Our goal: Hard-working families are financially stable

Preventing homelessness is critical for our community. The self-sufficiency standard in metro Atlanta is $17.21 per hour, which means that almost 950,000 metro Atlanta families cannot provide for their basic needs, with thousands more living on the financial edge. Many of these individuals are difficult to employ, meaning getting a job can be a significant challenge. In addition, there is an increasing disparity and lack of economic security among working families. Only 46 percent of hard-working families, between 200 percent of poverty ($19,000 per year for an individual) to 80 percent of AMI (approximately $67,000 per year for an individual), in metro Atlanta own their homes, and many families are only one crisis away from losing their housing all together.

United Way builds programs that provide support and education for participants every step of the way on the road back to financial stability. Our housing retention strategy provides assistance in the short term, as well as giving people resources and the tools to use these resources for long-term stability. Along with financial assistance, we provide hard-working people with financial education, housing counseling, legal assistance and other supports that help develop effective financial management plans. Our strategy empowers people to get involved and change their lives. This hand-up mentality holds hard-working families accountable for achieving and sustaining financial stability.

Transitional employment

Transitional employment motivates people, raises their self-esteem and helps them acquire skills. Along with employment, programs provide budgeting classes, resources for GED or post-secondary education and connection to tax credits that help "make work pay." This effective economic development strategy not only increases employment, but also ensures pre-employment training is linked to opportunities for career advancement.

2007–08 Investments in hard-working families

United Way is investing $5.2 million in 95 partners serving hard-working individuals and families in metro Atlanta.

Strategy areas:

Case management	25 programs, $.76 (million)
Homeownership education	5 programs, $.13
Housing retention	22 programs, $1.5
Interim housing	26 programs, $1.6
Micro enterprise	4 programs, $ .26
Transitional employment	13 programs, $ .94
Total investment	$5.2 million

Stats:

	It takes a mere $400 dollars to help one family retain housing, which is one third of the cost placed on the community if that family were homeless.
	In fiscal year 2006, United Way 2-1-1 received more than 361,000 calls. Most requests were for rent, utility and food assistance.