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Financial Security

Homelessness & Home Ownership

Everyone deserves access to a safe, stable home. 

In communities we serve across the world, homelessness, housing insecurity, and limited affordable housing have reached crisis proportions.  

At United Way, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live in an affordable, safe, stable home – and for home ownership to be an achievable goal for every family. That’s why we’re connecting people with short-term shelter and housing support, and helping people overcome longer-term barriers to stability. Our financial coaching support also helps people understand, prepare for, and navigate the challenges of buying their first home.  

Housing assistance referrals continue to increase, with total referrals nearly double pre-pandemic numbers.

- 211 Impact Survey of 2023

Housing Facts

  • 1 in 3 people experiencing homelessness have been without a home for more than a year.
  • 1 in 5 people experiencing homelessness are 55 and older, nearly half are unsheltered. 
  • Nearly 1.3 million people received housing support from United Ways in the last year.
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Highlighted Story

Supporting Homeless Youth

In Montreal, nearly one in four children grows up in poverty. See how Centraide of Greater Montreal (United Way Montreal) is focused on shifting the odds.

Read This Story

Avoiding Homelessness

See how we partner to help individuals and families avoid homelessness.

Our Related Work

See how we are creating a stronger financial future for every generation.

Support Our Work

Your support fuels our mission and creates stronger communities where all can thrive.
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