The Social Research and Planning Council of the Perth-Huron United Way has identified several challenges for social agencies and politicians to examine more closely.
Co-ordinator Tracy Birtch says poverty is the first concern; diet and affordable housing are next on the list.
Birtch points out that without the basics like eating and shelter taken care, of it's difficult to focus on other problems like transportation and employment.
Birtch explains that many of the jobs in the Perth-Huron area are part-time or pay low wages, so many people who work two or more jobs still struggle with the basics.
Birtch adds there remains a gap between the skills the market requires, and the skills that are available.