The Why

For their life success, it is urgent that people facing a life-changing experience connect with supportive resources as quickly as possible. The faster that we connect families facing a difficult experience to those that can help, the more likely each family will maintain housing, employment, enrollment in school, health and more.

• While a place of much wealth and opportunity, Weld County has poverty pockets where it is difficult to thrive.
• The network of human services resources can be overwhelming, and especially when a person is most in need.
• Too often nonprofit organizations don’t have the resources and connections required to best serve their program participants.

Challenges

We all face life challenges or have loved ones who can use a helping hand. When a
person needs assistance with a livelihood emergency and doesn’t know where to begin, the network of human services can be overwhelming. Plus, the nonprofits that can offer assistance are too often struggling to stay in business.

328,981 people live in Weld County. 8% of residents live below the poverty line, and in Greeley, that rate jumps to 21%. 51% of the county’s children qualify for free or reduced lunches, and just 39% of 4th Grade students are proficient readers. The housing vacancy rate continues to hover around its all-time low, and the median rent continues to increase. 21% of older adults consider themselves to have poor mental health.

Investments

Providing timely support to individuals facing challenges is critical for their success. Quick access to resources increases the likelihood of families maintaining housing, employment, school enrollment, and overall well-being. We all encounter difficulties, and having access to assistance is crucial. However, navigating the network of human services can be overwhelming for those in need.

What United Way Invests in:

• 211 Colorado Resource and Referral
• Disaster Preparedness and Response
• Volunteer Engagement
• Weld Project Connect