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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 hosts Conversations with Community Leaders, Featuring Panel Discussion on Health Disparities and the Impact on Our Community

United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) is excited to invite you to attend Conversations with Community Leaders featuring a panel discussion on Health Disparities and the Impact on Our Community on December 12, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Dana Auditorium, located at Guilford College. Make plans to attend UWGG’s last event of the year […]

United Way Hosts Annual Trunk-or-Treat Event on October 29

Thousands of Children and Families Are Expected to Attend United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Annual Trunk-or-Treat Hosted by Young Leaders Greensboro, NC (October 19, 2023) – United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) and Young Leaders (YL) will host its annual Trunk-or-Treat on October 29, 2 – 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the […]

United Way Announces New Campaign Chair, and Invites Public to Campaign Kickoff on September 8

United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) is delighted to introduce Steve Swetoha, President of the Greensboro Swarm, as its new Campaign Chair of its Board of Directors. The public is invited to meet Swetoha and new President and CEO Frank McCain Jr. at UWGG’s 2023 Campaign Kickoff on September 8 from 7:30 – 9 a.m. […]