Basic Needs
Focusing on the essential, stabilizing factors of a person's life.
Right now, despite being employed, nearly 40 percent of Hoosier households cannot afford enough food, keep up with basic housing costs, find reliable transportation, and pay for adequate health services.
United Way’s basic needs work supports our most vulnerable neighbors and provides life-saving assistance to those in emergency situations. Helping those in need survive today so they can thrive tomorrow.
Indy Free Tax Prep is a program that provides free tax preparation to individuals and families with a combined household income of $66,000 or less. This program is hosted by Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout Central Indiana.
No one should have to endure the winter without heat or electricity. The Winter Assistance Fund helps ensure families who need energy assistance the most can afford the increased costs of utility bills during the coldest winter months.
Our Approach to Basic Needs
Advocacy
United Way advocates for good public policies that support our basic needs strategies, including increased federal benefit levels for struggling families, renter protections and health and wellness programs.
Capacity Building
In collaboration with the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, our investment in the Homeless Targeted Initiative Fund supports systems-level research, evaluation and capacity building for staff.
Data & Research
By targeting our investments to address our community’s greatest needs and working with partners to fully measure outcomes, United Way leverages data to continue informing our strategies and analyze impact.
Grantmaking & Community Investments
Through the Basic Needs Fund, United Way supports programs and accredited organizations that provide the essentials to individuals and families in crisis situations. Last year, the fund awarded $8.3 million to support 58 organizations.
Initiatives & Programs
Serving our neighbors' basic needs is at the heart of our work. United Way administers programs to respond to community needs and connect volunteers with impact initiatives that create access to healthy food, safe housing, quality health services and reliable transportation.
Thought Leadership & Convening
United Way facilitates the federally-funded Emergency Food and Shelter Program for community-based organizations throughout Central Indiana. In 2020, more than $1 million was granted to 28 organizations serving clients in six counties.
Your generous support has helped us achieve the following outcomes last year:
17,471
individuals accessed or retained affordable housing
2,626,601
meals served
28,244
individuals accessed physical, mental & behavioral health services
370,628
transportation services provided
