UWRV Fall Newsletter 2020

LEADING THE FIGHT FOR THE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL STABILITY OF EVERY PERSON IN THE ROANOKE VALLEY REGION. United Way of Roanoke Valley was created for tough times like these. With your support, we are meeting the urgent needs of our neighbors and ensuring that we recover as an even stronger Roanoke Valley. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been convening partners, leading collaborations and making a difference, for a real change, in our community.

United Way of Roanoke Valley’s commitment to the health, education and financial stability of our community is unwavering.

United Way of Roanoke Valley is partnering with school systems, non-profit organizations, and the faith-based community to ensure families have a safe place for their children to receive academic support when they are not in school.

We’ve developed a first-of-its-kind coordinated enrollment system, Smart2Start, to support families in finding childcare across the region.

SO FAR THIS FALL:

As more residents find themselves furloughed or working reduced hours, we are funding initiatives that provide direct services to families who need access to food and supplies, healthcare, childcare, housing, utilities, employment and transportation.

• 1000+ children placed in early childcare settings across the region • 400+ school-age children in Roanoke City and Roanoke County placed with childcare providers, tutors and mentors to support virtual and hybrid school schedules.

For more information, visit www.smart2start.org

ALICE BY THE NUMBERS: ROANOKE VALLEY REGION

MEET ALICE

2018 Point-in-Time-Data Number of Localities: 6 ASSET LIMITED, INCOME CONSTRAINED, EMPLOYED Population: 314,080 Number of Households: 128,108 Median Household Income: $57,504 (State Average: $72,577) Unemployment Rate: 4.03% (State Average: 4.2%) ALICE Households: 30.83% (State Average: 29.0%) Households in Poverty: 12.0% (State Average: 10.0%)

ALICE families who were already struggling financially even before the pandemic have been especially hard hit by the health and financial impacts of COVID-19. Too many are now facing eviction for back rent and late fees, they’re unable to put food on the table, and can no longer afford their vehicles or the technology required to educate their children in this time of virtual learning.

In fact, even before the pandemic hit, more than 44% of households in the region were struggling to make ends meet. UWRV will soon launch new research efforts to uncover the full financial impact of the pandemic on ALICE families this year.

And with your support, United Way of Roanoke Valley is able to fund nonprofit partnerships that create bold solutions that not only help us survive these challenging times, but break the cycle of poverty that has trapped too many families for generations.

URGENT PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT: RACISM The American Medical Association has recognized racism as an urgent threat to public health. The professional association that represents tens of thousands of doctors is pledging to dismantle racist policies and practices in health care.

"The AMA recognizes that racism negatively impacts and exacerbates health inequities among historically marginalized communities.

Without systemic and structural-level change, health inequities will continue to exist, and the overall health of the nation will suffer," said AMA Board Member Willarda V. Edwards, MD, MBA. The AMA warns that racism creates shorter lifespans, more chronic illness, higher maternal and infant mortality and obstacles to healthcare.

“Four years ago I was a struggling mother of 4 facing housing and employment issues. With the help of the United Way’s RYSE Program, my children and I were able to find safe stable housing, I gained financial health education, and was able to better my career to provide for us! All I needed was someone to light the path and for my family, that was United Way of Roanoke Valley.”

--Lyndsey

To learn more, visit www.uwrv.org/ALICE

The United Way of Roanoke Valley Board of Directors has a message for the entire community. Please click here.

This year’s annual Fashions for Evergreens tradition will be held virtually, where you can browse the competitive tree-decorating contest right from the comfort of your couch.

While Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center is still sponsoring the event, now in the 10th year with UWRV, we’ll be able to all stay safer…at a distance. Fashions 2020 will feature 12 trees from organizations and businesses vying for your vote at uwrv.org/pickatree, for the month of December.

Also new for 2020, join in the fun and show off your own holiday home decorating by submitting a picture to Fashions At Home, where we’ll showcase tree trimmings and holiday festoonery from local homes and businesses. All of those who contribute photos for the page (email kyle@uwrv.org)-or who vote for their favorite Fashions for Evergreen tree-- will be eligible for prize drawings from the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center. Did someone say dinner at the new Pine Room?

WAYS TO INVEST:

donate online

write a check

Thank you for your support of United Way of Roanoke Valley and for showing what it means to LIVE UNITED. We ask that you think of our neighbors in need, and share your heart with a gift, lift your voice in advocacy, or lend your muscle to volunteer.

payroll text “UWRV” pledge to deduction to 85511 be billed

stocks & investments

scan QR Code

GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE • THE BEST WAY TO HELP THE MOST PEOPLE • UWRV.ORG/DONATE