Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1542829
POVERTY ENDS WITH STABLE HOUSING F or many who are unhoused – or are at risk of losing their home – it is challenging to feel safe or secure. United Way's Onward860 strategic vision helps close gaps in housing as a key strategy to end poverty, as it directly impacts the overall stability and upward mobility of local children, adults and families. United Way works year-round to reduce and prevent homelessness across the 860 region: • Together with strategic community partners across sectors, United Way leads a workgroup that both explores disparities in housing in our region and identifies collective action to address immediate needs and identify long-term systemic solutions • Annually, United Way activates its Rapid Response Fund to provide direct cash assistance, through municipal partners, to people in the 860 region at risk of losing their stable housing during the cold winter months • The commercial real estate and building industry comes together each spring for its Building Foundations Breakfast to raise awareness and resources to help people avoid experiencing homelessness and to secure stable housing for those living in shelters. Since its inception, the industry has cumulatively raised more than $2.5 million, which has helped United Way implement new, innovative initiatives such as its Rapid Response Fund 10 | 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT | UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL AND NORTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT Last year, thanks to the generous support from our donors, volunteers and advocates, United Way: • Helped more than 900 people access emergency shelter accommodations • Offered more than 2,000 people connections to emergency resources in times of great need • Provided direct cash assistance to 353 people to help them stabilize their housing Connecticut United Ways Respond When changes in SNAP benefits and eligibility went into effect as a result of the federal H.R. 1 legislation signed into law July 4, 2025, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut helped spearhead a statewide Connecticut United Ways Emergency Grocery Assistance Fund in partnership with Representatives Foster and Leeper. As of November 30, 2025, more than $50,000 has been raised to provide grocery store gift cards to families experiencing food insecurity across Connecticut. CLICK HERE to donate