New United Way Ottawa report reveals need is greater than ever

Wednesday, November 25, 2009, Ottawa - A survey of more than 100 of Ottawa’s social service agencies shows a dramatic increase in the demand for services and programs as a result of the economic downturn in the city.

The survey is detailed in From Obstacles to Innovation: The Impact of the Economic Downturn on Ottawa’s Social Service Sector, a report released today by United Way Ottawa.

“A striking 84 per cent of agencies saw a rise in demand across all demographic groups,” said Karen Diguer, Senior Director, Planning and Evaluation, United Way. “The largest increase came from the areas of children and youth, new Canadians and immigrants, people with mental health issues and women.”

Ms. Diguer said the increased demand on programs and agencies is coming at a time when agencies are facing constraints on their funding. “Agencies are struggling to meet their clients’ needs while funders are dealing with more requests, declining donations and investment losses.” 

Agencies report that they are seeing clients with more complex issues and that there is more demand from people who were formerly in higher socio-economic groups.

“This increase in demand for services makes contributions to the United Way campaign more important than ever,” said Ms. Diguer. “Agencies have been innovative and resourceful in meeting the demands, but the need for support through United Way has never been greater.”

Agencies have responded to the demand by increasing partnerships with other agencies and sharing materials, resources and space.  “They are turning obstacles into opportunities,” said Ms. Diguer.  “United Way is assisting with web resources, facilitating collaborations and partnerships between agencies and, with the guidance of a roundtable of executive directors and non-profit leaders, is discussing ways to adapt to the increased demand and to strengthen the resiliency of the sector in the long term.”

United Way conducted the survey of agencies, clients and funders between June and September 2009, in partnership with the Ottawa Chamber of Volunteer Organizations, Volunteer Ottawa and 211 Ottawa.

For more information on United Way Ottawa, please contact:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: 613-221-0063 or Cell: 613-297-2845
E-mail: nbaker@unitedwayottawa.ca
Website: www.unitedwayottawa.ca