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.
38%
is the percent of Latinx children who live in poverty in Rhode Island
<50%
is the portion of Black and Latinx Rhode Islanders who own their homes compared to whites
150,000
is the number of Rhode Islanders who live in poverty, with many more considered cost-burdened
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.
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.
what our "lift united" goals are
2x
as many Rhode Island cities and towns will meet the 10% affordable housing threshold (with a special focus on core cities)
-25%
as many people of color underemployed or unemployed
+25%
individuals will be enrolled in SNAP benefits based on income (disaggregagated by race and/or city or town)
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.
IN THE NEWS
United Way kicks off Children’s Book Drive
Cranston Herald
"In what's become one of the state's largest efforts in support of childhood literacy, United Way of Rhode Island and its Women United group have kicked off their annual Children's Book Drive. Throughout the month of May, local businesses, community organizations, families and individuals are invited to participate in any one of a number of ways."
Lawmakers share changes to child tax credit
NBC 10 News
"United Way and members of Rhode Island's congressional delegation spoke Monday about the expanded federal child tax credit. The lawmakers explained how... families can take advantage of the benefits before filing their taxes by the May 17 deadline… [Representative David] Cicilline said an estimated 173,000 Rhode Island children will benefit directly."
Take advantage: Expanded Child Tax Credit
Uprise RI
"'The expanded Child Tax Credit will lift millions of kids out of poverty, including 6,600… in [R.I.]', said… Representative David Cicilline… 'It's critical that… eligible Rhode Islander[s] [take] advantage'... 'If you need help with your taxes… call 211 and we['ll] connect you with assistance in your community'", shared Larry Warner, United Way of Rhode Island's chief impact and equity officer.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2021 Children’s Book Drive
From May 1 – 31, United Way of Rhode Island, Women United, and Books Are Wings are collecting gently-used and new books for our 2021 Children's Book Drive. You can run a book drive at your school or workplace, or with your friends and family. Books may be dropped off at Cardi's Furniture & Mattresses locations in West Warwick, RI, South Attleboro, MA, and Swansea, MA. For more information on drop-off locations or running a book drive, contact bookdrive@unitedwayri.org.
2021 Olneyville Community Fund Office Hours
Join us at 2 p.m. for the Olneyville Community Fund virtual office hours. We will answer your questions about the application content and grant platform for the Olneyville Community Fund. The application deadline is May 20.
Community Learning Partners, featuring DownCity Design and FabNewport
Join Women United at noon for a Community Learning Partners event featuring guest speaker Adrienne Gagnon, co-founder and executive director of DownCity Design, and Steve Heath, co-founder and executive director of FabNewport. Each organization inspires youth to use the power of design to make a positive social impact in their communities.
The Night Is Young
You’re the one that I want, ooh, ooh, honey, to join the Young Leaders Circle from 7 –11 p.m. for a drive-in movie night. We'll be showing 50’s favorite "Grease" at Misquamicut Drive-In Theater. Tickets are $50 per car (two people) and $25 for each additional passenger. All funds raised will go towards providing scholarships for Rhode Island youth enrolled in summer learning programs.