The #UNIGNORABLE Issues

Our communities are faced with many #UNIGNORABLE issues that affect the health, wellbeing, and contributions of our neighbours. 

When we look at these challenging issues alone, we can get overwhelmed and want to look away. But when we work together, we can create change and find solutions.

Domestic violence can take several forms.

Neglect, physical violence, mental or emotional abuse, and harmful conflict are just some examples. But what all instances of domestic violence have in common is leaving the victims emotionally and physically scarred.

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There is an issue

New Brunswick has the highest police-reported rate of domestic violence in the Atlantic provinces. However, it is likely that the rates are much higher as not all domestic violence victims report to the police.

When compared with the rest of Canada, New Brunswick has the highest rate of family related murder-suicides. This indicates that not only is domestic violence common in New Brunswick, it can often take the form of extreme physical violence.

Domestic violence may not always be as simple to identify as physical harm. Mental and emotional damage can also have lasting, detrimental effects. If left unaddressed, victims of domestic violence can end up repeating the harm that was done to them and perpetuating the cycle of violence.

But there is a way forward

When we support victims of domestic violence as a community, we don’t just help them leave unsafe situations. Effective support also ensures that victims of domestic violence learn skills for healthy relationships so that they can develop the tools to break the cycle of violence.

We can make a difference

By working collaboratively across our community, we can address the root causes of domestic violence and create positive change in Central New Brunswick.

How United Way Helps

United Way believes that everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and intimate relationships. When people feel unsafe, they are not able to enjoy their lives and the situation can cause long term trauma which can impact their lives down the road. By breaking the cycle of violence, we can ensure that everyone receives the care and compassion they need from relationships which are free from harm.

United Way supports programs, services, and initiatives that provide emergency shelter, youth shelter, counselling, and outreach for those suffering from domestic violence.

United Way Funded Programs and supports

In 2019, United Way donors helped 10,882 people impacted by domestic violence.

With your support we can make domestic violence #UNIGNORABLE.

There is an issue

New Brunswick has the highest police-reported rate of domestic violence in the Atlantic provinces. However, it is likely that the rates are much higher as not all domestic violence victims report to the police.

When compared with the rest of Canada, New Brunswick has the highest rate of family related murder-suicides. This indicates that not only is domestic violence common in New Brunswick, it can often take the form of extreme physical violence.

Domestic violence may not always be as simple to identify as physical harm. Mental and emotional damage can also have lasting, detrimental effects. If left unaddressed, victims of domestic violence can end up repeating the harm that was done to them and perpetuating the cycle of violence.

But there is a way forward

When we support victims of domestic violence as a community, we don’t just help them leave unsafe situations. Effective support also ensures that victims of domestic violence learn skills for healthy relationships so that they can develop the tools to break the cycle of violence.

But there is a way forward

By working collaboratively across our community, we can address the root causes of domestic violence and create positive change in Central New Brunswick.

How United Way Helps

United Way believes that everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and intimate relationships. When people feel unsafe, they are not able to enjoy their lives and the situation can cause long term trauma which can impact their lives down the road. By breaking the cycle of violence, we can ensure that everyone receives the care and compassion they need from relationships which are free from harm.

United Way supports programs, services, and initiatives that provide emergency shelter, youth shelter, counselling, and outreach for those suffering from domestic violence.

United Way Funded Programs and supports

In 2019, United Way donors helped 10,882 people impacted by domestic violence.

With your support we can make domestic violence #UNIGNORABLE.

Long-term homelessness is a harsh life.

People trapped in this cycle tend to have shorter life expectancies, are less likely to graduate high school, and are more likely to be victims of violence and exploitation.

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There is an issue

It is estimated that at least 235,000 people experience homelessness in Canada annually – with an estimated 820 people of those right here in our community.

Last summer, 126 people accessed an emergency shelter and 79 people were identified as sleeping outside in Fredericton.

One survey showed 65% of people experiencing homelessness in Fredericton are reported to have been trapped in this cycle for 6 months or more – earlier studies showed the average duration of homelessness was 34.8 months.

But there is a way forward

Between April 2019 and June 2020, coordinated community efforts have moved over 70 people out of long-term homelessness.

Ending the cycle of homelessness not only saves lives but also is less expensive than the status quo (emergency services). Linking people to housing and supports (Housing First) has been proven to cost $20,000 - $30,000 less per year/person than traditional approaches (temporary shelters, hospitals, policing and emergency services).  

We can make a difference

By working collaboratively across our community, we can address the root causes of homelessness and create positive change in Central New Brunswick.

How United Way Helps

United Way believes that everyone deserves to have their basic needs met and this includes adequate, appropriate, and ultimately permanent housing. Without a home base, finding work, going to school, or undertaking day to day activities can be nearly impossible. A place to call home gives people the security and confidence to get back on their feet and rejoin their community with dignity.

United Way supports programs, services, and initiatives that provide emergency shelter, youth shelter, counselling, outreach for those struggling with mental health and/or addictions challenges, and second stage housing for people who are ready to take the next step towards acquiring a permanent place to live.

United Way Funded Programs and supports

In 2019, United Way donors helped individuals who found themselves homeless were provided with support and a safe place to stay.

With your support we can make homelessness #UNIGNORABLE.

There is an issue

It is estimated that at least 235,000 people experience homelessness in Canada annually – with an estimated 820 people of those in Fredericton.

Last summer, 126 people accessed an emergency shelter and 79 people were identified as sleeping outside in Fredericton.

One survey showed 65% of people experiencing homelessness in Fredericton are reported to have been trapped in this cycle for 6 months or more – earlier studies showed the average duration of homelessness was 34.8 months.

But there is a way forward

Between April 2019 and June 2020, coordinated community efforts have moved over 70 people out of long-term homelessness.

Ending the cycle of homelessness not only saves lives but also is less expensive than the status quo (emergency services). Linking people to housing and supports (Housing First) has been proven to cost $20,000 - $30,000 less per year/person than traditional approaches (temporary shelters, hospitals, policing and emergency services).  

We can make a difference

By working collaboratively across our community, we can address the root causes of homelessness and create positive change in Central New Brunswick.

How United Way Helps

United Way believes that everyone deserves to have their basic needs met and this includes adequate, appropriate, and ultimately permanent housing. Without a home base, finding work, going to school, or undertaking day to day activities can be nearly impossible. A place to call home gives people the security and confidence to get back on their feet and rejoin their community with dignity.

United Way supports programs, services, and initiatives that provide emergency shelter, youth shelter, counselling, outreach for those struggling with mental health and/or addictions challenges, and second stage housing for people who are ready to take the next step towards acquiring a permanent place to live.

United Way Funded Programs and supports

In 2019, United Way donors helped individuals who found themselves homeless were provided with support and a safe place to stay.

With your support we can make homelessness #UNIGNORABLE.

Mental health problems can negatively affect someone’s everyday life.

Left untreated, a person’s mental health problems can lead to trouble with relationships, work life, and physical health challenges.

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There is an issue

According to Statistics Canada in 2018, 10.3% of New Brunswickers aged 18-34 and 9.7% of New Brunswickers aged 50-64 reported that they perceived their own mental health as being fair or poor.

Half of New Brunswick youth in grades 6 to 12 had shown symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in the past 12 months (as of July 2020). 

Of 13,900 youth who stated they needed help with a mental health problem, 3,900 reported not receiving the help they needed. 7/10 of these youth felt uncomfortable seeking help, while 2/10 said they did not know where to go for help.

But there is a way forward

When community support and proper healthcare services are in place, people experiencing mental health problems can manage the effects of these challenges on their lives. This allows people experiencing these challenges to contribute to their communities, have a productive work life, foster fulfilling relationships, and cope with the regular stressors of life.

We can make a difference

By working collaboratively across our community, we can address the root causes of mental health problems and create positive change in Central New Brunswick.

How United Way Helps

United Way believes that we all have something important to offer our communities. When we are unwell, we lose our sense of connection to other people and are unable to contribute in meaningful ways. We know that mental health is just as important as physical health, and healthy communities are happier and more wonderful to live in.

United Way supports programs, services, and initiatives that provide emergency services, crisis intervention, counselling, outreach for those suffering from mental health problems, and meaningful ways to participate in and feel connected to community.

United Way Funded Programs and supports

In 2019, United Way donors helped 18,542 people impacted by mental health challenges.

With your support we can make mental health #UNIGNORABLE.

There is an issue

According to Statistics Canada in 2018, 10.3% of New Brunswickers aged 18-34 and 9.7% of New Brunswickers aged 50-64 reported that they perceived their own mental health as being fair or poor.

Half of New Brunswick youth in grades 6 to 12 had shown symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in the past 12 months (as of July 2020). 

Of 13,900 youth who stated they needed help with a mental health problem, 3,900 reported not receiving the help they needed. 7/10 of these youth felt uncomfortable seeking help, while 2/10 said they did not know where to go for help.

But there is a way forward

When community support and proper healthcare services are in place, people experiencing mental health problems can manage the effects of these challenges on their lives. This allows people experiencing these challenges to contribute to their communities, have a productive work life, foster fulfilling relationships, and cope with the regular stressors of life.

We can make a difference

By working collaboratively across our community, we can address the root causes of mental health problems and create positive change in Central New Brunswick.

How United Way Helps

United Way believes that we all have something important to offer our communities. When we are unwell, we lose our sense of connection to other people and are unable to contribute in meaningful ways. We know that mental health is just as important as physical health, and healthy communities are happier and more wonderful to live in.

United Way supports programs, services, and initiatives that provide emergency services, crisis intervention, counselling, outreach for those suffering from mental health problems, and meaningful ways to participate in and feel connected to community.

United Way Funded Programs and supports

In 2019, United Way donors helped 18,542 people impacted by mental health challenges.

With your support we can make mental health #UNIGNORABLE.

Children raised in poverty are likely to live in the cycle for their entire lives.

When struggling to meet their basic needs, people in poverty are often unable to enjoy or focus on other aspects of life such as leisure or civic engagement.

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There is an issue

Systemic wage gaps put certain New Brunswickers at higher risk of poverty. Disabled people, Indigenous people, and single mothers are just some social groups which are at high risk of being underpaid for their work. 

16.7% of New Brunswickers in the Fredericton/River Valley region live in a low income household. When a home has a low income, it is more likely that they will suffer from food insecurity. 7.9% of New Brunswickers in the same region suffer from moderate to severe food insecurity and may not know where their next meal is coming from.

The employment rate in the Fredericton/River Valley region is 56.9%, meaning 44.1% of people ages 15 to 64 in this region are unemployed. Unemployment can contribute to rates of poverty as households where the main provider is unemployed do not have as reliable an income as other households.

But there is a way forward

Ensuring that everyone’s basic needs are met allows people to come together to form vibrant and thriving communities. When living free of poverty, families and individuals have the capacity to focus more on how they can contribute to and better their communities. From lessening wage gaps to providing basic income to guaranteeing a livable wage, a future without poverty is possible.

We can make a difference

By working collaboratively across our community, we can address the root causes of poverty and create positive change in Central New Brunswick.

How United Way Helps

United Way believes that when everyone has their basic needs met our communities are better able to thrive. Poverty can take over people’s lives and make them unable to focus on anything but survival. Giving people the opportunity to live free of poverty means that everyone’s basic needs are met and we all are able to enjoy our lives as engaged members of our community.

United Way supports programs, services, and initiatives that provide literacy and job skills training, healthcare support, and housing support to people in poverty.

United Way Funded Programs and supports

In 2019, United Way donors helped 9,639 people impacted by poverty.

With your support we can make poverty #UNIGNORABLE.

There is an issue

Systemic wage gaps put certain New Brunswickers at higher risk of poverty. Disabled people, Indigenous people, and single mothers are just some social groups which are at high risk of being underpaid for their work. 

16.7% of New Brunswickers in the Fredericton/River Valley region live in a low income household. When a home has a low income, it is more likely that they will suffer from food insecurity. 7.9% of New Brunswickers in the same region suffer from moderate to severe food insecurity and may not know where their next meal is coming from.

The employment rate in the Fredericton/River Valley region is 56.9%, meaning 44.1% of people ages 15 to 64 in this region are unemployed. Unemployment can contribute to rates of poverty as households where the main provider is unemployed do not have as reliable an income as other households.

But there is a way forward

Ensuring that everyone’s basic needs are met allows people to come together to form vibrant and thriving communities. When living free of poverty, families and individuals have the capacity to focus more on how they can contribute to and better their communities. From lessening wage gaps to providing basic income to guaranteeing a livable wage, a future without poverty is possible.

We can make a difference

By working collaboratively across our community, we can address the root causes of poverty and create positive change in Central New Brunswick.

How United Way Helps

United Way believes that when everyone has their basic needs met our communities are better able to thrive. Poverty can take over people’s lives and make them unable to focus on anything but survival. Giving people the opportunity to live free of poverty means that everyone’s basic needs are met and we all are able to enjoy our lives as engaged members of our community.

United Way supports programs, services, and initiatives that provide literacy and job skills training, healthcare support, and housing support to people in poverty.

United Way Funded Programs and supports

In 2019, United Way donors helped 9,639 people impacted by poverty.

With your support we can make poverty #UNIGNORABLE.