HELP LIFT 15,000 HOUSEHOLDS OUT OF POVERTY BY 2028, ONE FAMILY AT A TIME. We fight for individuals and families so they don’t have to choose between buying groceries or paying rent. We fight so their children have strong futures. We fight because we can do much more together, than alone.

1 IN 3 LOCAL RESIDENTS STRUGGLE TO GET BY THE NUMBER OF PIERCE COUNTY RESIDENTS STRUGGLING WITH POVERTY WOULD FILL THE TACOMA DOME AND CENTURY LINK STADIUM

USING DATA TO INFORM OUR WORK THE ALICE REPORT ON POVERTY Standardized measurements present a broad picture of financial insecurity in pierce county—and provide indicators of the biggest gaps in our community.

YOU PASS ALICE ON THE STREET EVERY DAY

WHY DO SO MANY HOUSEHOLDS STRUGGLE? THE COST OF LIVING CONTINUES TO INCREASE…

HOW DO YOU CHANGE COMMUNITY CONDITIONS? ADVANCE CHANGES IN POLICY that affect root causes of poverty and lead to systems change BE INCLUSIVE ACROSS SECTORS to ensure the best minds in the community work together   FOSTER INNOVATIVE & SCALEABLE SOLUTIONS, one neighborhood at a time ENSURE A STRONG SAFETY NET that promotes self-sufficiency. People need a hand up, not a handout

WE TRANSFORM LIVES WITH POVERTY CUTTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT HELP RESIDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING STABLE INDIVIDUALS Connecting people to basic needs & beyond to move them out of crisis and into self-sufficiency STRONG FAMILLIES Getting people on the path to financial stability and into better paying jobs COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS Supporting innovative initiatives like Hunger-Free Pierce County

WE MAKE STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS WE CAN’T DO IT ALONE. By leading, collaborating and investing in initiatives and programs, we tackle social issues with key community partners. 

WE RAISE FUNDS AND AWARENESS When you partner with united way of pierce county, you’re gaining a strategic partner for aligning your philanthropy with your goals. 

WE ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE OUR ADVOCACY AGENDA PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON STATE POLICIES AND POSITIONS THAT ADDRESS OUR WORK IN BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY. WE FOCUS ON: Ensuring there are emergency services for people in need Building strong families through economic stability Making sure children and families are healthy

MOVING PEOPLE OUT OF CRISIS INTO SELF-SUFFICIENCY STABLE INDIVIDUALS MOVING PEOPLE OUT OF CRISIS INTO SELF-SUFFICIENCY   United Way operates South Sound 2-1-1, a free resource that connects individuals and families with programs and services that help them meet basic needs via phone, text or online. We connect people in need with a trained specialist to get matched with the right services in Pierce, Thurston and Lewis Counties. UTILITIES HOUSING TRANSPORTATION BASIC FOOD BEHAVIORAL /PHYSICAL HEALTH LEGAL ASSISTANCE EMPLOYMENT AND MUCH MORE! During personal hardships and emergencies, South Sound 211 is a lifeline that can help individuals find programs and services for basic needs most of us take for granted. With the cost of living skyrocketing throughout Pierce County, too many individuals and families are struggling to afford basic needs like food, clothing and shelter.   We connect individuals and families with programs and services that help them meet their basic needs right in their community. Instead of multiple calls, this free helpline connects people in need with a trained specialist to get matched with the right services. With 211, individuals and families have access to hundreds of services and programs from Pierce, Thurston and Lewis Counties such as, Utilities, Rent, Low Cost Housing, Transportation, Shelter, Legal Assistance, Basic Food, Employment Resources, Behavioral and Physical Health and Free Tax Preparation. 211 can also be accessed via text or online.

STABLE INDIVIDUALS BASIC NEEDS includes food, clothing and shelter, an essential component of the social safety net. We helped more than 109,000 people last year. 2-1-1 MOVES PEOPLE OUT OF CRISIS Last year 2-1-1 had 78,648 total contacts 5,207 connected to rental assistance 2,926 connected to a transportation provider 250 families were connected to childcare  “Speaking with 2-1-1 made me realize that there are people that do care and now I have somewhere to turn.”

IMPROVING THE FINANCIAL BOTTOM LINE STRONG FAMILIES IMPROVING THE FINANCIAL BOTTOM LINE So far, we have deployed the Center for Strong Families in 6 low-income neighborhoods to help residents face their toughest financial challenges. Individuals get free one-on-one financial and career coaching and education to help them take control of their finances in four key areas. Families who struggle with poverty know it's more than just money they lack. Many don't know where or how to find the resources that will help get them back on solid ground.

ENABLING FAMILIES TO GROW & PROSPER LEARN Achieve a level of post-secondary education or training to prepare for higher paying jobs while building skills that lead to better jobs   Earn a sufficient family income for daily expenses, asset accumulation and minor emergencies Build savings; have good credit, manage debt and develop a goals for a realistic retirement Grow credit as an asset, develop smart debt, so families can reach long term goals like home ownership or college education EARN KEEP GROW

OUR CENTER FOR STRONG FAMILIES AT WORK 349 people benefitted from employment coaching services 95 completed training 62% increased their monthly income/$845 average 56% increased their net worth/$12,496 average 60% increased their credit scores /41 pts. average increase  “Apprenticeship training helped me to earn higher wages. I’m working toward my journey level license as a plumber and in 5 years, I’ll be making make top dollar with great benefits!”

INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS HUNGER-FREE PIERCE COUNTY We support innovative community collaborations such as getting food to hungry children and families.  The Summer Meals program ensures that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. CenturyLink volunteers gave time and talent to this important initiative.

JOIN OUR CORPORATE LEADERS FOR CHANGE

GIVE | ADVOCATE | VOLUNTEER Donate an extra $25 a month to provide 5 calls to 2-1-1 to help house people who are experiencing homelessness. Give your time to collect and sort food for the Summer Meals program for local school kids. Write your congressperson and ask them to support hard working families struggling to make ends meet. Never stop fighting for what’s right for all members of our community. You are a difference maker!

YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO HELP CHANGE LIVES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR 100% CONSIDERATION!