Poverty exists for too many families in Maricopa County: 667,000 people. The federal definition of poverty is a family of 4 making $2,000 each month. When a family is supported with the resources they need we are not only impacting the lives of parents, but of children in our community. When we decide to be game-changers and unite, we fight for families.
“Poverty thrives in isolation. Families, whether by blood or by choice, are a vital support system that continues on the important work at night, on weekends, during the times when it is needed most.”
– Jayson Matthews
Valley of the Sun United Way Hunger Expert
End Hunger At Home And In The Classroom
Focusing on anything is difficult while you’re hungry, let alone trying to focus on school work or obtaining a job. That’s why Valley of the Sun United Way connects with partners across the Valley to provide emergency meals, Breakfast in the Classroom, and WeekEnd Hunger Backpacks for kids and their families.
More About Breakfast in the Classroom
More About WeekEnd Hunger Backpacks
End Homelessness
The number of people experiencing homelessness each night, without a place of their own to sleep, far outweighs the number of shelter beds available. We believe that everyone should have a safe place to spend the night. By working on multiple solutions to homelessness, we are addressing the problems at their root. Our diversion partners allow us to help prevent homelessness before it happens while emergency shelters offer an emergency service, and permanent supportive housing gives people the support they need for a long-term solution.
More About Emergency Shelter & Diversion
More About Permanent Supportive Housing
Increase Financial Stability
Because everyone’s finances are different, it can be a challenge for many people to know how to manage them in a beneficial way. To give people personalized assistance on their journey to financial stability, United Way has partnered with The Siemer Institute for Financial Stability to help families address each person’s financial and educational goals. We have also partnered with financial coaches throughout the Phoenix area, offering the only free training for financial coaches on how to create a personalized approach to working with families that come to them for help.
