United Way distributed almost $220,000 on Wednesday to 24 Fraser Valley projects addressing poverty, homelessness and school readiness for young children.
The funds were announced during a presentation at Chilliwack Senior Secondary.
“Seven of the projects are focused on Abbotsford residents,” said Wayne Green, executive director of United Way. “We consider these important investments in our community."
The projects include programming at Autumn House – a youth transition home – and a program at Central Abbotsford Community School that provides reading adventures for children struggling in kindergarten.
Funding was also provided for projects covering the region and helping individuals from Aldergrove to Boston Bar.
Those projects include counselling for women leaving transitional housing and the Big Bunch Program for children waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister.
“By increasing the funding available from $90,000 to $217,844, we were able to include some projects that we’ve never had an opportunity to partner with,” said Green.
This includes the Raven’s Moon Resource Society, which will secure landlords, train tenants and provide mediation services for individuals who have a hard time maintaining their housing.
Green also mentioned his thanks to Robin Marshall, the 2014 campaign chair, her campaign cabinet and all of the workplace volunteers.