Building economic security

Building economic security

Lift United

WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST

Families struggling to make ends meet are often one flat tire or unexpected medical bill away from not being able to pay their rent that month.

CHILDHOOD POVERTY

38%

of Latinx children who live in poverty in Rhode Island (RI KIDS COUNT 2024 Factbook)

HOME OWNERSHIP

<40%

38.9% of Black RIers and 35.9% of Latinx RIers are homeowners compared to Whites (70.1%)
(United Health Foundation

LIVING IN POVERTY

187,746

living in poverty as of 2022, at a poverty rate of 17.9% (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities)

POVERTY RATE

11.2%

1 in 9 RIers live in poverty as of 2022
(EPI 2024 Standard of Need factbook)

LOW INCOME

337,000

RIers were poor or low-income between 2018-2020, at a poverty rate of 32%
(RI Poor People’s Campaign 2024 factsheet)

WHAT WE'RE DOING TO BUILD ECONOMIC SECURITY

Supporting adult education, job training, and businesses owned by women and minorities

We are advocating and investing to:

  • Expand access to adult educations and job training programs, especially for multi-language learners.
  • Ensure these programs train our neighbors for the livable wage jobs of tomorrow, as well as of today.
  • Support the growth and stability of businesses owned by women and minorities in Rhode Island, which in turn will drive economic growth in our state.
PBN image of Genesis Center job training for strength in numbers article
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Securing affordable housing for all

We are investing in and advocating for systems and programs that re-imagine housing so that it is safe and affordable for all who live in our state.

Investing in care coordination for 211 callers

When Rhode Islanders call 211, they are in crisis or one step away from a crisis. While continuing to connect the roughly 200,000 callers each year with the resources they need right away, we are developing a social service care coordination system so that 211 callers will have more comprehensive support and more streamlined access to the resources they need. Improved efficiencies in the social service sector with improved speed of access to services will improve health and wellbeing of Rhode Islanders. We’re starting this year by transforming our 211 technology.

Working towards our Lift United 2025 Goals

LIVE United 2025: Lift United

Building Economic Security

Through our Lift United pillar, we’re investing in affordable housing, improving care coordination, and expanding access to adult education and job training. We’re also supporting the growth and stability of women- and minority-owned businesses.

Person wearing a white hardhat inside while holding a coffee
Goal: Employment

Reduce the number of Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) who are underemployed or unemployed by 25%.

Source: Dept. of Labor and Training (2019)
Frequency: TBA

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Housing is a fundamental human right and, today, too many Rhode Islanders are on the brink of homelessness

Goal: Affordable Housing

Reduce the number of Rhode Islanders who are housing cost burdened by 25%.

Key: Housing Cost Burdened
Blue = No, Orange = Yes

Percentage of Cost Burdened

Number of Cost Burdened

Source: HousingWorks RI Annual FactBook
Frequency: Annual

HOW YOU CAN HELP BUILD ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL

Join us. That's what it means to "Live United." We can't do this alone.

Vote

Vote yes on 3 for the housing bond special election in February 2020.

Pledge

Sign our equity pledge to join us in eliminating policies that disadvantage Rhode Islanders of color.

Give

Donate today or through your employer’s annual giving campaign to support our efforts.

UWRIO Featured

Reflecting the Communities We Serve

At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe the people leading and guiding our work should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Over the past five years, we have been intentional about building a staff and board whose lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives mirror those of Rhode Islanders across the state. 

Today, nearly half of our board members identify as people of color, compared to 38% of Rhode Island’s population, ensuring that voices from historically underrepresented communities help shape our strategy, funding decisions, and advocacy priorities. 

Our staff, too, represents a broad range of racial, ethnic, and cultural identities, bringing language skills, community knowledge, and professional expertise that make our work stronger and more inclusive. 

This diversity matters. It helps us listen more deeply, partner more authentically, and ensure that equity is not just a goal, but a value reflected in every decision we make. 

Why it matters: When leadership reflects the community, solutions are more inclusive, responsive, and effective. 

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Internally United

As we reflect on the last five years, it’s clear that the impact we create in the community depends on the strength of the organization behind it—which is why our own growth and evolution deserve to be part of this story. We have invested not only in our community but in ourselves—building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected United Way. From embracing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) values in everything we do, to strengthening our workplace culture, aligning staff and board leadership with the communities we serve, and modernizing how we work together, this internal transformation has made us a better partner to Rhode Island. 

Living Our Values: JEDI Culture and a Best Place to Work 

At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe that building a stronger, more just state starts within our own walls. Guided by the Live United 2025 plan, we have worked to create a workplace where Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) are not just ideals—they are everyday practices. 

Our team reflects the communities we serve—multicultural, multidimensional, and deeply committed to equity. We focus on strengths-based leadership, ensuring every staff member can do what they do best, supported by professional development and a culture that values collaboration, respect, and shared purpose. 

This focus on people and values is why employees have voted United Way one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island for six years. Staff consistently cite the combination of mission-driven work, community impact, and an inclusive environment as reasons why United Way is a place where they feel proud to work and grow. 

Our JEDI commitment is woven through our strategic priorities, our internal culture, and the way we partner with the community. By living these values every day, we aim to model the kind of equity-centered leadership that drives lasting change across Rhode Island. 

Why it matters: When we build an inclusive, mission-driven workplace, we attract and retain the talent needed to advance equity and strengthen communities statewide. 

 

JEDI STAFF Testimonials  

“I can personally attest to United Way’s commitment to equity. When life took a hard turn for me, the organization, and our leadership, demonstrated what it truly means to live our values, putting their words into action. They stood by me and made sure I had what I needed to fulfill my role, and to continue growing and thriving. This experience affirmed for me that our culture is not performative; it is authentic, lived, and practiced.”  

Courtney Smith – Director of Innovation and Community Outreach, United Way of RI  

“I couldn't have finished college without the team's support and the amazing mentors I had along the way… it is a breath of fresh air to see a team that regards themselves as family. As a first-generation college student, I am thankful that I get to share one of my biggest accomplishments with the people who believed in me and took a chance.”  

Ana Mercado, Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable, United Way of RI 

 

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Equity Challenge: Building a Shared Language for Change

Achieving racial equity and social justice begins with learning—and a willingness to see the world through a different lens. That’s why United Way of Rhode Island launched the Equity Challenge, a statewide initiative designed to help individuals and organizations explore issues like implicit bias, privilege, systemic racism, and allyship through daily readings, videos, and reflection prompts. 

Under Live United 2025, the Equity Challenge invited thousands of Rhode Islanders to commit to learning together, year after year. Each cycle brought new themes, updated content, and fresh opportunities for reflection—helping participants build a shared language and deeper understanding of what it takes to create a more equitable Rhode Island. 

The Challenge also created a pathway for action. Many workplaces used it as a springboard for internal conversations, professional development, and policy changes. Others became United Way Equity Champions, signaling their commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in lasting ways. 

One of the most important lessons from the Equity Challenge is that we are all works in progress. But progress comes from commitment—and United Way remains dedicated to creating spaces where learning leads to action, and action leads to change. 

Why it matters: When we build a shared understanding of equity, we lay the foundation for a Rhode Island where everyone can thrive. 

Rhode Island Launches 2025 State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign

More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through annual campaign running through Thanksgiving

Signing of Minimum Wage Bill is a Win for Rhode Island Workers and a Step Forward for the Ocean State

Earlier today, Monday, August 4, United Way of Rhode Island had the honor and the privilege to be represented at the ceremonial signing of the legislation that increases Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $15 to $17 an hour by 2027,

Lawyers’ Committee for RI seeks Volunteer Attorneys to help Nonprofits Navigate the Evolving Regulatory and Funding Landscapes

Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

UPCOMING EVENTS