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w w w . o a kv ill eb ea ve r.c o m O A KV IL LE B EA V ER Fr id ay , O ct ob er 2 2, 2 01 0 2 8 You may not realize thathomelessness is an issue in acommunity like Oakville, but approximately 31,000 people in our community live below the poverty line. The crisis of homelessness is far more than what you see on the streets. Shelter is a basic need, yet in Ontario, thousands of single par- ents, young families, people receiving social assistance, youths, people with disabilities, newcomers and seniors cannot afford decent housing. United Way of Oakville is com- mitted to investing and support- ing programs that make Oakville a more livable community for us all. We fund agencies that help alleviate and prevent homeless- ness, such as Community Youth Programs, and Support & Housing Halton. Community Youth Programs has been providing a home for teens in Oakville for almost 40 years. They offer residential services for teenagers age 15-18 who are unable to live with their family and unprepared for independent living. Many of their clients are homeless or near homeless when they come to the program. They provide safe housing to eight residents at a time. Support & Housing Halton (SHH) has served the Halton community since 1982. They provide community- based housing, mental wellness programs, and support services for people living with mental ill- ness. SHH supports more than 230 people through its housing pro- grams, and owns and operates six residential settings. These programs are making a real difference in our community, and you can be part of the com- munity impact. United Way urges you to LIVE UNITED this year by donating at www.uwoakville.org, or call us at 905-845-5571. Submitted by the United Way of Oakville Homeless are here