Creating Thriving Neighbourhoods

United Way Community Investment Priority: Inspire residents to participate in and contribute to their neighbourhood, and create a sense of ownership that improves neighbourhood conditions.

Neighbourhoods are the social hubs that link individuals to each other. Thriving neighbourhoods give people the opportunity to work together to use their individual skills, talents, and resources to collectively make a difference in their communities. There are some neighbourhoods within Windsor-Essex County that are experiencing very high unemployment, poverty, and crime, as well as limited resources and social activities. These neighbourhoods need additional support and programs that will provide opportunities for residents to build on their strengths and develop strong leaders. United Way will invest in programs and services which focus on i ncreasing neighbourhood engagement.

Why it matters:

Feeling safe in their home, school and neighbourhood is critical for young people's social, physical and emotional development.
Even though Windsor's crime rate decreased 20% for 2006-2007, Windsor had a higher crime rate per 100,000 population than Toronto and Hamilton.
Neighbourhoods with high home vacancy rates are more vulnerable to crime and vandalism.

Community Impact:

Neighbourhoods will witness increased leadership among its residents in urban or rural neighbourhoods experiencing greater than average risk factors such as unemployment, poverty, safety and crime issues, limited youth activities and involvement.
Stronger neighbourhoods are created through engagement activities that strengthen the capacity of local residents to leverage resources, and increase civic and political engagement.

United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex will focus its energy and resources on Supporting Basic Needs & Independence, Positioning Kids & Families for Success and Creating Thriving Neighbourhoods. The following strategies are being supported by United Way in order to achieve these initiatives.