United Way of Greater Cincinnati believes everyone deserves a safe and stable foundation to build their lives. We empower families with the tools and resources to create a secure environment where they can thrive. By dismantling the obstacles to housing stability, we strive to create a community where everyone has the chance to prosper.
WHY HOUSING SECURITY MATTERS
Housing security is one of our focus areas — along with educational success and financial empowerment — because it’s essential to the well-being of our community.
When families have secure and stable housing, the benefits ripple throughout their lives and the generations that follow: health improves, children excel in school and adults find greater success in the workplace.
Safe, stable and affordable housing is critical for all families, whether they rent or own. At United Way, we recognize that families understand their needs best. For those aspiring to homeownership, we make that dream not only possible, but sustainable. Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live — it’s a powerful tool for building wealth, grounding families in stability and empowering future generations.
With housing security as the foundation, families flourish, communities thrive, and together, we all win.
CHALLENGES FACING OUR COMMUNITY
In our community, housing costs are rising faster than wages. Families with limited resources are increasingly being priced out of the neighborhoods they call home. Even small increases in rent, utilities or property taxes can push a family to the brink.
- Evictions disrupt the lives of thousands of our neighbors each year.
- Housing costs eat up a significant portion of paychecks, forcing tens of thousands of people to make impossible choices between rent and other essentials.
- Fast-growing areas face an even greater challenge, as the influx of new residents exacerbates the shortage of affordable housing.
These challenges underscore the urgency of our work. We ensure that every family has the opportunity to secure safe, stable and affordable housing — because when housing is secure, our entire community thrives.
Learn more about the housing challenges facing our community by visiting our community dashboard.
HOW WE’RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
We focus on early intervention to help families avoid the devastating effects of eviction or foreclosure. At the same time, we work with a network of partners to provide long-term stability through direct support, innovative pilot programs and advocacy for policies that foster sustainable housing solutions. By uniting people, partners and public interests, we develop informed strategies that empower families to build secure and lasting foundations for their futures.
Stay up to date on United Way’s housing work.
United Way 211
In 2023 our 24/7 helpline received more than 55,000 requests for help, and most were related to housing and utility costs. United Way 211 team members listen, ask questions, assess needs and connect people to community resources, including mortgage and rent assistance, home repairs, legal help and other issues related to housing security.
United Way 211 is our eyes and ears in the community. It gives us real-time information about the housing challenges local families face so we can provide appropriate support.
“They actually turned off my electricity. I called 211 to try and see if (United Way) could give me some idea of how to get the power back on … It was immensely satisfying to know there was somebody out there; I wasn’t alone … Things have turned now, and I think things are going to get better from here.”
—Tonya
Learn more about 211.
THE RENEW COLLABORATIVE
Replicated from a successful program in Boston, this eviction-prevention pilot project creates custom plans for families so they can stay in their homes. We identify the root causes of unpaid rent and provide ongoing services so families can remain housed and avoid future rental crises.
Partnerships with property owners are key to Renew’s success. Property owners who invest in the program save time and money by working with families instead of pursuing eviction. Their investment makes the program a financially sustainable approach to keeping renters in their homes.
“Eviction would have been the worst-case scenario … Even with my determination and hard work and focus, sometimes you still need help, and the Renew Collaborative was able to provide that when I needed it.”
— Morganne, a full-time nursing student and mother of two
Learn more about the Renew Collaborative.
Project LIFT
Project LIFT (Lifting and Investing in Families Thriving) puts families on a path to financial stability by removing barriers that prevent them from securing sustainable income. Critical short-term assistance that helps families overcome immediate obstacles is paired with services, such as coaching and workforce development. The result: Families achieve long-term goals such as living in safe, stable rental housing or buying a home.
“It was the game-changer. It was the difference-maker. It was huge, because it helped me step out on faith and accomplish a goal.”
— Kurt, who became a homeowner after obtaining a commercial driver’s license and a good-paying job with help from Project LIFT.
Advocacy
Through our advocacy work, United Way accelerates positive, community-wide change to address housing quality and affordability as well as increase housing security. We influence improvements to policies and practices so all people in Greater Cincinnati can thrive.
We advocate by:
- Educating legislators about important issues, such as policies that protect and empower renters and homeowners.
- Empowering people and communities to make their voices heard and play a role in decisions that affect them.
- Amplifying the work of partners who share our priorities.
Access to Counsel
This eviction-prevention program provides rent assistance and legal counsel to families facing the loss of their homes. The program’s partners are United Way; the city of Cincinnati, which funds the program; and Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati.
The program empowers tenants to stand up for their housing rights without fear of retaliation. It encourages better behavior from landlords and judges, helps uncover and fix larger systemic issues, and makes it easier for legal services organizations to work together effectively.
“I knew if I didn’t get help, for sure I would be homeless. (Access to Counsel) made a big difference. To be able to have a roof over our heads, that’s one thing we don’t have to worry about.”
— Karen, who works full time and is the mother of a teen
