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
15 Features Nonprofit Websites Should Have
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"With so many interactions taking place online, a solid website is a must-have for nonprofit organizations... To help you create a stand-out web presence, a panel of Forbes Nonprofit Council members, including United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO Cortney Nicolato, share some features nonprofit websites must include to appeal to current and prospective members or supporters.”
401Gives helped local nonprofit stay open
WPRI 12
"401Gives... is held on April 1… This year, 401Gives is especially important since 2020 was a double hit for local nonprofits… with the pandemic collapsing their traditional fundraising opportunities, and… the need for their services increased. 'If we hadn't had 401Gives, we probably would not have made it through the year,' [Karen Dalton, founder of Dare to Dream Ranch] recalled."
401Gives hopes to raise $1.5M on April 1
Providence Business News
"The community will have another opportunity April 1 to offer their favorite nonprofits support. The second annual 401Gives... online campaign will go live that day... [Donors] can visit 401gives.org and send their donations to various charities and causes... Along with fundraising, United Way is also offering nonprofits digital training and networking opportunities to help the organizations benefit highly from... 401Gives."
UPCOMING EVENTS
Community Learning Partners, featuring New Urban Arts and Movement Education Outdoors
Join Women United on Thursday, April 22 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. to hear about after-school programs that foster creativity, problem-solving, and a growth in mindset in amazing spaces.
2021 Children Book Drive
From May 1 to May 31, United Way of Rhode Island, Women United, and Books Are Wings will collect books gently used and new books. You can run a book drive at your workplace, school, 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 running a book drive or drop-off locations, contact bookdrive@unitedwayri.org.
YLC The Night is Young
The Night is Young will look a little different this year but we are still raising funds for the community! Save the date for Young Leaders Circle's signature event on Saturday, May 22. at 7 p.m. to make a difference in the lives of Rhode Islanders.
Power of the Purse
Save the date for Women United's signature fundraising event to support their mission in actively furthering children’s literacy. Power of the Purse will be held on Saturday, June 12 at the Newport Beach House. More details to come. Stay tuned!