting young people, reducing isolation among seniors, or providing pathways to housing and employment, these results reflect thousands of people coming together to ensure help is available when it’s needed most.”
Across the broader Golden Horseshoe, United Way-supported programs reported helping 174,624 people improve food security, 59,591 people strengthen financial security and employment readiness, 45,921 people achieve greater housing stability, 123,008 people improve their mental health and ability to manage challenges, and 122,141 children and youth improve their emotional and physical wellbeing.
The report also highlights community initiatives including Period Promise, Holiday Helping Hand, the Community Donation Warehouse, ConnectED, Backpacks for Kids and After School Matters, noting they help address immediate needs while creating longer-term opportunities for residents.
“While this report celebrates what we’ve achieved together, it also reminds us that our work is far from finished,” notes Park. “Community needs continue to evolve, and many people are still facing significant challenges. What gives me hope is knowing that our communities continue to step forward with generosity, compassion, and a commitment to helping one another. Together, we are building stronger, more connected communities and creating lasting change.”
The full 2025–2026 United Way Golden Horseshoe Impact Report and accompanying impact video are available here.
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