Income

United Way Helps Americans Achieve Financial Stability

Having enough income to meet your basic needs is essential to living a good life. For families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet, life can be arduous and stressful and lead to numerous other problems. At United Way of Citrus County, we focus on helping hard-working people increase their income and empower them to build lasting financial stability throughout their lives and into retirement.

As many as one-third of working families nationwide do not make enough money to meet their basic needs. Add to that, challenges brought on by the current economic climate and it could push a family over the edge. United Way-funded programs provide assistance to individuals and families in financial crisis through a combination of rent, mortgage, utility and food vouchers. This past year, 1,594 individuals and families received assistance, enabling them to meet their basic needs and prevent homelessness. United Way also administers funds provided by the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), a federal program that helps people with economic emergency needs. This past year, $99,691.00 worth of assistance was provided to individuals and families in our community for shelter, bulk food distribution, rent and mortgage assistance, as well as utility assistance.

Today, Florida is the third leading state in foreclosure filings, with one in every 57 properties receiving a foreclosure notice. Research also shows that as many as one-third of Americans live beyond their means. United Way funds programs that provide financial education and counseling to help individuals budget and manage their money, and to prevent foreclosure.