UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL IOWA BLOG

Ideas for how you can join the movement and participate in #GivingTuesdayNow.

At the LIVE UNITED celebration on April 24, 2019, United Way of Central Iowa announced progress toward the community’s Goals for 2020 in Education, Income, and Health with the release of its 2019 Community Impact Report. The event also honored Athene with the Spirit of Central Iowa award, along with several organizations and individuals for their efforts to improve central Iowa over the past year.

Poverty seems like an impossible problem to solve. Many barriers prevent individuals from achieving financial stability, and the solutions seem just as puzzling. 

Yet, there is something we all can do. It starts by asking this one question: How can I help? 

Central Iowans are among the worst in the nation for consuming fruits and vegetables. According to the Gallup-Sharecare Well-being Index, Des Moines is ranked 185 out of 186 communities for consuming fruits and vegetables.

Only half of Iowans frequently consume produce at recommended levels. 

One in three central Iowans doesn't earn enough to cover basic expenses without support. Many struggle to find enough food to eat or a place to sleep at night, while others manage by piecing together jobs and support. Yet, they are one flat tire or one emergency room visit away from crisis.

The U.S. Census focuses on federal poverty at 100% - a point where 11.1% of central Iowans cannot afford food, housing, and other basic needs. Above that level, however, 22.9% of individuals in Warren, Dallas, and Polk Counties cannot afford everything they need to survive without assistance. Many families above the 100% federal poverty line are working; yet, they are one flat tire or one emergency room visit away from crisis.

You can bring a box of hope to a family in need this holiday season.

Finding affordable housing is a barrier for many central Iowans working toward achieving financial stability. As a result, many low-income residents are spending most of their income on rent and forgoing many essential needs, such as food and medical care. Many are only one crisis away from becoming homeless.

For the past 16 months, a diverse group of central Iowans have rallied their support around the OpportUNITY initiative. Their audacious goal is to elevate 20,000 central Iowans out of poverty. Poverty is a niche game; for the hundreds of people struggling financially, there are hundreds of reasons why.

We know that central Iowans can work together to elevate their neighbors out of poverty. Poverty is more than a lack of money; it's a lack of hope.