ASSISTING PEOPLE IN NEED: United Way helps where it’s needed most.
More than12 percent of Buchanan County residents live in poverty. Among
the under-18 population, the rate increases to 15 percent. By developing
innovative solutions as well as working through traditional programs,
United Way meets a wide range of critical needs.
Over the past five years, United Way has focused resources to address the issue of homelessness. In addition to supporting established emergency shelter programs, United Way convened a taskforce on homelessness, allocated funding for additional shelter during cold weather, and participated in the community’s Continuum of Care. United Way provided a local match for a federal grant to Catholic Charities that subsidizes long-term housing for women leaving the YWCA Abuse Shelter. At the end of 2006, United Way also welcomed a new partner agency, Community Missions Corporation, which offers transitional housing for homeless men.
- 1,094 homeless persons stayed in United Way-supported emergency shelters. In addition, United Way takes an active role in the Continuum of Care that is working to transition clients to stable housing. In 2006, partner agencies launched new housing programs that provide transitional housing for men and long-term housing for women. A new transitional housing program for women begins this year.
- 386 women and children who were victims of domestic violence stayed in protective shelter.
- 110 families (381 individuals) were provided with disaster relief assistance.
- 1,231 families received rent or utility assistance.
- 16,145 contacts were made to United Way’s information and referral agency.
- 1,107 hours of individual therapy were supplied to victims of sexual assault.
- 691 children from low-income households received school supplies
