Urgently Address The Issues Of Those “Working Hard But Falling Short” When families can’t afford even basic expenses, it affects their ability to provide child and health care, cover transportation, and deal with unforeseen expenses, let alone offer the emotional stability necessary to keep families intact. Unstable families mean an unstable community.
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“Unless you seek it out, or you know someone to [help you] cut through the red tape...it’s hard to collect what you have coming when the system is so mixed up.”
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As a leader in the San Diego countywide Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition, United Way helps provide free tax preparation services for low-income working families and individuals. Recently, the Coalition expanded its focus to include screening for public benefits (some state, some Federal), such as such as CalFresh (formerly known as food stamps), WIC, CalWorks and other supports. The county partnered with 211 to allow people to apply over the phone, and they have a website where people can apply and update their forms regularly.
“[I worry about] not having enough to cover all expenses. I work but always have to make choices [about] what to pay and not pay.”
With these critical challenges in mind, our vision is clear: To help San Diegans get enough money to make ends meet and plan for the future. Here’s how: • Connect eligible individuals and families to benefits, like tax credits and Cal Fresh (food stamps), by getting the word out about where and how to sign up for income supports. • Increase access to free and low-cost tax preparation services and screening for other supports. • Help streamline enrollment and access by working with the county to simplify and improve processes. • Provide soft skills, such as resume development and interviewing skills, to youth and adults. • Encourage enrollment in and completion of degree, certification and training programs that meet employers’ needs. • Increase youth and adult knowledge of budgeting, savings, credit and taxes, and asset building. • Provide transportation assistance, child care and other supports to help workers keep their jobs or advance their careers.
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