Providing emergency financial assistance helps working families overcome one-time barriers and remain stably housed.
When you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, even one financial setback can be catastrophic. About 24% of Bucks County residents are ALICE, an acronym for asset limited, income constrained, and employed. ALICE earns more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living. In 2020, 77% of these families had 1 month or less of savings.
ELIMINATING BARRIERS TO BASIC NEEDS
UW Bucks steps in to help these low- and moderate-income residents with emergency financial needs like utilities, rent, and transportation so a one-time issue doesn’t result in homelessness.
HOW YOUR DOLLARS HELP
A quick response from you helps our neighbors avoid homelessness, hunger, and getting caught in a cycle they can’t break.
615
Number of individuals helped through the Emergency Needs Fund in 2021.
301
Number of households that were helped with emergency assistance in 2021.
119
Number of families helped with emergency housing assistance through the Emergency Needs Fund in 2021.
33
Number of families helped with one-time utility bill assistance in 2021.
UNITED WE FIGHT. UNITED WE WIN.
Join us in changing lives in Bucks County for good by making a donation today.
Donations can be made online or by mailing a check to, United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA 19030.
ASSIST WITH EMERGENCY NEEDS IN BUCKS COUNTY TODAY
- The majority of working families can’t cover a $500 emergency. 30% have no savings at all.
- For low-income working families, a one-time issue can trigger a downward spiral that can end in loss of a job and even homelessness.
- For low-income seniors living on a fixed income, an unexpected expense is impossible to cover. It can mean skipping medications, missing meals, or living in an unsafe environment, all of which have serious health consequences.
- You provide emergency assistance with basic needs, like utilities, transportation, and housing.
- You make sure working families don’t end up homeless because of a one-time emergency.
- Families with financial problems that can’t be solved by one-time assistance are referred to more intensive programs, strengthening our local safety net.
Albert is a senior who lives alone in an older trailer. His home is paid for, but is in desperate need of repairs. Because he lives on a fixed income, Albert cannot afford any additional expenses.
It was the middle of winter when Albert’s heater suddenly stopped working, and was filling his trailer with a terrible smell.
Albert needed help to make sure his home was safe.
He was able to find assistance through the Emergency Needs Fund to get his heater fixed.
During this process, it was discovered that he also needed major plumbing repairs in order for his heater to pass inspection.
Thanks to your generosity, the Emergency Needs Fund was available to keep Albert in his home, safe and warm.
When you make UW Bucks your partner in giving, your gift does more than just support people who are in urgent need right now. You also support meaningful, lasting change that impacts the entire community. If you’d like to make a donation to help support the Emergency Needs Fund, please visit www.uwbucks.org/donate.
Join United Way of Bucks County by taking compassionate action to help with emergency needs in our community! Our charitable outreach fills the gap in community funding for help with emergency needs and provides welcomed support for services like car repairs, housing concerns, and other urgent emergency expenses. We represent a beacon of compassion to individuals and families across Bucks County and know that by supporting our residents in need today, our entire community stands to benefit in the long run.
What You Can Assist With Providing to Those in Need:
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Housing