United Way and You
cost to live in the Tulsa MSA
How do TAUW Partner Agencies help?
Full-time employment does not guarantee a living wage. An estimated half of Tulsa MSA residents live in households not earning a living wage. Many rely on public and/or private assistance to maintain a basic standard of living.
TAUW Nonprofit Partners help fill the gap.
With the help of TAUW funding, many Tulsa area Nonprofits provide services to promote financial stability for tens of thousands of area residents. Services include nutritional and housing assistance, job training and employment opportunities, early childhood education and school success support, health care and prescription assistance, financial counseling, and more.
For example, during 2024…
❑ Community Action Project of Tulsa County enabled 229 families to avoid food insecurity, utilities disconnection, and homelessness by accessing emergency food, essential goods, rent and utility assistance through CAP Tulsa’s Emergency Assistance Program.
❑ Madison Strategies Group NextUp graduates saw a 25% increase in income after completing training, coaching, and job placement services, paving the way for greater financial stability. Over 170 NextUppers successfully completed training, equipping them with in-demand skills that lead to higher-paying jobs and long-term career growth.
❑ The Salvation Army's Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) program provided $335,750, impacting 1,102 households and helping 3,887 individuals avoid homelessness and remain safely housed.
Why does this matter to you?
❑ Goodwill Career Academy graduates who were placed into jobs earned an average wage of $17 per hour. Prepared by Tulsa Area United Way (Mar. 2025) For more information contact Melanie Poulter, TAUW Director of Research and Data mpoulter@tauw.org Your company is key to keeping our economy strong and people employed. Your support of TAUW is key to ensuring a secure safety net to help our neighbors in need.