Hastings Prince Edward United Way Executive Director Kathy Murphy addresses Quinte West council on June 5, 2017. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Mayor Jim Harrison says more should be done in Quinte West to help the Hastings and Prince Edward United Way.
On Monday, Executive Director Kathy Murphy presented an update to council on the 2016 and where things are headed for the agency that supports 40 agencies and around 100 programs within Hastings and Prince Edward Counties focused on addressing food, housing and transportation needs.
In 2016, United Way raised $1.96 million. Murphy said $600,000 was invested into Quinte West programs with only $340,000 of those funds raised within the municipality.
Mayor Jim Harrison said the numbers tell him the municipality has to step up its support for United Way.
In her presentation, Murphy touched on how United Way works to address acute needs throughout the Quinte area with programs such as ‘All That Kids Can Be’ , ‘From Poverty to Possibility’ and ‘Healthy People Strong Communities’.
The kids’ program works to ensure children and youth are valued and supported members of the community with the opportunities and resources to help them reach their full potential. The Poverty to Possibility Program is aimed at helping people engage in their community by strengthening neighbourhood revitalization efforts, reducing poverty and improving access to affordable housing. The Healthy People Strong Communities program strives to improve opportunities for people to access programs and supports that empower them to overcome barriers, build resilience, reduce isolation and be part of a caring, inclusive community.
For more on United Way visit http://unitedwayofquinte.ca/
