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Assets courtesy United Way of San Diego County

Local initiative to provide safety net, such as energy bills and rent/mortgage assistance, to low-wage individuals and families impacted by lay-offs and reduced working hours

SAN DIEGO (March 20, 2020) — United Way of San Diego County has created an emergency Worker Assistance Initiative for low-wage workers needing immediate support for utilities and rent/mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 crisis. It is estimated nearly 200,000 employees are represented in the hospitality and tourism sector in San Diego County alone, a third of whom are considered to be low-wage workers. In these challenging times, United Way of San Diego County is dedicated to helping low-income workers who need it the most.

The Worker Assistance Initiative is part of the greater San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund launched on March 16 as a partnership among the County of San Diego (led by Supervisor Nathan Fletcher), The San Diego Foundation, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, and United Way of San Diego County. This response fund was established to complement the work of public health officials and to ensure funding for basic needs of food, utility service, and rent/mortgage payments to prevent the need to enter the social services system of care and to prevent increased homelessness due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The United Way is ready to receive applications from San Diegans affected by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19,” said Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. “They are a great partner, a dynamic community resource, and through their programming are on the frontlines to help people who struggle with food security, rental and utility assistance and income replacement or gap funding.”

How United Way of San Diego County Worker Assistance Initiative Works

While this initiative has been developed in response to the COVID-19 situation, United Way of San Diego County is committed to building a long-term entity to be deployed for future situations which specifically call for low-wage workers urgently needing assistance.

“As we have for 100 years, United Way of San Diego County will address challenges being faced by our community head-on,” says Nancy Sasaki, CEO of United Way of San Diego County. “In response to COVID-19, our organization has quickly organized and stands ready to assist our most vulnerable working individuals and families living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to make ends meet. It is imperative we act now to provide immediate aid to our neighbors during this trying time and call upon our community to unite and support San Diegans being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.”

United Way of San Diego County will leverage $1 million made available by SDG&E in their existing Neighbor-to-Neighbor program to help pay energy bills for workers in need. The organization also has $250,000 in seed capital from SDG&E and The San Diego Foundation (with plans to initially raise another $750,000+) to help low-wage workers pay their rent/mortgage and utility bills. 

“Many people are already hurting out there, facing job loss, food insecurity, evictions and other hardships through no fault of their own,” says Caroline Winn, chief operating officer of San Diego Gas & Electric. “Coming together is imperative during this time, and we will help as many of San Diego’s most vulnerable community members as we can through the challenging months to come.”

How to Support Low-Wage Workers in Need

Join United Way of San Diego County in providing relief to low-wage workers and their families whose incomes have been negatively impacted during this time of uncertainty by helping in the following ways:

• Community members, foundations, and companies can donate to support low-wage workers at: https://uwsd.org/donate/covid19/

• Members of the public can volunteer and donate relief items for local organizations in need of support at: https://volunteer.uwsd.org/covid19

How to Apply for Assistance

United Way of San Diego County is currently accepting applications for qualified low-wage workers who have experienced job loss or a wage reduction to access funding due to COVID-19.

Learn more and apply at: https://uwsd.org/covid19/

*Please Note: United Way of San Diego County will not be deploying cash to individuals. The organization will send checks directly to the qualified applicants’ landlords/mortgage companies, SDG&E, and other utility companies.

Continuing the Work of Local Nonprofits

United Way of San Diego County is proud to partner with The San Diego Foundation to ensure nonprofits supporting community members affected by the COVID-19 crisis have access to funds to propel their critical work. In addition to the initial $250,000 pledge, the Foundation is raising additional capital to be deployed to nonprofit organizations that are working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by this public health crisis and its economic consequences. Learn more at: SDFoundation.org/COVID19.

“Now, more than ever, it’s important we come together as one community to help each other,” shared Mark Stuart, President & CEO of The San Diego Foundation. “The outpouring of support we are receiving from partners and donors, large and small, is a positive sign of hope. Every donation is being used to support local organizations, including United Way of San Diego County, that are providing vital services and resources to San Diegans most impacted by the coronavirus.”

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

For 100 years, United Way of San Diego County has aligned with partners to address inequities in the region and help underserved communities. United Way’s specialty lies in identifying sustainable, long-term goals and achieving them through leveraging data and partners’ expertise to better understand root causes and putting impactful solutions into action.

United Way’s work, in partnership with others, uses shared goals, innovation and proven practices to transform the lives of children, young adults and families in the San Diego region. United Way focuses on educational milestones, such as kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy, high school preparation, and college and career pathways. Learn more and get involved by visiting www.uwsd.org, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling (858) 492-2000.

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Ann Marie Price

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EDITOR: Access high resolution images here.

Union Workers Partner with United Way of San Diego County to Help Families Struggling to Make Ends Meet

SAN DIEGO (Dec. 20, 2019) – Today, more than 650 families received dinners, toys, gifts and a whole lot of cheer just in time for the holidays donated by their fellow workers across San Diego & Imperial Counties. The 32^nd Annual United Way of San Diego County and San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council Food & Toy Distribution is an annual event coordinated through their Unions United partnership. This event supports working families and community members who need extra help year-round thanks to the generous donations from union teachers, firefighters, retail workers, nurses, truck drivers, construction workers and more.

Over 500 families in San Diego County and 150 families in Imperial County benefitted from the 2019 drive distribution, including home healthcare workers, hospital workers, janitors and others who regularly need assistance due to low wages and high housing and healthcare costs in the region. Other recipients this year included Kaiser Mental Health Care Workers and UCSD workers, who went on strike to fight for higher wages for their fellow workers, and community members identified by local nonprofits, including recent immigrants and fire victims.

“A weight has been lifted off the shoulders of hundreds of families today as union workers make the holidays brighter for families in need,” says Keith Maddox, executive secretary-treasurer, San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council.Come the holidays kids will have toys to open and parents will have dinner to serve because of the generosity of teachers, nurses, truck drivers, and hundreds of other union workers who donate to the partnership between the Labor Council and United Way of San Diego County

These workers support one another through Unions United, a partnership of the San Diego and Imperial Counties’ 136 member unions and United Way of San Diego County. Many of the 200,000 workers the Labor Council represents make monthly donations from their paychecks to assist fellow working families and community members in need. In addition to funding the annual holiday event, these donations support a year-round food pantry at United Way of San Diego County’s headquarters and emergency assistance for workers. Last year, 2,582 individuals and families received Unions United’s assistance – including food, rent, mortgage utility support and other assistance.

“Through Unions United we continue to make a long-lasting impact on families who experience economic and food instability not only during the holiday season, but also year-round,” says Nancy Sasaki, president and CEO, Unions United / United Way of San Diego County. “Our partnership with the Labor Council helps us reach families in diverse communities who depend on this extra support. With the assistance of our dedicated volunteers, donors and staff, we can inspire more community members to get involved and give back in their neighborhoods.”

For over three decades, United Way of San Diego County has partnered with more than 200,000 working families of the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council to organize this event to assist workers and community members struggling to make ends meet. Over 150 volunteers from various local unions came together today to give back to pre-selected families who were the most in need in their union memberships. In addition to toys and gifts, all participating families received a bag of food with all the fixings needed to cook up a delicious holiday dinner.

“It’s my first holiday as a single dad – and even though I work hard every day – it can be a challenge on my salary to put a nice meal on the table and presents under the tree,” says Peter Estrevino, Grounds Maintenance, City of San Diego, AFSCME 127. “I am so grateful to my fellow workers for helping my three girls have a beautiful Christmas”

To learn more, get help or donate, visit uwsd.org/Unions-United.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

For 99 years, United Way of San Diego County has aligned with partners to address inequities in the region and help underserved communities. United Way’s specialty lies in identifying sustainable, long-term goals and achieving them through leveraging data and partners’ expertise to better understand root causes and putting impactful solutions into action.

United Way’s work, in partnership with others, uses shared goals, innovation and proven practices to transform the lives of children, young adults and families in the San Diego region. United Way focuses on educational milestones, such as kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy, high school preparation, and college and career pathways. Learn more and get involved by visiting www.uwsd.org, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling (858) 492-2000.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO & IMPERIAL COUNTIES LABOR COUNCIL

The San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council is a community of more than 200,000 working families standing together. At the Labor Council, nurses, teachers, firefighters, service workers and construction tradespeople join healthcare workers, hotel workers, janitors and zoo employees in their common fight for a voice on the job and at the decision making table. The Council and its 136 member unions seek to improve the lives of working people by advocating for living wages, housing that is affordable, quality healthcare and a secure retirement for all.

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Scatena Daniels

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EDITOR: Access Councilmember Ward’s San Diego Homelessness Volunteer Network Welcome Video by clicking here.

Video courtesy United Way of San Diego County

Access the San Diego Homelessness Volunteer Network website by visiting: sdhomelessnessvolunteernetwork.org

United Way of San Diego County Launches San Diego Homelessness Volunteer Network in Partnership with San Diego City Councilmember Chris Ward and the Regional Task Force on the Homeless

SAN DIEGO (Dec. 2, 2019) — With Giving Tuesday and the holidays right around the corner, San Diegans who want to lend a hand to help the region’s homeless population, but might not know how they can make a difference, have a new resource in the San Diego Homelessness Volunteer Network (SDHVN). The online portal, which connects prospective volunteers with the homelessness-focused nonprofits where they could best be of service, was officially unveiled today in partnership between San Diego City Councilmember Chris Ward and the Regional Task Force on the Homeless (RTFH), powered by United Way of San Diego County.

The goal of the SDHVN is to maximize the valuable human capital of volunteers in the effort to end homelessness by providing a centralized place where San Diegans can go to contribute their unique skills and talents, foster connections, and ensure their time is well spent to truly touch people’s lives.

“The San Diego Homelessness Volunteer Network is something I have long advocated for, and I am honored to be a part of its development and launch,” says San Diego City Councilmember Chris Ward. “Now more than ever before, we need to work to help our fellow San Diegans living on the street or in shelters. The San Diego Homelessness Volunteer Network is an amazing resource that will no doubt drive meaningful impact. With help from our community volunteers, we can and will end homelessness in San Diego.”

According to data from the RTFH via the 2019 Point-In-Time Count survey, there are a minimum of 8,102 homeless individuals sleeping on the streets and living in shelters in San Diego County every night. Many in the region have called for more collaboration between nonprofits and government agencies providing services for the homeless population to accompany the massive increase in local government spending on homelessness.

“As San Diegans who see how homelessness affects our region every day, many of us want to volunteer our time and help, but we don’t know where to start,” says United Way of San Diego County President & CEO Nancy Sasaki. “United Way works in partnership with others to align goals and leverage resources and that’s why, along with Councilmember Ward, we developed the San Diego Homelessness Volunteer Network. Homelessness in San Diego is a complex problem requiring all of us—nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and citizens—to work together to transform lives.

The SDHVN allows visitors to browse through volunteer opportunities with vetted partner organizations. Clicking the “VOLUNTEER NOW” button takes users to a page that matches potential volunteers with activities and nonprofits that best suit their interests.

“While the causes and solutions to homelessness are complex, there is much that volunteers can do to help. Regardless of your skills, interests, age, or resources, there are ways you can make a difference. Volunteering your time to work directly with people experiencing homelessness is one of the best ways to learn about homelessness, and help to meet immediate needs at the same time. There are also a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ work to be done at direct service agencies,” says Regional Task Force on the Homeless CEO Tamera Kohler. “Think about what you do best and the kind of setting in which you work most effectively, and you can find a matching opportunity to serve our homeless neighbors on United Way’s SDHVN site.”

To explore volunteer opportunities as well as to join the SDHVN, visit sdhomelessnessvolunteernetwork.org.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

For 99 years, United Way of San Diego County has aligned with partners to address inequities in the region and help underserved communities. United Way’s specialty lies in identifying sustainable, long-term goals and achieving them through leveraging data and partners’ expertise to better understand root causes and putting impactful solutions into action.

United Way’s work, in partnership with others, uses shared goals, innovation and proven practices to transform the lives of children, young adults and families in the San Diego region. United Way focuses on educational milestones, such as kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy, high school preparation, and college and career pathways. Learn more and get involved by visiting www.uwsd.org, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling (858) 492-2000.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:        

Suzy Garcia / Ann Marie Price

Scatena Daniels

/

EDITOR: To download high-resolution images, click here.

Photos courtesy United Way of San Diego County

United Way of San Diego County Leads Coalition Guiding Eligible Families Toward Anti-Poverty Tax Benefits, Provides Filing Assistance

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 5, 2019) – One unique initiative is helping low to moderate San Diego families maximize their tax refunds. Led by United Way of San Diego County, the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition reported in a recent press conference that 33,770 households received free tax preparation assistance. Collectively, these households received over $47 million in federal and state refunds, including 8,720 households who received over $15 million in federal EITC. The Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition was created to provide a clear pathway toward tax assistance for families in our community. The EITC Coalition keeps more money in the pockets for low-income San Diegans to help them afford the necessities they need.

“San Diego families are often eligible to earn thousands of dollars back in tax refunds, but tax laws are complicated, and they don’t know where to start nor do they have the resources to hire a tax professional,” said United Way of San Diego County President and CEO Nancy Sasaki. “The Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition believes hardworking households that live paycheck-to-paycheck should have access to financial support. Resources leveraged by the Coalition provided 650 volunteers, who offered free tax preparation services across 54 sites to help local community members save approximately $9.2 million in tax preparation fees.”

The San Diego County EITC Coalition is anchored by a partnership with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Integrative Services Division and the IRS Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communications office. The local coalition is made up of 20 local partners, and together, these organizations implement critical and complimentary services, including Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Facilitated Self-Assistance (FSA) and referral services that help low- and moderate-income San Diego families prepare their taxes.

“These results would not be possible without the hard work of the EITC Coalition’s partner organizations and dedicated volunteers over the past 17 tax seasons. Together, we will continue to create a clear conduit for San Diegans to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, one of the nation’s most powerful anti-poverty programs to ensure continued stability for the families we serve,” said Sasaki.

The Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition includes 2-1-1 San Diego, Alliance for African Assistance, AARP, Building Skills Partnership, Council of Philippine American Organizations, County of San Diego, Dreams for Change, Home Start, Interfaith Community Services, International Rescue Committee, Internal Revenue Service, Legal Aid Society of San Diego, MAAC, North County Lifeline, San Diego Housing Commission, South Bay Community Services, San Diego City College, San Diego State University, Thomas Jefferson School of Law and United Way of San Diego County.

To learn about next season’s free tax preparation services, call 2-1-1 San Diego or visit www.myfreetaxes.org.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

For 99 years, United Way of San Diego County has aligned with partners to address inequities in the region and help underserved communities. United Way’s specialty lies in identifying sustainable, long-term goals and achieving them through leveraging data and partners’ expertise to better understand root causes and putting impactful solutions into action.

United Way’s work, in partnership with others, uses shared goals, innovation and proven practices to transform the lives of children, young adults and families in the San Diego region. United Way focuses on educational milestones, such as kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy, high school preparation, and college and career pathways. Learn more and get involved by visiting www.uwsd.org, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling (858) 492-2000.

Community Event Held to Support Families and Children

SAN DIEGO (May 6, 2019) “We strengthen our community when we align, leverage and transform,” United Way of San Diego County’s President and CEO, Nancy Sasaki said, at the organization’s Annual Community Breakfast, held May 1 at the Doubletree Hotel at Hazard Center in Mission Valley. The event – in which United Way spoke about the vital work it does with over 400 business and government leaders, community partners, and school advocates present – highlighted United Way’s continued critical work in San Diego County, where the organization aligns partners to identify sustainable, long-term goals, leverages data and expertise to better understand causes and solutions, and then puts them in action. “Our work will lead to the transformation of the lives of children, young adults and families through access to a more efficient education and learning pathway and family stability,” Sasaki added. The breakfast also included a trio of awards to community partners that collaborate with United Way to change lives throughout the region. Honorees included: Dreams for Change – lauded for outstanding service that empowers and stabilizes homeless and low-income individuals. A key partner in the San Diego Earned Income Tax Coalition, led by United Way, Dreams for Change provides administrative and coordination support, and education and outreach as well as free tax preparation assistance at four mall sites. Since 2011, Dreams for Change has completed over 20,000 tax returns, resulting in over $30 million in federal refunds and $13 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. The City Heights Partnership for Children Leadership Table – for tackling some of the region’s most pressing challenges and creating a replicable framework to use in other underserved areas of the San Diego region. This partnership has resulted in a 360-degree, community-wide effort aimed at aligning neighborhood resources around a common strategy to drive youth success. Oceanside Promise – for working to ensure Oceanside is a thriving community with people ready for employment and actively engaged individuals and organizations. This forward-thinking organization has been a key partner in United way’s regional cradle-to-career work in San Diego County, focusing on the greatest needs of students and families, bringing together resources, and measuring regional impact. “We are proud to honor all of these organizations, each of which have worked tirelessly to leverage resources and move students and families forward to a brighter future through education and family stability,” said Sasaki. Attendees at the annual event also heard from keynote speaker Pedro A. Noguera, an education expert and distinguished professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. The author of 13 books, a regular contributor to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and a frequent commentator for CNN, MSNBC and NPR, Noguera’s work focuses on a broad range of issues related to education and public policy. His current research examines how children’s social and economic status intersects with their performance in the classroom. His challenge to the audience was to determine their role in supporting kids from cradle to career to ensure their success in the future.

About United Way of San Diego County

For 99 years, United Way of San Diego County has disrupted cycles of poverty by developing long-term solutions for children and families. United Way plays a unique role in the San Diego community, bringing people and resources together to spark breakthrough community action that elevates every child and family toward a brighter future. Developing regional partnerships around effective practices, the organization makes measurable, significant change in the education and success of children from cradle to career and helps families have the support needed to ensure that success. United Way focuses on educational milestones, such as kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy, high school preparation, and college and career pathways. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to get involved by donating and volunteering. Learn more at uwsd.org, the blog, Facebook and Twitter. ###