What does United Way do?
For over 98 years, through hurricanes, economic depressions and now a global pandemic, United Way Miami has been an enduring force in changing lives and creating a positive impact in our community. Our community of volunteers and advocates are more committed than ever to working with us to build a stronger Miami. It is through our work in access to quality education, financial security and health that we effect change— transforming vulnerability into empowerment, poverty into opportunity and despair into hope.
How long has United Way Miami been around?
United Way Miami has convened people from all walks of life to impact change since 1924. We have helped individuals and families in their time of need, and, most importantly, we have continued to build community by helping people care for one another.
Why did United Way Miami-Dade change its name?
We’re evolving with our community, so in 2021 we changed our name from United Way of Miami-Dade to United Way Miami. The new name provides the following positives:
• Miami is the largest and most recognized city in the county
- Miami is the geographical and “spiritual” center of the county
- Miami is an aspirational “brand” that suggests possibility, opportunity and resiliency
- The new name can alleviate quasi-governmental misconceptions associated with Miami-Dade nomenclature (Miami-Dade Police, Miami-Dade Water and Sewer, etc.)
- Fewer words allow for a bigger brand name on the logo Of course, United Way Miami will continue to serve the entire community of Miami-Dade County.
Why give to United Way?
Giving to United Way is the most powerful way you can make your community—Miami-Dade—stronger and better. By helping tens of thousands of our families and friends reach their full potential, you’re helping to build a more educated, prosperous and healthy Miami-Dade. Your gift translates into real and measurable results that change lives and strengthen Miami-Dade. The need in our city has always been there: Families are hungry. Individuals are struggling. Due to COVID-19, many in our community are still affected and financially impacted by reduced work hours and wages, layoffs and furloughs. They still need support, and United Way is that organization that can address the complex needs of our community.
What is United Way’s community plan?
Your gift to the United Way Community Plan is the most powerful tool you can use to bring lasting change to your friends and neighbors. It’s a strategic roadmap that best addresses community needs in the areas of access to quality education, financial security and health—the building blocks for a good quality of life. By contributing to the Community Plan, you are empowering United Way, on your behalf, to:
- invest in quality programs
- advocate for policies that improve lives
- partner with organizations and individuals to create the most effective solutions
For every $1 you give to the Community Plan, United Way more than doubles its impact through matching gifts, corporate, in-kind gifts and more. That’s money that goes directly to support over 100 innovative programs and initiatives that help children, youth, families, seniors and many others reach their full potential.
How is United Way different from other nonprofits?
United Way brings together powerful forces within our community to create a more educated, prosperous and healthy Miami. Our unique ability to work across complex issues with hundreds of community partners is unmatched. We bring together government, business, faith groups, nonprofits, labor, policymakers and community members, just like you, to find solutions to some of our biggest challenges. We are not focused on a single issue, but rather on the community as a whole. We help young children get off to a good start in life, we help people in crisis get back on their feet, and we help prevent future problems. Even as we continue to move past the COVID-19 pandemic, there is much work to do. We are always on the front lines, supporting Miami-Dade’s most vulnerable. We ensure everyone has access to quality education and the opportunity to lead healthy and financially secure lives. We can—and will—succeed. We will build a stronger Miami now and always.
I already give to other charities. Why should I give to United Way, too?
While most nonprofits focus on a single issue, United Way takes a broader approach. We find the needs in our community and address them by working with over 100 programs and initiatives to promote the access to quality education, financial security and health of every person in our community. We help young children get off to a good start in life, we help people in crisis get back on their feet, we help families pave a path to financial security and we help prevent future problems. In addition, when you give to United Way, your dollar goes further, because for every $1 you give, United Way more than doubles its impact through matching dollars, volunteers and in-kind gifts.
If someone needs help, who should they contact?
The best way to get help is to dial 2-1-1 The Helpline, a program of Jewish Community Services and a United Way partner, which operates our community’s only 24-hour free information/crisis/referral/phone counseling hotline.
Please encourage your friends and colleagues to call 2-1-1 or (305) 358-HELP (4357) when they need assistance. Trained phone counselors who speak English, Spanish and Creole are ready to listen and to guide callers to the right services within our community.
Still struggling due to the unprecedented pandemic? Visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at unitedwaymiami.org/coronavirusresources for more information and resources that are available to help Miami-Dade community members impacted by the economic and public health crisis.
How can I get involved?
Be an advocate and champion for your community. Whether you’re speaking out or posting on social media to improve access to quality education, financial security and health, reaching out to members of Congress or wearing a United Way shirt to show your support, you can help create a more educated, prosperous and healthy Miami-Dade.
Giving your time through volunteerism is another important way you can help your community. For more information on how to become an advocate or a volunteer, visit volunteermiami.org.