In 2005-06, United Way assisted almost 900,000 people through our support of basic needs services. Here are some highlights:
Basic needs
73,000 people are homeless every night; 1 in 5 of them are children. 1.6 million people don’t have health insurance.
Our path
We provide access to food, shelter and health services for the most vulnerable in our community.
Results
218,000 people received food. 28,000 people were given shelter. Over 222,000 people received medical care.
Basic needs
235,000 children in GreaterLos Angeles do not have health insurance.
Our Path
We support public policy that focuses on providing solutions to gaps in children’s healthcare.
Results
We launched the Cover California’s Children initiative to advocate for access to healthcare coverage for all children in Greater Los Angeles. United Way funds a network of nearly 200 nonprofits across Greater Los Angeles and is also involved in the following programs/initiatives:
Cover California’s Children
Cover California’s Children is a United Way initiative formed in partnership with leading business, education, community and healthcare providers. Its goal is to ensure all California children have access to affordable health insurance until age 21. For more information, please visit the partnership’s website at www.covercaliforniakids.org
Utility Assistance Program
Families who need assistance paying their utility bills can receive help through United Way’s partnership initiative – The Utility Assistance Program. The Gas Company and Southern California Edison solicit contributions through their billing statements and match funds received on a one-to-one basis. Last year more than 19,000 families and individuals were served through the UAP.
211 LA County
2-1-1 is an easy to remember number that connects people in need with essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In 2005–06, calls to the United Waysupported helpline increased by 25 percent to 445,814. Most callers were seeking assistance with emergency shelter, public benefits and protective services for victims of abuse and domestic violence.
LA County Emergency Food and Shelter Program
The Los Angeles Emergency Food and Shelter Program, in conjunction with the Emergency Housing and Assistance Program, distributed $6.9 million dollars in grants last year to 146 programs providing food, shelter and rental assistance to low-income and homeless individuals.