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 increase 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
We are working collaboratively to help individuals increase their earned income, retain more of their income, and 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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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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Southern Indiana Housing Program
Through community partnerships, we are working to help individuals in Southern Indiana become first-time homeowners and we are working to keep current homeowners in their homes by addressing safety and repair needs. We will also inform on the additional service needs and service gaps as they relate to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
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Financial Coaching & Workforce Training
Six months into this partnership, our financial coaching partners engaged through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) workforce grant have already served 117 individuals, and many participants are already realizing positive results. So far, 35 individuals have reduced debt, 17 have improved their credit, 41 have increased their savings, and 11 have improved their income.
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Generation Work
More details to come!
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Bank on Louisville
Bank On Louisville is a collaboration of financial institutions, community-based organizations, and local government to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to be financially healthy. Bank On connects people to safe, affordable, and certified banking accounts.
...and our partners in this work
It will take all of us working together to ensure every household in our community is strong. Join us and invest today.