- Reduce hunger and homelessness
- Increase skills to improve self-sufficiency
Adequate income to provide for the needs of an individual or family is one of the building blocks we all need to be successful in life.
Research shows that the stress and turmoil associated with poverty and long-term financial struggles negatively affects families, especially children. Lack of nourishing food or a stable place to call home impacts work attendance and performance, school attendance and behavior, and also leads to chronic health problems for children and adults.
We fund community programs at our partner agencies, develop projects that address gaps in service and have convened two coalitions that address the immediate needs of individuals and families as well as teach the skills needed to become financially stable.
Income Assistance Programs
There are free or reduced cost programs available to help stretch family and individual’s budgets. We currently partner with FamilyWize (prescription drug program) and AARP (income tax preparation assistance). Learn more.
United Way Emerging Leaders and Women United groups have developed projects to help low-income individuals and families. The Career Closet and Rebecca’s Closet provide clothing for job interviews/new jobs as well as infants/children respectively. Learn more.
Since 2008, in response to the growing number of requests for food assistance, the Marathon County Hunger Coalition has been improving access to nourishing food, increasing food donations in our community, and raising awareness about the issues of hunger and food security and their impact on people in our community. Learn more.
Housing is a major expense for most of us, but for low income families, it can become insurmountable. According to the LIFE Survey, almost 50% of families spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Marathon County is seeing an increase in homelessness and the Coalition is working to reverse that trend. Learn more.
