Basic Needs

The Challenge

Many Northeast Florida residents are struggling to meet even the most basic needs for survival. The health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic led to soaring rates of food insecurity, increased financial instability and a significant uptick in mental health challenges, while an intensifying affordability crisis is driving a rise in evictions and preventing people from securing stable housing.

The Goal

Ensure our most vulnerable residents have access to nutritious food, stable housing, strong mental health and emergency financial assistance during times of crisis

The Solution

To accomplish this goal, United Way will focus on priority strategies including:

Access to Food: Increase access to adequate and nutritious food to help avoid hunger and ensure good health.
Housing Stability: Increase the number of residents maintaining permanent housing, which ends homelessness and allows individuals to grow and thrive in their communities.
Youth Mental Health Help: young people develop resiliency to cope with life challenges and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults

Current Work

United Way 211

Informational and referral service that provides callers with information on free available community resources; includes Ride United transportation assistance, meal delivery and crisis/suicide intervention.

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Mission United

Specialized care coordination that helps active military, Veterans and their families understand their benefits and navigate available community resources.

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Full Service Schools

Youth mental health care and other wrap-around services that address barriers to academic success.

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Emergency Financial Assistance Programs:

Includes the First Coast Relief Fund, Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and JEA Neighbor to Neighbor program.