$517K in expenses

211 information and referral programunited way of the csra's 211 remains the region's most comprehensive resource for connecting individuals and families to critical services. In 2024, 211 responded to 27,950 inquiries via phone and web, providing direct assistance and referrals for emergency aid, housing, food access, healthcare, and employment resources. As a central hub for community services, 211 has expanded to incorporate multiple direct support initiatives, ensuring that residents receive more than just informationthey receive tangible, life-changing solutions. United way of the csra's 211 champions numerous impactful initiatives, including the following:emergency rent, utility assistance, and disaster reliefunited way's rent and utility assistance fund, fueled by corporate and philanthropic donations, helped 485 households remain housed in 2024. This fund also served as a lifeline for families recovering from hurricane helene, with additional support from united way's disaster relief fund. Disaster recovery & relief: united way mobilized quickly in response to hurricane helene, partnering with golden harvest, the american red cross augusta chapter, first baptist church of augusta, the city of augusta, and airbnb to provide emergency shelter, meals, and financial assistance. Direct financial aid: more than 750 households received direct financial assistance for temporary housing, home repairs, and essential needs following the hurricane. Community resource distribution: collaborations with gofundme and united way of southeastern louisiana secured emergency funding, while food, hygiene kits, and emergency supplies were distributed to over 5,000 individuals across affected areas.this integrated approach to disaster relief ensures that families not only receive immediate assistance but are also connected to long-term recovery resources through 211's extensive partner network.ride united transportation initiativetransportation remains a key barrier to financial security. Through ride united, united way provided over 12,000 rides in 2024 for individuals needing transportation to work, job interviews, healthcare appointments, and other essential services.last mile delivery emergency food assistancerecognizing that transportation barriers also affect food access, united way launched last mile delivery in 2024 to provide emergency food assistance to those unable to reach food pantries. In the fourth quarter alone, united way helped 113 individuals experiencing food insecurity by delivering emergency food bags and connecting them with long-term food solutions.this initiative strengthens united way's commitment to holistic service delivery, ensuring that families not only receive immediate food assistance but also sustainable solutions to address ongoing food insecurity.singlecare prescription assistanceunited way continues its partnership with singlecare, formerly familywize, to make prescription medications more affordable. In 2024, 3,125 residents saved a total of $289,670 on prescription costs, with singlecare cards providing much-needed relief for uninsured and underinsured individuals.since its launch in the csra, singlecare has facilitated over $3.6 million in prescription savings, reinforcing 211's role as a gateway to critical healthcare services.volunteer income tax assistance (vita) programunited way's vita program offers free tax preparation services to individuals and families with low to moderate incomes, ensuring they receive the refunds and credits they are entitled to. In 2024, vita helped over 1,200 households file their taxes, securing more than $1.8 million in refunds for local families.through IRS-certified volunteers, vita not only provides tax preparation but also promotes financial literacy and stability, reinforcing united way's commitment to financial security in the community.

$483K in expenses

Grant awards for local programs:united way of the csra continues to invest in high-impact programs that align with our healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency focus areas. In 2024, we transitioned from traditional grantmaking to a collaborative funding model, prioritizing partnerships that address critical service gaps and create long-term solutions.funded agencies must meet specific standards to receive grants and utilize the united way community partner designation. Funding decisions are driven by rigorous evaluation, including quarterly impact reports, financial accountability reviews, and volunteer panel site visits.programs receiving united way funding in 2024 focused on: healthy community: supporting access to healthcare, mental health resources, and wellness programs. Youth opportunity: enhancing educational support, mentoring, and after-school programs. Financial security: providing workforce development, job training, and financial literacy resources. Community resiliency: strengthening crisis response, disaster preparedness, and emergency assistance efforts.

$301K in expenses

Americorps*vista (volunteers in service to america):united way of the csra continued its americorps vista program in 2024, securing $36,155 in federal funding to support nonprofit capacity-building efforts. The 12 americorps vista members placed in local area nonprofits provided wraparound services to strengthen early learning programs and support families with children.the vista program's impact included: $276,986 in stipends awarded to vista members for their 12-month service term. 357 volunteers recruited, contributing 459 service hours to local initiatives. 5,129 individuals served through vista-supported programs.this initiative enhances united way's ability to address systemic challenges, ensuring nonprofits have the resources and support needed to expand services and improve community outcomes.

$537K in expenses

Mission united supporting veterans and military familiesa significant milestone in 2024 was the launch of mission united, an initiative designed to support veterans and military families in the csra. United way convened its first-ever partnership meeting with regional veteran service organizations, bringing together agencies to assess the needs of local veterans. Early findings highlight gaps in housing, employment, mental health services, and family support, which will shape future investments and collaborations. Mission united strengthens united way's commitment to those who have served, ensuring that veterans and their families have access to the resources they need to thrive.there when people need it, a vital, proven part of the human service infrastructure.