Community Donation Warehouse
Through our Community Donation Warehouse we build relationships with corporate and logistics partners, creating a community-based solution giving new life to unused inventory. The program enables United Way to further support agencies in achieving their missions, while enhancing the scope and impact of our own work.
Rising community needs have put a strain on existing systems and resources, as the non-profit sector continues to be challenged with unpredictable funding. United Way launched the Community Donation Warehouse to provide additional support to agencies as they support vulnerable members of our community.
What is the Community Donation Warehouse?
Social service agencies are often stretched to capacity, making it difficult for them to afford anything beyond their tight budgets. United Way Halton & Hamilton’s Community Donation Warehouse program allows our agency partners to access items ranging from cleaning and hygiene supplies to furniture and technology, enabling them to focus resources on their mission and critical work with clients in community.
Making a cup of coffee in the morning is something that many of us take for granted, but marginalized neighbours may not even own a coffee maker. While the community donation warehouse program provides basic necessities such as diapers and personal hygiene products, it also provides household and recreational items to people in need, thus reducing barriers, improving quality of life and fostering a more inclusive community. Many of these items are typically considered luxuries that people in poverty would never have the opportunity enjoy.
How it works
United Way Halton & Hamilton Community Donation Warehouse launched in early 2020 in partnership with local businesses and individuals looking to make in-kind donations. United Way distributes donations to partner agencies throughout all of our communities. Agencies must use donations received from United Way to support their charitable mission by sharing with program recipients or utilizing the items within the agency operations.
The Community Donation Warehouse operates in partnership with Community Living Burlington, providing volunteer and life skills training to individuals living with developmental disabilities.
Approved agencies can register for appointments at various times throughout the year. Inventory is always changing and unpredictable. Items are available in the following categories: children/youth, electronics/appliances, housewares, cleaning/hygiene, oversized items, sporting/outdoor.
Impact in Community
- Virtual Music Lessons for vulnerable individuals unable to attend regular programming
- New house wares, furnishings, beddings, etc. for women fleeing human trafficking and domestic violence
- Enhanced gardening programing for individuals living with developmental disabilities
- New office furnishings for a small agency forced to relocate but struggling to find the dollars to do so
- Games and toys or children no longer able to attend camp or regular programs
“Thank you to United Way Halton & Hamilton for their generous acts of giving. Through their Community Donation Warehouse, we have been able to empower girls impacted by human sex trafficking. Donations like this help to strengthen their well-being and support them on their reintegration journey. Thank you for your commitment to our community! It is an honour to partner with UWHH in an effort to help women and girls. Your continued support sustains our mission and makes all of the difference.”
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible to receive donations, agencies must meet the following eligibility requirements:
OPTION 1: Currently a United Way Halton & Hamilton supported agency
OR
OPTION 2: Non-Currently funded agency:
- Be or be sponsored by an incorporated registered charitable agency/organization with the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Have a clearly stated purpose and function within the voluntary human and social service sector operating and service the Halton and/or Hamilton communities.
- Be governed by an active volunteer Board of Directors whose members reflects the community it serves, and that meets regularly.
- Adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code and not exclude anyone from service, accommodation or employment by reason of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, or disability.
- Have financial statements that have been audited by a licensed public accountant (or financial review for charities or not-for-profits with annual revenues less than $100,000).
- If above criteria is met, please click here to apply to receive donations from our warehouse
Organizations that are primary health care providers, mandated government services, environmental, political, heritage, or religious in nature, are not eligible.
If above criteria is met, please click here to apply to receive donations from our warehouse
Employee Volunteering
Volunteer opportunities at the Community Donation Warehouse are happening NOW! Connect with Kayla Willet for more information on making a donation or volunteering kwillet@uwhh.ca