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INCOME: Promoting financial stability and independence

Current Legislation

     Act Now:

     ⇒Support the Family Tax Relief Act of 2008!

     ⇒Support the Savings for Working Families Act!

     ⇒Support the Calling for 2-1-1 Act!

Given the cost of living today; a family needs to earn at least 2.5 times the federal poverty level to be considered financially stable in most communities.  United Way will advocate for policies to enable the nation's lower-income families and individuals to increase income, build savings, and grow assets, so that this population may enjoy not only decreased debt and sustained income, but also the ability to work towards attaining stable housing, post-secondary education or workforce training, entrepreneurship, or retirement.  United Way of America will work to support state and local United Way public policy efforts that serve to advance this goal.

New Food Stamp Campaign Under Way

SNAP

Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of Americans will be newly eligible for food stamps or increased benefits under new program rules in effect as of October 1, 2008, as a result of provisions included in the 2008 Farm Bill.  The administration began a public-relations campaign to inform the public of changes to the program.  Key changes include:

  • Change in name from Food Stamp Program to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Eased eligibility requirements
  • Raise in the minimum monthly benefit from $10.00 to $14.00

The Farm Bill's biggest budgetary provision was...read more...

Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

EFSP
FEMA Community Relations Officer Doug Williams and United Way volunteers help distribute ice, water and food to Riveria Beach residents affected by Hurricane Frances

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a federal initiative that meets the needs of the nation’s hungry and homeless, along with those at risk of becoming homeless due to emergency and/or economic downturn.  Federal funds are used to supplement the work of local agencies providing food, shelter, and utility assistance.  

EFSP is an example of United Way’s efforts to advance the common good. For United Way this means the creation of opportunities, the prevention of problems, and helping everyone in the community reach his or her full potential. In essence, we all win when a child succeeds in school, when a neighborhood turns around, when workers have good jobs, and when families have good health, shelter and nutrition. Since its inception in 1983, EFSP has distributed more than $2.9 billion to more than 2,500 cities and counties nationwide. With the participation of nearly 12,000 local nonprofit, faith-based, and government agencies, it is an extraordinary example of a public/private partnership tailored to the most pressing needs of communities and families. EFSP distributes funds to the neediest areas of the country quickly, utilizing only a small percentage of the funds for administrative costs. In FY 2006, with funding of only $151 million, EFSP provided 4.3 million meals, 285,000 nights of shelter, 88,411 utility payments, and 64, 586 rent and mortgage payments...read more...

Congress Approves LIHEAP Funding Increase

LIHEAP

September 30, 2008:  President Signs FY09 with $5.1 Billion in LIHEAP Funding:  

$5.1 Billion is a $2.6 billion dollar increase over FY2008 funding and reflects recognition among law makers of the immediate need  for low-income energy assistance as energy prices soar in this time of economic turmoil.  Thanks to all United Way advocates who contacted their Members of Congress in support of the increased funding level!

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay the winter heating bills or summer cooling bills of low-income and elderly people...read more...