When we have strong households we are creating pathways out of poverty to prosperity which is a win for all of us. This builds a strong Greater Louisville region and ensures we are meeting needs, providing opportunities, and building futures for every person in every neighborhood.
The Need

Kentucky
14.9% of Kentucky’s population lives below the poverty line
7th poorest state in the country
42nd worst economy in the country
Louisville has the 5th highest percentage of population living in poverty in the country
There is a 12-year life expectancy gap between West and East Louisville
There is a waiting list for affordable housing in Louisville and the rate of annual rental increased has more than doubled from 2021 – present
Homelessness has increased by 41% from 2018 to 2021 in Louisville
4,837 students in our 7-county region (Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham counties in Kentucky; Clark, Floyd, Harrison counties in Indiana) were homeless at some point in the 2020-2021 school year
115,798, or 9.5% of individuals in our 7-county region are food insecure
The resources available in a neighborhood make a significant difference for the children who grow up there. On average, children who grow up in a neighborhood in the top 20% of resources can expect to earn 46% more in annual salary compared to children who grow up in the bottom 20% of neighborhoods
Indiana
12.2% of Indiana’s population lives below the poverty line
20th highest poverty rate in the country
1 in 5 families in MUW’s 7-county region struggle to make ends meet
Nearly 4 in 10 Americans don’t have $400 to cover a minor emergency without having to borrow or sell a possession
There are huge disparities between average White and Black household wealth as well as discrepancies between White and Black homeownership rates
Sources: Zillow ZORI metric, Louisville Metro Housing, Coalition for the Homeless, Feeding America, Opportunity Atlas, MUW data analysis
What We're Doing Together
To Help
- Offering financial coaching for individuals in WORKFORCE TRAINING.
- Providing INVESTMENTS and CAPACITY BUILDING for entrepreneurs in marginalized communities.
- Facilitating consultation for employers to CREATE INVITING WORKPLACES for diverse populations.
- Giving FREE TAX ASSISTANCE to leverage Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC).
- Preventing HOMELESSNESS and SCHOOL INSTABILITY through investments and training.
- Ensuring everyone has access to MAINSTREAM FINANCIAL EDUCATION and BANKING SERVICES.
- Providing 2-1-1 HELP CENTER to connect those in need with a vast network of resources.
- Supplying HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPORTS.
- Identifying urgent needs and leading VOLUNTEER projects, events, and experiences that meet those needs.
- Leveraging technology to create a cross-sector COORDINATED CARE EFFORT.
- BUILDING BEDS for kids who need them.
- INVESTING IN and BUILDING CAPACITY of organizations that provide safety net services.
We are working collaboratively to help individuals increase their earned income as well as expand access to resources for entrepreneurs that are underrepresented. We are also helping to meet urgent, basic needs like housing, transportation, food, and more.
Here are some of the proven, long-standing programs and initiatives as well as innovative solutions that we work together on every day.
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United Neighborhoods
Transforming neighborhoods from the inside out
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2-1-1
2-1-1 is a free and confidential information and referral service that helps people face life challenges, often for the first time, by connecting them to the local resources they need. It’s available in over 100 languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Volunteer Engagement
We identify the most pressing issues in our community, and we harness the power of volunteers, like you, to provide solutions through service. Volunteers are vital to the strength of our community.
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United Community
United Community is a coordinated care network of health, education, and social care providers.
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YALift!YALift! is a guaranteed income pilot program to empower young adults to forge their own path toward financial security.
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Build-a-Bed
Studies have proven a good night’s sleep is vital for a child’s ability to pay attention, learn and succeed in school. Build-a-Bed is a Metro United Way signature initiative primarily in our Southern Indiana region.
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Align Southern IndianaMetro United Way is a key supporter of Align Southern Indiana, whose mission is to actively facilitate a shared regional process that will align resources, address needs and produce sustainable solutions resulting in our region achieving its potential as a best place to live, work and play.
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Fund Black Founders
An innovative approach to creating pathways of poverty to prosperity by investing in Black entrepreneurs with financial and social capital.
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Siemer Institute Partnership
One way that Metro United Way helps individuals strengthen their families is through a partnership with the Siemer Institute; this program works to prevent family homelessness and reduce school mobility so that families gain financial security and their children can succeed in school.
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Housing Pilot in Southern Indiana
Through community partnerships, we have launched a housing pilot in Southern Indiana that will move individuals along the spectrum to becoming first-time homeowners and will inform on additional service needs and service gaps as they relate to sustainable housing.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
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Financial Coaching & Workforce Training
More details to come!
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Generation Work
More details to come!
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Bank on Louisville
Bank On Louisville is a collaboration between financial institutions, community-based organizations and local government to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to be financially healthy.
...and our partners in this work
Results
553 kids served this past year, 99% households were able to avoid a disruptive school move, 60% were able to increase their income stability, and 61% were able to improve their housing stability through our partnership with Siemer Institute.
Read real stories from real people impacted by this important work!
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What We've Done Together
Watch Video -
Impact of the YALift! Guaranteed Income Pilot
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Thank you for making The Greatest Give Back 2023 a success!
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Build-A-Bed 2023: Thank You Volunteers and Sponsors
Watch Video
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More than 250,000 people were impacted by MUW-supported programs for the health and basic needs of individuals and families in our seven-county region.
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2,057 individuals in homeless prevention programs; 77% made progress toward financial sufficiency
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41,953 people contacted MUW's 211 call center for emergency assistance and referral
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7,041 people sought free tax assistance and MUW-supported programs helped return $9 million in refunds to them
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417 people sought skills development and training; 77% attained gainful employment
It will take all of us working together to ensure every household in our community is strong. Join us and invest today.
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