Dear friends,

To continue our discussion on last year’s strategy and impact, this week I am spotlighting our direct relief work. 

In my nearly 30-year career at Hamilton County Job and Family Services, I spent a great deal of time with families and children experiencing crisis. Whether it be loss of a job or the heartbreaking loss of a child, they turned to us for support. 

When the pandemic hit, we saw the same despair. Loss of job, income and, tragically, sometimes life, sent families reeling. We quickly recognized the need for immediate direct relief. 

A year later, here are the results of our work:

Supporting Families Through Direct Relief Efforts
✓  $1.7 million invested in direct relief efforts
✓  $390,000 leveraged resources & time of 416 volunteers
✓  56 partners engaged
✓  18,600 households served; 132,000 requests for services fielded
✓  $160,000 in gift cards for food and other items to nearly 4,000 Hamilton County families facing financial challenges
✓  $225,000 in rental assistance to 300 families, through our partnership with Family Independence Initiative
✓  $250,000 in Nonprofit Relief Funds through United Way's Project Lift to 350 households, supporting 965 individuals
✓  8,447 tax returns prepared through the support of more than 400 volunteers

In addition, we helped many families navigate community resources and services. United Way’s 211 helpline served as a one-stop-shop for relief, fielding more than 132,400 requests for services. Our Hamilton County Care Coordination effort reached out to quarantined households, supporting more than 5,000 Hamilton County residents and distributing 207 health kits and 328 food kits.

Many of the families we supported over the past year will never need us again. I am grateful—because of you—we were there when they needed us.

Sincerely,

Moira Weir
President/CEO
United Way of Greater Cincinnati