United Way Halifax

[Image description: An event poster with a dark purple, textured background. White and gold text fills most of the upper and middle portion, and reads: Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, 2024 African Heritage Month Gala Dinner, celebrating black excellence in arts & culture. Cultural village reception, dinner, live music, dance. Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 5:30pm, Halifax Convention Centre. There are three circular profile images with the following names beneath them: Gary Beals, Linda Carvery and Corey Adams. Presented by RBC. Along the bottom, a white bar contains logos from several organizations including the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia, RBC, Halifax COnvention Centre, Neptune Theatre, Virgin Radio, Move Radio, Tribe and the NS Government.]

Join the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia for their 2024 African Heritage Month Gala, presented by RBC. It’s taking place this Saturday at 5:30pm at the Halifax Convention Centre, and will feature entertainment from former Canadian Idol, Gary Beals! Get tickets here:
bccns.com/gala2024/

[Image description: A designed image with a white background. A red bar runs along the top containing a white United Way Halifax logo and white text reading: United in Poverty Action. A grey illustrated cake with candles reading "65" on top. Beneath the cake, grey text reads: Older adults deserve better. A bar composed of rainbow-coloured squares containing symbols like coins, a bus, an apple, a building and a book.]

People aged 50-64 living on low incomes are ineligible for many benefits. A lot of them are counting down the days until their 65th birthday. Learn why - download the United in Poverty Action Report today.
www.unitedwayhalifax.ca/how-we-help/...

[Image description: A designed post with a red background. The upper section is filled by a white illustrated heart with a red centre and white lines sticking out from the side like sun beams. In the bottom half, white text reads: Happy Valentine's Day! A white United Way Halifax logo sits beneath that.]

Sending love to all our donors and everybody working in the sector to build stronger communities! ❤️

[Image description: A white table covered in glass awards reading "Invisible Champion" followed by the names of the award recipients. A white bar runs across the top containing red text that reads: 2024 Invisible Champion Awards Nominations Open. A white bar runs along the bottom containing the United Way Halifax and Bhayana Family Foundation Awards logos on them.]

🌟 Nominations are open for the 2024 Invisible Champion Awards! 🌟 If you want to celebrate an unsung hero who works in Nova Scotia’s social sector, nominate them from now until March 1, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Winners take home $1,000!
 www.unitedwayhalifax.ca/blog/invisib...

[Image description: A designed image with a white background. A red bar runs along the top containing a white United Way Halifax logo and white text reading: United In Poverty Action. The middle section contains a graphic of a grey house with grey text beneath it reading: Racialized people have fewer income and housing opportunities. Along the bottom runs a bar composed of numerous small rainbow-coloured boxes containing graphics of a bus, money, apple, house and books.]

Visible minorities have increased in the Halifax CMA by 54% between 2016-2021. In 2021, the poverty rate for visible minorities in Halifax was 23.4%, more than double the average poverty rate across the city. Download our report to learn more. #PovertyAction
 
www.unitedwayhalifax.ca/how-we-help/...

Halifax ready to dig into plan to tackle food insecurity | SaltWire HRM’s JustFOOD initiative reaches the action stage, will be in front of regional council Tuesday

The second part of JustFOOD: Action Plan for the Halifax Region is being delivered to regional council on Tuesday. Read this story to learn how some of the strategies will be implemented.

[Image description: A designed image with a dark grey background and white text in the center that reads: Snow day, our office is closed. A red bard runs along the bottom with a red semi-circle popping out of the top middle portion, which contains a white United Way Halifax logo.]

Due to the snow storm, our office will be closed today, February 5 and will re-open tomorrow, February 6. Our staff are working remotely.

Homelessness in Halifax - When a bed isn't enough - United Way Halifax Leading the Way Some people experiencing homelessness in Halifax may opt out of a shelter bed. Here’s why we should respect that choice and keep working on other solutions.

Sometimes, the people you see sleeping rough in our community are doing so not because they can’t find a shelter space – but because sleeping rough is a better choice for them personally. Click below to learn why.

Urgent Food & Essentials Fund The Urgent Food & Essentials Fund is designed to support local nonprofits to offer groceries, grocery store gift cards, meal kits, essential hygiene items and more.

Applications are now open for the Urgent Food & Essentials Fund, which will provide local nonprofits already running food and essentials programs with additional funding.
 
To apply or learn more, click the link below.

[Image description: A poster with a white background. A slim red bar runs along the top, containing a white United Way Halifax logo and white text reading: "United in Poverty Action". In the center of the poster in the white section, large text reads: "I'm an ally in poverty action." Beneath that, a bar composed of small rainbow coloured boxes runs along the bottom. Symbols like money, a bus, an apple, a house and a book are inside the boxes.]

If you’re concerned about poverty in HRM and its impacts on vulnerable people, we want you to officially become an ally in poverty action. Visit this link to sign up and learn what actions you can take to help create change today.
www.unitedwayhalifax.ca/wp-content/u...

[Image description: An event poster with a red background that reads: Saint Thomas Ladies Auxiliary's 16th Annual Black History Month Celebration. February 3rd at Saint Thomas Baptist Church, North Preston. For more info, contact sister Viola Cain at 902-434-3414. In the center, a black fist rises up and is surrounded by small green and white circles.]

Kick off Black history Month with the Saint Thomas Ladies Auxiliary this Saturday, February 3 at 6PM at St. Thomas Baptist Church in North Preston! For more information, reach out to Sister Viola Cain at 902-434-3414.

[Image description: A small candle burning in a setting so dark, you can't see what's in the background. The following names are found on the left side of the candle: Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkarim Hassane, Azzedine Souffiane, Aboubaker Thabti. White text on the right side of the candle reads: National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. Beneath that, you'll find a green square held up by a clothespin and a white Government of Canada logo.]

Today, on the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, we remember and honour the victims who were killed 7 years ago. We stand with the Muslim community to denounce all forms of hate and Islamophobia.

[Image description: 10 Liferaft staff members standing and sitting on a bench in front of a bright red wall at United Way Halifax's office.]

[Image description: 10 Liferaft staff members gathered around two long tables covered in chocolate bars, socks, hats, mitts, hot paws and other winter warming items. Everybody looks busy putting the items into bags an interacting with each other. Paintings and a whiteboard are on the wall behind them.]

[Image description: Two long tables covered in socks, hats, mitts, hotpaws, chocolate bars and other winter warming items at United Way Halifax's office.]

It was wonderful to see such a big group of volunteers from LifeRaft stop by our office to assemble winter warming kits earlier this month. These items make a big difference for community members experiencing homelessness in HRM. We appreciate your kindness and generosity! 😊

United in Poverty Action Report Launch Join us as we launch our United in Poverty Action Report, detailing the extent and impact of poverty in HRM over the last five years.

We’re looking forward to seeing many folks at the United in Poverty Action Report Launch tomorrow. Join us at St. George’s Round Church (2221 Maitland Street) from 10:30am – 1:00pm. Get your free tickets through the link below.

[Image description: A designed image with a white background. A red bar runs along the top containing a white United Way Halifax logo and white text that reads "United in Poverty Action." In the center, there's an image of a grey tent and grey words that read: No Vacancy. Along the bottom, there's a line of rainbow coloured boxes containing coins, a bus, an apple, a building, a gas pump and a book.]

Imagine a family of five losing their affordable apartment and not being able to find another one.
 
Read this story and more in our upcoming United in Poverty Action report on January 24.
 
#PovertyAction

[Image description: United Way Halifax Marketing and Communications Manager, Sarah White, standing at the front of classroom at MSVU. The students and prof are both looking toward her at the front of the room. White boards and a projector screen cover the back wall behind Sarah.]

Yesterday our Communications and Marketing Manager, Sarah White, was invited to speak to students in a nonprofit marketing class at MSVU about storytelling. With over a decade of comms experience at United Way Halifax, she's the perfect person for the job!

United in Poverty Action Report Launch Event United in Poverty Action Report Launch In 2018, United Way Halifax launched Building Poverty Solutions, a report that focused on solutions to support people experiencing poverty. Now more than 5…

We’re launching the United in Poverty Action Report on January 24. Learn about what’s changed since our 2018 report, who’s impacted and how you can make a difference.

[Image description: Lin Nguyen, United Way Halifax's co-op student for Winter 2024, sitting on the bench in the United Way Halifax office. There's a bright red wall behind her, with a message in white letters relating to United Way Halifax's mission to end poverty. Lin is wearing a brown knitted vest over a black dress shirt with tan pants, plus a big smile.]

Please join us in welcoming United Way Halifax’s newest co-op student, Lin Nguyen. She’ll support the Creative Services and Experience Design Team with their upcoming projects and events over the next four months. We’re glad to have you, Lin! 😊

[Image description: A designed image with a light blue background and white text reading: I want to thank the Bayers-Westwood Family Resource Centre for all that they do! As a mother of teenagers, the regular food programming has really helped me offset rising costs. A white United Way Halifax logo is in the bottom right corner.]

The Bayers-Westwood Family Resource Centre has become a pillar in the community of West End Halifax. They offer various family-oriented programs to about 300 adults and 250 children to help build a stronger and healthier neighbourhood.

[Image description: A designed post with a white background. A light red watermark of Martin Luther King Junior's face occupies the left half. Text reading: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?" occupies the right half. A red bar with white text reading "Martin Luther King Jr. Day" runs a long the bottom and includes a white United Way Halifax logo.]

Today we honour the life and legacy of civil rights movement leader and Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ⁠

[Image description: A designed post with a red, snowflaky background. On the right side, white text reads "Winter warming kit drive, January 8-19, 2024. On the right side, two hands holding a small package with a bow stretch from the edge of the page. The ALS logo is in the top right corner.]

ALS Life Sciences is putting together winter warming kits for people experiencing homelessness. If you want to help, please drop off toques, mitts, socks, boot warmers, ponchos, lip chaps or chocolate bars to 13-100 Wright Avenue, Dartmouth between 9am and 5pm from January 8-19.

[Image description: A white poster with a blue couch in the upper centre portion. Blue text reads: Couch of Hope - Free Mental Health Counselling Sessions for children 10 years of age and up, teens & adults (by appointment only). Appointments available at The North Grove on Mondays and Tuesdays between 9:00am-3:00pm. To book: Call 902-717-4414 or email intake@couchofhope.com. Appointments available by: video, phone, or in person in Dartmouth, Spryfield and Truro. Who qualifies: if you are experiencing barriers to receiving services: limited insurance, finances, or if you are on an extensive waitlist. The Couch of Hope and North Grove logos are beneath that text.]

We’re happy to see that Couch of Hope is now offering free weekly mental health counselling appointments at The North Grove. Check out this poster for information on booking a session.

Uncharitable Screening + Social: A Radical New Way of Giving — Light House Arts Centre

Next Tuesday, January 16, NewGround Leadership and The Association of Fundraising Professionals - Nova Scotia Chapter will offer a screening of Uncharitable: A Radical New Way of Giving, followed by a social. Click the link below to buy your tickets today.

[Image description: Three staff members from Bayers-Westwood Family Resource Centre standing in front of a Christmas tree, holding up treat bags with blue tags on them. Each of them is dressed in a cozy sweater and smiling at the camera.]

Emera Inc. graciously put together holiday treat bags for the wonderful staff at our funded agencies. They're unsung heroes who improve lives and brighten futures within the communities they serve. Here are some smiles from the Bayers Westwood Family Resource Centre when we dropped theirs off 😊

[Image description: A Sudanese woman looking down at a bruised apple in a kitchen. She's wearing a white apron over a green long-sleeved shirt. Cupboards, a kettle and some countertops are visible in the background. White text overlaid in the center reads: "1 in 3 Atlantic Canadians struggle to afford basic needs. Make a donation today at thepie.ca." Beneath that sits the White United Way Centraide logo.]

1 in 3 Atlantic Canadians struggle to afford basic needs. 2 in 3 can help. Visit www.thepie.ca to make a donation today.

[Image description: A designed post with a greenish-blue background. Beneath a large red quotation mark, the following text fills the majority of the page: "The coordinators are caring and flexible, which gave me the courage to make a major life decision. I adopted a ten-year-old dog, Benji, who has major health problems, and I’m grateful that I can share our challenges and triumphs with the group." Mary, Program Participant, Spencer House. In the bottom right corner, a red bar extends from the edge of the page and contains a white United Way Halifax logo.]

Spencer House Seniors Centre receives United Way funding for programs centered around food security and social connection. Here are a few words from one of their Wellness Café participants, Mary.

‘My heart was constantly shattered’: Halifax single mom renovicted three times finally finds a h... Relying on non-profits was crucial in getting her through homelessness

We’re so proud of Sam for raising awareness of both the unique housing challenges faced by single mothers in HRM and the organizations like Welcome Housing & Support Services and The North Grove that exist to help. Click below to read her family's story.

33% of Atlantic Canadians are struggling to meet basic needs. You can help. Visit www.thepie.ca to make a donation, or share this video.

[Image description: An event poster with a red background that has a semi-transparent rose imprinted on it. Overtop, white test reads: Remembrance and Resilience Ceremony, Ecole Polytechnique Commemoration. December 6, 5:15 - 5:45PM AST, Irving Oil Auditorium: Richard Murray Design Building, 5257 Morris Street, Halifax NS. Everyone is welcome. Beneath the text, there are three photos of an organized group of women standing in a line in front of an auditorium, one of them filling the seats of an auditorium and one of a woman speaking at a podium.]

Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Join Dalhousie's Women in Engineering Society tonight at a Remembrance and Resilience Ceremony as they remember the 14 women killed in the 1989 École Polytechnique shooting: bit.ly/417h8Il

Resolution Revelry- A Dry January Party Join us for the inaugural Resolution Revelry - A Dry January Party in support of United Way Halifax

Join us on January 26 at Historic Properties for the inaugural Resolution Revelry - A Dry January Party! It’s a great time of year to sample some non-alcoholic beverages, listen to live music and provide opportunity to people experiencing poverty in HRM.