United Way of Whatcom County Grants help build healthy kids, families

Stable families are healthier families. And healthier families mean healthier communities for all of us.

United Way of Whatcom County helps local individuals and families become financially stable by funding a network of local nonprofit organizations that provide access to affordable housing, nutritious meals, mental health programs, and so much more.

Who United Way serves

United Way of Whatcom County’s mission is to enable financial stability for every person in our community.

To accomplish this goal, United Way utilizes data from United for ALICE research to understand the needs of our community’s most vulnerable populations and address them in tangible, effective ways.

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and describes hardworking folks who earn above the Federal Poverty Level, but less than what it takes to cover the cost of living in their communities.

People who fall into this ALICE category often have one or more jobs, but still struggle to make ends meet for a variety of reasons, including stagnant wages, skyrocketing housing prices, inflation, the cost of childcare, and more.

According to the most recent United for ALICE data, of the 20,510 households with children in Whatcom County, 6,411 were at or below the ALICE threshold.

That’s roughly 31% of households with children in our community.

When families struggle to afford even the basics like food, rent, or medical treatment, the toll on children is staggering.

Children in struggling households are likelier to have behavioral issues, struggle in school, and have physical and mental health problems (ALICE in Focus: Children, 2022).

Financial instability for families is often multi-faceted, and always complex. The struggles one family may face are often different from what another family may experience.

How United Way helps

By funding a collaborative network of local nonprofit organizations addressing three key areas of impact, United Way of Whatcom County tackles the issue of financial instability in a holistic way.

These focus areas are the critical building blocks that help individuals and families achieve financial stability and include the following:

Basic needs:

For many families, a safe housing situation and/or nutritious meals are not guaranteed. United Way of Whatcom County partner agencies provide stable housing, food/meals, and other vital services to help meet the basic needs of families who are struggling.

When people are able to get their basic needs met, they are much better equipped to focus on the next steps toward achieving stability.

Improving economic mobility: Job training and educational programs funded by United Way help working parents develop new skills and find and maintain gainful employment to provide for their families.

Services include literacy and language classes, work opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and a variety of vocational training programs.

These tools and resources allow individuals and families to increase their earning power and gain valuable skills to move them forward.

Breaking cycles of poverty:

United Way of Whatcom County’s overarching goal is to break the cycle of poverty in our community.

According to the ALICE data, 36% of households in Whatcom County are at or below the ALICE income threshold.

The reasons behind these struggles are complicated, which is why United Way funds a variety of nonprofits working to remove barriers and challenges that keep our friends and neighbors from reaching their full potential.

Funding programs that provide quality early learning, childcare, and parenting support, abuse and violence prevention, mental health services, academic achievement programs and other supports for local families helps build new and healthy pathways to possibility.

United for a brighter future

In their most recent grant cycle (2022-2023), United Way of Whatcom County awarded $700,813 in grant funding to 22 local nonprofits working together to build a stronger, healthier Whatcom County.

Since 2020, United Way has also given out $243,000 in COVID relief funding, $25,000 in flood relief, and invested over $125,000 in childcare solutions.

Making sure Whatcom County kids and families have access to high quality early learning opportunities, childcare, and parent support programs is a critical element of their work to enable financial stability for every person in our community.

By partnering with a multitude of businesses, volunteers, and supportive donors, United Way is leading a community-driven effort to bring about positive change in Whatcom County.

For more information about United Way of Whatcom County, visit www. unitedwaywhatcom.org