Low-Income & Underserved Community Assistance Programs
By investing in the most effective programs and services, we’re tackling the area’s most complex social challenges every day for underserved and low-income communities in the National Capital Area.
Each year we work directly in the 11 regions we serve: Alexandria, Arlington, District of Columbia, Fairfax/Falls Church, Loudoun County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Prince William County, Rappahannock County, Culpeper County and Fauquier County.
Our Impact Infographic presents the tremendous impact our programs have had from July 2021 to June 2022.
To find out more about our programs and how you can help, read below.
Community Health Programs
United Way NCA’s health programs increase equity in access to health resources that promote physical and mental well-being among students and families. We engage and empower at-risk youth by removing systemic barriers to food security, promoting physical exercise and healthy eating, providing mental health education and services, and reducing the stigma of using these services.
Weekend Hunger Backpack Program
Providing nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to young students, helping them avoid hunger over the weekend when they cannot depend on school cafeteria meals.
2-1-1
A free, confidential referral and information helpline, 2-1-1 connects callers to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
SingleCare
SingleCare provides access to affordable prescription medications to help promote financial stability for our region’s individuals and families.
Thrive United 365
Thrive United 365 provides equitable access to and distribution of health resources to improve people’s lives by addressing health conditions most affecting our communities.
Community Education Programs
United Way of the National Capital Area is focused on the education pipeline from middle school to college and/or career success. We work in Title I schools in our area, addressing attendance, behavior and course performance through our Community Schools program.
Middle School Success
Providing academic, social and health support to middle school students to help them perform at grade level and prepare for the transition to high school.
Character Playbook
An evidence-based solution for schools, which provides self-guided and interactive lessons to begin conversations on why character education and positive relationships matter in middle school.
Economic Opportunity Programs
United Way NCA is committed to providing residents with economic opportunity by removing barriers to stable and affordable housing and instilling financial empowerment so that community members can feel in control of their financial situations and feel confident in navigating challenging financial decisions.
Project Community Connect
United Way NCA’s annual Project Community Connect provides much-needed resources to our region’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population and our neighbors at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) D.C.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax help to low- and moderate-income individuals and families, persons with disabilities and limited-English-speaking taxpayers in Washington, DC and neighboring counties.
Financial Empowerment Centers
United Way NCA’s Financial Empowerment Centers provide the needed tools for community members to gain greater control over their personal finances to increase their economic opportunity.
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