United Way Bruce Grey has front-line programs as well as connections to broader local community programs.  For all the information on these programs, you can call or text 211.  211 is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Programs:

Utility Assistance Program

The Utility Assistance Program provides grants for heating costs to low income individuals and families (propane, oil and firewood). We also work with the LEAP program to process applications for assistance to those struggling with electricity and natural gas bills. Applicants must meet strict income guidelines to be eligible for this program.  Utility accounts need to be in arrears or at risk of disconnection or already disconnected.  

To apply for assistance with heating costs (wood, oil and propane) – call 211.

To apply for assistance with electricity and natural gas costs, call LEAP at 1-855-487-5327.

To apply for the Ontario Energy Board Ontario Electricity Support Supplement (OESP) supplement on your hydro bill, visit: www.OntarioElectrictySupport.ca. If you are having difficulty with the application, give our office a call at 519-376-1560 and we can process your application for you.

Financial Literacy Program

Struggling to make ends meet?  Our Financial Literacy Program provides basic budgeting advice, income advice, referrals to programs that decrease living costs and external referrals to bankruptcy, and some credit counseling.  The program is free, confidential, and available to anyone in Grey or Bruce Counties.

Backpack Program

The Backpack Program provides a backpack and school supplies to children (kindergarten through high school) of low-income families in Bruce and Grey Counties.

To apply, call 2-1-1 from June 14th through to August 25th. Outside of these dates, call the United Way of Bruce Grey office at 519-376-1560.

Supportive Outreach Service (SOS)

The Support Outreach Service “SOS” provides person-centred, multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral health and social mobile response to improve health outcomes and health equity of highly marginalized individuals who experience barriers in access to traditional health services in Grey and Bruce Counties.

Team Members:

• Addiction Medicine Physicians
• Nurse Practitioners (Grey Bruce Health Services) – Primary Care and Addictions
• Mental Health Counsellor – CMHA
• Community Paramedics – Grey and Bruce Counties
• Social Navigator – United Way Bruce Grey