Good deeds. Good times. Good friends.

Join others just like you and donate your dollars and time to help feed the hungry, house the homeless and fight for the most vulnerable central Iowans.

United Way LINC offers monthly volunteer opportunities and bi-annual professional development events with happy hours afterward for drinks, fun, and social connections.

Most importantly, you'll know that your annual pledge of $250 or more is invested directly in the Essential Needs (such as food and housing) of struggling central Iowans.

Essential Needs Funding

Your donation to LINC benefits United Way's Essential Needs strategies, providing funding and support to programs that provide central Iowans with the most basic of needs, like shelter, food, clothing, and more. Without access to these essential needs, children cannot learn in school, families cannot achieve financially stability, and individuals cannot enjoy any level of health and well-being. View the Essential Needs programs that receive funding by clicking below:

Why LINC Matters

All LINC dollars go to fund investments in Essential Needs, such as food and shelter. Without these needs being met, children cannot learn in school, families cannot be financially stable, and individuals cannot enjoy health and well-being.

There are 62,000 food-insecure and 5,247 homeless central Iowans. 

91% of households earning less than $20,000 annually live in housing they cannot afford (paying more than 30% of their income).

11,848 affordable homes are needed for central Iowans with low income.

Homeless children are 2x more likely to have a learning disability, repeat a grade, or be suspended from school.

 35% of Polk County households struggle to meet basic needs, up eight percent in four years.

Low-income students are 4x more likely to be chronically absent, often for reasons beyond their control, including unstable housing, unreliable transportation, or a lack of health care.

What's Working

422 individuals moved from homelessness to more stable housing in 2019.

308,389 meals and food items were served or distributed to individuals/families through United Way and LINC supported pantries and shelter services.

3,000 people received United Way-funded legal assistance to help increase financial stability. Successes include:

• 731 families/individuals stayed in their homes.
• 1,104 people received legal assistance with housing issues.
• 1,104 families/individuals were protected from losing their assets, such as income, a vehicle, or a home.

Social Media

Follow us for pictures from events, information about upcoming events, and stories about the impact you're making by being a LINC member.

Questions?

Contact Lindsay Cannaday, Director of LEAD UNITED and LINC, at 515.246.6554 or lindsay.cannaday@unitedwaydm.org.