UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL IOWA BLOG

A United Way of Central Iowa OpportUNITY initiative helps ensure anyone 18 and under in our community continues to not only receive food, but nutritious food when they’re not in school.

In mid-September 2020, Rev. Jonathan Whitfield arrived late to a meeting. The group gathered, representing fellow members of the faith community and social service organizations, had been meeting weekly to discuss creating a new initiative to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations among underserved populations and communities of color in Polk County. The pastor sat solemnly for a few minutes listening to the other members tick-off agenda items, and then shared his story.

Summer Meal Meet-Ups, a program offering free meals to kids throughout the summer, invites anyone ages 18 and under to one of the many meal sites in Iowa to receive free and nutritious meals.

Broadlawns Medical Center and United Way of Central Iowa are requesting donations of fabric face masks to support their Healthier Together – It’s a Win for All initiative. Make, purchase, or give to help get fabric face masks to our underserved populations. Your donation will help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

On December 19, 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau released its 2018 five-year estimates for different data points, including population, housing, and income. Within the release, the results showed improvement from the previous year for the percentage of individuals in central Iowa who are financially self-sufficient, increasing from 67.0 percent to 67.7 percent.

Though 0.7 percent may seem small, it translates into 11,000 more financially self-sufficient central Iowans than in 2017, and more than 36,000 financially self-sufficient central Iowans than 3 years ago. It’s also 0.7 percent closer to our Income Goal of increasing the percentage of central Iowans who are financially self-sufficient to 75 percent by 2020.

A 24/7 Housing Interpretation Hotline has been launched to connect central Iowa landlords with residents who have language barriers. The effort is led by OpportUNITY’s New Iowans work group in partnership with the Iowa International Center, U.S. Committee for Refugee and Immigrants, HOME Inc., Polk County Health Department, the Iowa Department of Human Services, and the Bureau of Refugee Services.

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? 

The percentage of central Iowans who were financially self-sufficient increased to 67% in 2017, up 1.1% from the previous year and up 1.8% since 2015, according to the latest U.S. Census data released this December.

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded United Way of Central Iowa’s Central Iowa Works a $1.8 million grant to support individuals returning from prison to become employed and avoid re-offending.

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.