Community-based groups are essential frontline social responders. They are the first line of connection for people living with a low income and for community members in many difficult circumstances. Equipping these organizations and this sector with the funds required to create supports to help community members navigate the system, both to access community-based services and local services to deal with their immediate food or housing needs and to connect to benefits and government programs that can help lift them out of poverty, will be essential. United Way Centraide supports the 211 community navigation service, which is available in most parts of Canada 24-7, 365 days a year in 150 languages, to do this—to support people in accessing local services to meet their needs as quickly as possible.
We've also had a partnership with Service Canada to help with the navigation of these systems. Certainly, equipping these community organizations with funding and support to deliver these services will be essential given that they're already under extreme strain from high demand.