Dear Friend,
This summer, the GTA is full of energy. From neighbourhood festivals to major events, people are coming together to celebrate everything our region has to offer. Yet behind that excitement, many of our neighbours are facing a different reality: increasing financial anxiety when thinking about the growing pressure of everyday costs.
The latest United Way Financial Anxiety Survey by Léger found that 63% of people living in the GTA feel anxious when thinking about their finances. For many, that stress is affecting everyday life: 44% report difficulty sleeping because of financial anxiety, while 42% are experiencing signs of food insecurity.
Behind these numbers are people doing everything they can and still struggling to make ends meet.
That’s why, with our network of 300+ community agencies, we’re bringing people and partners together to make sure help is there when it’s needed most — connecting 1.8 million people across the GTA to housing, food, employment and mental health supports.
Your support helps bring this collective response to life. When rent becomes unaffordable, groceries stretch beyond a family’s budget or someone feels they’ve run out of options, help is there. Because no one should have to face those moments alone.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are building a GTA where everyone has the support and opportunity they need to move forward.
With sincere appreciation for your support,
Nicole McVan (they/them)
Vice President, Philanthropy
United Way Greater Toronto
Your support in action
Understanding poverty, financial anxiety and inspiring action
One in four GTA families are living in poverty, facing impossible choices every day. Through United Way Greater Toronto’s Living on the Edge Poverty Simulator, participants experience the difficult realities of trying to stretch a limited budget while navigating housing, food, transportation and unexpected crises. The exercise reveals a powerful truth: poverty is shaped by systemic barriers, not personal choices. With your support, United Way funds over 700 programs, Community Hubs and innovative initiatives that help people meet urgent needs, build stability and create pathways to a brighter future. Learn more about the experience.
Meeting today’s challenges, building tomorrow’s GTA
At our 2026 Annual Meeting of the Members in June, we brought together board members, donors and volunteers to reflect on a year of impact and the urgent challenges ahead. Guided by our 10-year strategy, we’re focusing our efforts where they can make the greatest difference: housing stability, financial opportunity and stronger communities. From advancing our Built for Good housing strategy to launching the Slaight Family Housing Lab and expanding Community Hubs, we’re bringing partners together across the GTA to turn urgency into action. Read more in our Annual Report to Community 2025-2026 and see how we’re building a GTA for all.
United with Pride
Our staff, family and friends proudly joined the Toronto Pride Parade in June, marching in support of equality, visibility and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We celebrated diverse identities and the strength of our communities while standing alongside our 2SLGBTQIA+ neighbours. Through your support, we fund agencies and programs that help create safer, more equitable communities — from The 519 to the 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations — connecting people to housing, mental health support and belonging. Together, we’re building neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive.
IN COMMUNITY, WITH COMMUNITY
United Way ClimbUP is back Nov. 14 and 15! Challenge yourself to climb the iconic CN Tower while supporting the fight against local poverty. Register now to secure your spot and raise $100 before Sept. 1 at 11:59 p.m. for a chance to win our early bird prize — a Staycation Package at The Yorkville Royal Sonesta!
Can’t climb, but still want to be part of the fun? We need 500 volunteers to help make this year’s climb unforgettable. Explore available roles and sign up to support this incredible event.
Building community takes community.
With your support, we will build a GTA where everyone has what they need to thrive.
Any way we can.
Learn more about our work. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates about how your local love is making a difference across the GTA.