UNITED WAY OF TARRANT COUNTY

United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) serves all of Tarrant County, which according to the U.S. Census Bureau has a population of 2,182,947 as of July 2022. More than 10 percent live at or below the federal poverty level, and another 30 percent fall into a category United Way Worldwide’s research has coined “ALICE”: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These families comprise moms and dads working two or sometimes three jobs to meet their household needs. Sometimes they’re able to do so, as long as no unexpected financial challenge rears its head: sudden loss of employment, unforeseen medical development, unplanned car repair or major appliance replacement. They do not have the luxury of planning for the future – post-secondary education for themselves or their children, home ownership or retirement. Some of our most essential workers are ALICE, including first responders, teachers, childcare workers, supermarket cashiers, salespeople, waiters and waitresses. Alarmingly, ALICE is the fastest growing segment of Texas’ population, and around the country as well. Between 2018 and 2022, ALICE families increased from 25 to 30% of the population.

UWTC’s mission is to provide leadership and harness resources to solve Tarrant County’s toughest social challenges. The organization’s vision is to have thriving communities, welcoming neighborhoods, and a strong economy. UWTC positions itself as a leader in the local nonprofit community by forming innovative partnerships and investing dollars toward Tarrant County’s most pressing issues.

UWTC identifies issues through research and data from a variety of sources to help drive actions; informs the community about major social issues to advance knowledge and potential solutions; invites the community to engage in solutions by advising/guiding, giving, and volunteering; and invests in equitable solutions that yield long-term system change for all.

UWTC focuses its efforts on addressing critical needs across four significant categories:
• Community Response, providing the basics for daily needs, disaster relief and veterans, including things such as food, housing, medical care and counseling
• Community Health, ensuring a community where everyone can be safe and healthy, with a particular focus on underserved neighborhoods, women, children, older adults and those with disabilities
• Financial Empowerment, equipping individuals with the tools for independence, from financial literacy to stable housing and transportation
• Education and Learning, preparing the current and future workforce to contribute to their own success and to their community