1. 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.

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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 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 made me realize that there are people that do care and now I have somewhere to turn.”

7. IMPROVING THE FINANCIAL BOTTOM LINE
STRONG FAMILIES
IMPROVING THE FINANCIAL BOTTOM LINE
So far, we have deployed the Center for Strong Families program 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.

8. 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!”

9. 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.

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