United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Community Impact

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Investing in Results
HELP FOR PEOPLE IN CRISIS

LIVE UNITED:
Investing in Results

REAL CHANGES
REAL IMPACT
REAL RESULTS

STRENGTHENING THE REGION’S SAFTEY NET

REAL CHALLENGES

Now more than ever, people in crisis need a secure safety net of support for their basic needs in times of crisis. United Way invests strategically in efforts that provide basic needs and crisis support that not only relieve the immediate problem, but start people on the path of overcoming those challenges and achieving stability. Basic needs include housing, shelter, food, health care (includes medical, dental and substance abuse), mental health, clothing, utility assistance, personal care, and transportation services. Crisis support includes disaster relief and services related to neglect, abuse, exploitation and respite care.

Unemployment is rising in every county in the Philadelphia area - 6.1% in Chester County, 6.8% in Montgomery County, and 7.2% in Delaware County., and 9.7% in Philadelphia.
Last year, close to 160,000 Philadelphia families had their utilities cut off.
In Delaware County, the foreclosure rate has almost doubled, and in Philadelphia, approximately 4,000 people are homeless on any given day.
Demand at area food banks is up 30% so far this year
In 2007, 121 people lost their lives to domestic violence, and nearly 198,000 adults and children were victims of crime.

A UNITED APPROACH

As the regional safety net frays because of recession, government budget crises and increased demand, United Way brings together the most effective and efficient providers of emergency health and human support in a common cause to serve those in the most need with targeted support helping them to get back on their feet.

Our Food for Thought initiative at in January and February brought together food banks and area businesses to collect food and raise funds at a time that contributions to food banks are at their lowest – the period right after the winter holidays.
Through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, United Way distributes federal funds to area shelters and food banks and works closely with public agencies to help people in crisis and prevent homelessness.
In partnership with the American Red Cross, United Way works to strengthen the capacity of nonprofits to respond at times of disaster and assure that their most needy clients are cared for.

WE ALL WIN WHEN THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL

REAL CHANGE

United Way is committed to supporting and advocating for a stronger safety net for those in urgent need. In the past year, programs supported by Community Impact Fund dollars:

Providing emergency housing services to over 4,500 individuals.
Provided food, clothing or cash assistance to over 30,000 people.
Provided counseling and other supports to over 24,000 victims of crime, domestic violence, or child abuse.

Impact on the Region’s Safety Net

Providing Support for Basic Needs

Your Community Impact Funds provide critical support to our regional safety net for those in crisis by:

Supporting emergency housing services including shelter, transitional housing and housing counseling.
Meeting urgent needs for food, clothing and shelter.
Preventing homelessness through foreclosure prevention, housing counseling and utility, mortgage and rental assistance.
Providing specialized support for victims of disaster, child abuse, crime and domestic violence and people with physical or behavioral disabilities.

A sample of your investment’s performance, YEAR ONE:

Goal		Actual
3,210	Individuals who received emergency housing services	4,553
28,115	Individuals who received food, clothing or cash assistance	30,062
19,037	Individuals receiving domestic violence, crime victim or child abuse services	24,115
4,372	Individuals receiving behavioral health services	5,532