United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
President's Newsletter

As we enter the holiday season, the time we share with our families has special meaning. For many of us, our thoughts also turn to those who are without families or without permanent homes. Naturally, we want to lend a hand and do our part to help.

In this issue of United Way's e-newsletter, we want to tell you about the challenges facing homeless children and their parents, and how United Way and its community impact agency partners are working to meet them. We also share how you and your family can help in a personal and meaningful way.

We all have wishes for the New Year. One of mine is that next year more children in our community will celebrate their holiday seasons with their families in permanent homes.

Best wishes for the Holiday Season!

Homeless Children

Homelessness knows no boundaries. Hundreds of homeless people live in Bucks County, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. There are over 6,600 homeless people in Philadelphia. Most live in shelters. Most are families with children.

Each night 1,000 children sleep in emergency shelters in Philadelphia alone. They come with parents who suffer from domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues, or other problems. All of them are suffering from poverty.

Research on homeless children paints a bleak picture. They and their families typically stay in shelter care for at least six months and often for more than a year. Children in shelters tend to be absent from school for days at a time. Forty percent of them experience a decline in health.

This research also suggests solutions. We know, for example, that with early intervention and ongoing support homeless children can overcome the uncertainty and unpredictability that leave lasting marks. These children can succeed.

Learn more >>
Volunteer >>

Making a Difference

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania's agenda is strategically focused on a specific set of critical community impact goals.

Among these is strengthening the community safety net that provides people in need with basic services and emergency assistance. United Way dollars support an array of organizations that offer shelter to children and their families. These include Travelers Aid, People's Emergency Center, Association de Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Salvation Army and American Red Cross.

United Way helps in other ways too:

Our leadership serves on policy committees that craft comprehensive strategies addressing homelessness and related issues.
We manage the annual distribution of approximately $1 million in federal funds to city shelters and food banks.
United Way also sponsors innovative efforts to improve the lives of homeless children and give their parents a "leg up" to success. Here are two examples:

Stuff the Bus Initiative

Over 2,000 homeless children in Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery and Delaware Counties started the school year off right with the help of United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania's Stuff the Bus. On August 1st, United Way volunteers delivered school bags filled with school supplies donated by the community, businesses and labor unions. Stuff the Bus received such a tremendous response that United Way extended it for another month, reaching an additional 500 homeless children.

Helping Hand toward College

United Way provides grants for an innovative program that helps homeless families save and go to college or buy their first homes. Working with Project HOME and Achievability, the grant provides matching funds for homeless people who are able to save between $500 and $2,000 towards their education expenses or a down payment on a home.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Clearinghouse 2007

Want to make a difference this holiday season?

Sign up to help homeless children and others in need by taking advantage of the hundreds of holiday opportunities on our Holiday Wish List.

In the Clearinghouse website, caring agencies in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties list their volunteer needs and "wish lists" of donated items for their clients. You will enjoy your holiday more, knowing that you helped.

Learn more >>
Volunteer >>

Here are the Facts

Nationally, family homelessness has risen 800% since 1980.
The overwhelming majority of Philadelphia's homeless families live below the poverty line, are families of color, and are headed by young women without high school diplomas.
Over the past year United Way dollars to area agencies translated into 45,000 nights of shelter and 2,500 meals for individuals and families.

Learn more >>
Volunteer >>


Stuff the Bus	Preparing Children to Succeed in School and in Life	Keeping Seniors Healthy and Safe at Home
Campaign 2007	Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Clearinghouse 2007	Project Warm Heart

Have comments or feedback? Contact Alba at alba@uwsepa.org
Visit our website: www.uwsepa.org

Share this newsletter