Financial Stability

---

The Problem:

As many as one-third of working Americans do not earn enough money to meet their basic needs. These individuals are walking a financial tightrope - they are barely able to get by, with no ability to save for college, a home, or for retirement. With your help, United Way is working to cut the number of lower-income families who are financially unstable, and put them on the road to economic independence. 

The community and family issues that stem from the economic and financial pressures facing individuals and their families are growing increasingly complex and more difficult to address. Wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of housing, healthcare, and education in many areas, and skill levels have not stayed in alignment with changing industry needs. As a result, more than 12 percent of the U.S. population has an income below the federal poverty level, in spite of the fact that many are employed, some with two or three jobs.

The Solution: 

The United Way Financial Stability Partnership was created to strengthen communities by identifying and tacking the underlying causes of the financial hardship facing today's families. United Ways bring together cross-sector partners to help lower-income individuals and families achieve financial independence by empowering them with the tools and skills necessary to maximize their income, build savings and gain assets.

How Are We Doing It?

The first step in our Financial Stability Framework is to maximize income.  The way we have chosen to do this in Williams County is by matching qualified individuals and families with the tax credits and work supports that they deserve.

United Way has partnered with the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks and Governor Strickland's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to bring the Ohio Benefit Bank to Williams County.  The Ohio Benefit Bank is a free, web-based application that a client, working with a counselor, can file their taxes and apply for work supports such as food stamps, health insurance, HEAP and more.  United Way serves as the umbrella organization in Williams County.

Use the links at the left to learn more about the United Way's Financial Stability Partnership and the Ohio Benefit Bank.  Make sure to watch our screen cast, a brief 11-minute video that explains the entire process.