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One Hundred Thousand

Ever wonder what 100,000 people in HRM needing our support looks like?

While that does sound like a lot, it can be hard to grasp the true scale of the number. United Way Halifax wanted to show you what 100,000 really looks like: 

 

That’s 100,000 randomly generated names, on 437 sheets of paper, single spaced, 11-point font (don’t worry, we’ll be sure to make good (re)use of that paper).

The reality is that more than 100,000 people in HRM lack the safety, healthy food, housing stability, belonging, mental health support, or connection they need to live well.

With your help we can shorten this list.
Donate today.

From December 15 to 18, you can visit this 107-foot banner at 60 Windmill Drive in Dartmouth and see the demand for yourself.

Where did the number come from?  

One hundred thousand represents individuals and families in HRM who need compassion and support from the people and community around them. We know:  

  • 1 in 7 people in HRM are living in poverty 
  • 1 in 7 households are food insecure  
  • Statistics about mental health, belonging and crisis are even higher  
  • 1 in 5 people experience extreme life stress every day 
  • 1 in 3 say they don’t feel like they belong in their community  

Is the number statistically accurate? 

The statistics we have pre-date COVID-19, and the impacts of the pandemic have further reduced access to the supports people need, making the needs in our community even greater than before. The reality is that more than 100,000 people in HRM lack the safety, healthy food, stable housing, income, belonging, mental health support, or connection they need to live well.  

Who are the 100,000 people?   

They are people of all ages. For example:  

  • 1 in 4 seniors age 65 and over live alone, and at higher risk of isolation.  
  • In some communities in HRM, half the children are living in poverty.   
  • 40,000 Halifax households are spending more than 30 per cent of their income on housing, which is the general accepted threshold for housing affordability. 
  • 49.3% of those aged 15 to 29 years who live alone cannot afford the basic necessities.  

In addition, many people face discrimination (e.g. racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, etc.) and are disproportionately impacted by barriers and the impacts of COVID-19.  

How does donating to the United Way Halifax Community Fund help?

Your donation will improve local lives, and empower a network of local programs and services. We’ll use our expertise to invest your donation in the supports and changes that marginalized people in our community need the most — before, during and after a crisis. 

What kind of support is needed?  

People living in crisis and experiencing poverty need more than one type of support. The support needed in our community includes: safe shelter; nutritious meals; connection and friendship; dignity and respect; mental health care; belonging; and long-term solutions. Any group of 100,000 people will reflect the diversity of our community, so the supports must also reflect their diverse needs and experiences. 

Will my donation help all 100,000 people?  

Every donated dollar will help to shorten the list of people needing support.