United Way Of Pierce County

Community Impact: In 2017 we made a bold goal to lift 15,000 household out of poverty by 2028. This takes a community wide effort of forming collaborations, agreeing on key measurements and tracking indicators with nonprofits, government, educators and businesses. One of our key collaborations is our seven Centers for Strong Families which provide coaching in the areas of jobs, finance and income supports. Over 5,000 clients have been engaged since 2016. In 2024 Out of the 779 participants engaged in financial coaching, 26% increased net income; 17% increased net worth; 15% improved their credit score and 48% achieved financial goals.

211 is a free and confidential service that connects people with critical resources helping to stabilize individuals in Pierce, Thurston and Lewis counties. 79,126 contacts were made in 2024 compared to 74,198 in 2023. An integral part of the program is on the ground navigators who are experts in the areas of transportation, behavioral health, basic food, housing and early learning. Ride United, a collaboration with Lyft, provided 1,305 rides to low income and disabled individuals. Other highlights include 16 people connected to permanent housing; 6,056 connected to rental assistance and 4,033 connected to shelter. 2 1 1 continues to be one of the most visited pages on the United Way of Pierce County website.

Donor Voice Program provides donors the opportunity to designate their gift to other charities. All charities are verified as to their nonprofit status and compliance with the Patriot Act.

Betye Martin Baker Human Service Center: Since 1995 our mission has been to offer other nonprofits significantly below market rent so they can put more money back into their missions.

Gifts in Kind: This program receives donations from companies and individuals and then gives those products out to other nonprofits to give to their low-income clients. United Way does not charge for this program. Examples of products received and distributed include diapers, gloves, paper products, small household appliances new and lightly used clothing and bedding. From time-to-time local entertainment venues donate tickets. Of the total program costs of $191,617, $141,834 were goods distributed to the community with the remaining $49,783 spent to run the program.

Volunteer Engagement: United Way connects volunteers with other nonprofits. It also utilized volunteers in our own activities such as our MLK Day of Service, United Way Day of Action and our Summer reading and food program. We engaged 680 volunteers in 1,820 hours of service, including corporate teams that participated in MLK Month of Service, various Hygiene Kit projects and Summer of Action Snack Pack activities.

United Way Worldwide Dues Program Support: Provides for educational opportunities, strategic direction, advocacy support and the concept of local community impact to assist our various program activities.