Promoting financial stability and self sufficiency

United Way of Western Connecticut seeks to identify and address underlying causes as an effective way of tackling issues and transforming communities. Yet, community issues stemming from personal, economic, and environmental factors are growing increasingly more complex. The rising costs of housing, healthcare, utilities, and education, coupled with changes in the economy, have left many hardworking individuals struggling to support themselves and their families. 

United Way is not in the business of providing direct services, but we do work with our community partners to find ways that we can help people achieve greater, long term success.

One way to help the community in the near term is to increase awareness around tax credits.  One of these is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families.  Some 20 to 25 percent of people are unaware that they are eligible for the tax credit!

Community Impact Initiatives

Community impact initiatives focus clearly on both the lives they aim to beenfit and the community conditions they must change in order to improve lives.

United Way's Financial Stability Partnership™, a national initiative focused on financial stability and independence, is designed in steps to help individuals and families to get off the financial tightrope.  It helps them to overcome basic subsistence needs, and plan for the future.  Some of the beneficial results of this initiative include homeownership, retirement planning, an established saving account, access to credit, small business development, effective financial management, and access to quality childcare and education programs.  Through this kind of initiative, we bring our resources and partners to the table so the community as a whole can achieve the vision it sets.

United Way  of Western Connecticut creates opportunities for all people to secure safe and affordable housing, acquire skills and training to maintain employment and achieve financial stability leading toward independence.  We are investing over $1,225,000 into programs and initiatives that increase people’s ability to live independently and successfully.