SPEAK OUT
To end poverty, we must tackle it from all sides. It’s important we help struggling children, adults and families but it’s not enough. We must advocate for policies and programs that fight the root causes of poverty at all levels of government.
Here are our top priorities, and how you can get involved.
Self Sufficiency Standard
Many families are struggling to stretch their wages to meet the costs of basic necessities. Though often not deemed “poor” by the official poverty measure, these families lack enough income to meet the rising costs of essentials such as food, housing, transportation, and health care. The 2020 Self-Sufficiency Standard meets the need for a measure of income adequacy that more accurately tracks and measures the true cost of living that families face today.
Two Generation Approach
UWGG’s Family Success Centers partner with families to support their transition from poverty into financial stability through personalized coaching and strategically bundled and sequenced services offered in a central location. The FSC model was built on four main principles: 2-generational, place-based, one-stop-shop, and long-term case management. A unique component of this approach is the provision of transportation assistance and high-quality child development services, free to FSC members participating in on-site programming, in order to remove the top participation barriers.
Housing
High levels of residential segregation are intertwined with inequality and lack of access to opportunity. Increased concentrations of poverty and segregation are often in the same neighborhoods that face unequal access to jobs, education, and other services, limiting fair housing choice. Understanding the City of Greensboro’s 2019-2024 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, we advocate for policies and programs that increase supply and improve conditions for all families to secure safe and affordable housing.
A Job, A Good Job, A Career
We believe that members of our community don’t just need a job, but they need a good job and career. We encourage local companies to offer equitable career opportunities and we partner with as many companies as possible to offer employment to Family Success Center members.
Tax Benefits for Working Families
We support the reauthorization of federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit improvements and the expansion of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Benefits Cliff
Working individuals in poverty may earn just enough to disqualify them from public benefits, but not enough to afford basic needs. We support policies that gradually decrease benefits as income rises.
Champion a cause. You can bring about change by using your voice.
United Way of Greater Greensboro recognizes that to achieve our goal of breaking the cycle of poverty, we must advance public policies that support our mission. We need your support. Speak out about the issues that matter to you. We encourage you to reach out to your elected officials, wear your LIVE UNITED t-shirt and show your support. Speak out. Be heard. Live United.
SPEAK OUT IN GUILFORD COUNTY
STORIES OF IMPACT
United Way of Greater Greensboro announces new board members and strategic investments
GREENSBORO, NC (July 3, 2024) – United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) convened its annual meeting, welcoming 11 new and returning board members and unveiling strategic investments exceeding $5 million. This funding bolsters investments supporting 52 transformative programs, including nationally recognized Family Success Centers (FSC) and the innovative Guilford Success Network Pilot (GSN). “United Way […]
Community Support of MeaningFULLMeals Food Drive Especially Needed This Year
Greensboro, NC (July 1, 2024) – United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) is mobilizing the community throughout July with its annual MeaningFULL Meals program in partnership with BackPack Beginnings (BPB). Eleven years ago, UWGG started MeaningFULL Meals as nutrition project that seeks food donations to help feed school children in need during summer break – and this year, the need is greater […]
Six Local Campaign Partners and Volunteer Honored with United Way Spirit of NC Awards
Greensboro, NC (May 17, 2024) – Six local United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) annual campaign partners and one volunteer leader were recently honored with Spirit of North Carolina Awards, which celebrate organizations and individuals for their exemplary partnership demonstrated through fundraising, volunteering, outstanding leadership, and creative team building. The Spirit of North Carolina Award offers local United Ways an opportunity to nominate […]
