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In Monterey County, the cost of housing and child care makes it difficult for families to get ahead. For six out of ten families with children, these two expenses account for 50% or more of their monthly budget. That’s why United Way’s programs focus on supporting families with these challenges in particular.
We have taken the time to learn which issues affect families in Monterey County the most and formed our program regimen around them. These focus areas change over time. That’s why we have made sure to stay up to date with which needs are relevant. Currently, our programs focus on Asset Development, Housing, affordable and quality Early Care and Education, and free information and resource referral. Most recently, we have developed our Hope & Help Program to address the rising need for mental health and substance use support.
Monterey County families are faced with financial threats to their quality of life on a daily basis. Shrinking wages, increased costs, and depletion of savings are the main causes of financial instability for many working families. United Way Monterey County aims to change the odds that are facing the American public. Our Asset Building strategies exist to help families grow toward a more secure economic future.
Our goal is for Monterey County residents to be economically self-sufficient, with more opportunities for prosperity. United Way achieves this goal through partnerships, grant making, and direct service advocacy.
VITA is a volunteer-led program that provides residents free tax preparation services.
The Active Referral Network a network of non-profit organizations which focus on economic self-sufficiency to intentionally refer clients to each other’s services.
United Way provides financial literacy workshops to residents below the Federal Poverty Level. These workshops teach residents how to manage, budget, understand and repair credit, and educate them about affordable child care and other subsidy programs. Learn more.
In partnership with Goodwill Central Coast, Prosperity Planners help people change behavior towards long-term planning through one-on-one coaching.
The United Way partners with the Department of Social Services to identify and place unemployed residents in community service through CalWORKs.
Stuff the Bus is a countywide fundraising drive to provide new school supplies for students living in or near homeless conditions in Monterey County. These students are living in shelters, motels, sheds, garages, cars, and other places that are not meant for human habitation.
2022-2023 homeless data indicates that there are over 11,734 local students living in homeless conditions. The number of students facing homelessness in Monterey County has significantly increased over the past 14 years.
It’s more than a backpack, Stuff the Bus eases the financial burden on families and gives children a boost of self-confidence. These students often struggle in school. Of homeless elementary students, only 28% are proficient in reading and 17% in math. Many drop out without earning a high school degree. Stuff the Bus Provides backpacks for students facing homelessness within Monterey County.