As many as one-third of working Americans do not earn
enough money to meet their basic needs. These individuals are walking a
financial tightrope - they are barely able to get by, with no ability to save
for college, a home, or for retirement. With your help, United Way is working
to cut in half the number of lower-income families who are financially
unstable. If we're successful, by 2018 1.9 million working families will be on
the road to economic independence. Learn
More about United Way's Ambitious 10 year Goals.
The community and family issues that stem from
the economic and financial pressures facing individuals and their families are
growing increasingly complex and more difficult to address. Wages have
not kept pace with the rising cost of housing, healthcare, and education in
many areas, and skill levels have not stayed in alignment with changing
industry needs. As a result, more than 12 percent of the U.S. population
has an income below the federal poverty level, in spite of the fact that many
are employed, some with two or three jobs.
The United Way Financial Stability Partnership was created to strengthen
communities by identifying and tacking the underlying causes of the financial
hardship facing today's families. United Ways bring together cross-sector
partners to help lower-income individuals and families achieve financial
independence by empowering them with the tools and skills necessary to maximize
their income, build savings and gain assets.
