What’s at the heart of a healthy community? People who feel safe and secure in their homes.

Within this impact area, we have one goal:

• Individuals and families are able to meet their basic needs and have the skills necessary to attain and maintain employment and be self-sufficient

The need

• Click here for details about economic independence

Programs that improve lives
The emergency and basic needs programs that we support include emergency and transitional shelters, permanent supportive housing and rent, mortgage and utility assistance, information and referrals. Programs regarding job skills training and placement, services for immigrants and credit counseling are also included.

How we’re helping
Did you know that the City of Miami is one of the poorest cities in the country, with a poverty rate more than twice the national average? Many families struggle daily, and many more have few resources to protect them should an emergency arise. The emergency can stem from a health crisis, loss of work, natural disaster, or a family emergency. Most families are unaware of existing economic benefits programs that can help them find critically needed financial resources. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Childcare Tax Credit are two such programs. The EITC, for example, provides up to $4,300 per year per family, and United Way partners with the Miami-Dade Prosperity Campaign to connect low-wage workers with the program. That connection is vital to families struggling to cope and make ends meet in our community.

Click here to find out how the community plan is responding to emergency and basic needs.

Click here to find out about programs pertaining to economic independence.