America’s housing crisis: United Way on the front lines  

United Way began over 135 years ago with a community rallying to support a homeless mother and her newborn in Colorado. Today, we continue to build communities where everyone can thrive. Safe and affordable housing is not just shelter—it’s the cornerstone of stability, health, and opportunity.  

Affordable Housing: The need for systemic change 

America is facing a severe rise in housing instability driven by growing disparities in access and affordability. The National Low Income Housing Coalition says the United States needs 6.8 million more affordable housing units for low-income families. The shortage stems from a confluence of factors: insufficient construction over decades, high mortgage rates discouraging homeowners from moving, COVID-19 disruptions, and investors buying up homes for rental properties.   

This crisis reveals deeper systemic issues. Infrastructure, community amenities, and the allocation of tax dollars are crucial in creating thriving neighborhoods and require collective action.   

United Way: Addressing the challenge  

Housing instability impacts everyone, weakening community structures.   

United Way of New Jersey studies ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households, which earn above the federal poverty line, often work multiple jobs, yet teeter on the brink of financial disaster due to high living costs. In New Jersey, the household survival budget surged from $82,000 to $95,000 between 2021 and 2022.

The national United For ALICE program offers a comprehensive view of financial hardship, working with ALICE families to foster collective action and innovative solutions for financial stability.   

 United Way of Northwest Arkansas ALICE program has provided low-income families with technology like computers and Wi-Fi, enhancing access to educational and job resources vital for financial independence and secure housing. In another significant effort, collaborative initiatives in Arkansas have erased $35 million in medical debt, freeing up financial resources for nearly 24,000 people. Reducing this burden enables families to better manage and allocate their finances, significantly increasing their ability to cover essential housing costs.

United Way’s role: Addressing the root causes  

United Way operates 200 2-1-1 call centers nationwide, responding to more than 21 million requests annually. Callers are seeking help meeting basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and health care. Our 2023 Impact Survey shows that 5.3 million referrals, or one in four, were related to housing. In managing over 90% of these call centers, we handle an array of emergency housing needs.   

Across our network, United Ways are innovating solutions for both immediate and long-term housing needs. For instance, the United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Eviction Prevention Initiative has successfully helped over 3,000 households avoid eviction since 2020 by providing financial aid and legal resources. In Burlington, North Carolina, the United Way of Alamance County’s Housing Alamance forum has engaged the community in crafting actionable strategies for stable housing.  

Our impact extends beyond emergency relief. Programs like the Dallas Frequent Users Systems Engagement (FUSE) Collaborative and the Targeted Eviction Prevention Program provide comprehensive support, including case management and financial assistance to prevent evictions. The United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Motel-to-Home initiative offers a transformative three-step process—outreach, housing, and aftercare—to help families transition from temporary solutions to long-term stability.  

Innovative solutions from the West Coast: United Way of Greater Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, where over half of renters are significantly burdened by housing costs, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles (UWGLA) has been pivotal in addressing homelessness and housing crises through strategic partnerships and advocacy.

In the area of policy advocacy, UWGLA has been instrumental in legislative victories, helping to establish the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency through Senate Bill 679 and supporting the development of 10,000 permanent supportive housing units via Proposition HHH.

Collaborating with major stakeholders such as Apple and Kaiser Permanente, UWGLA’s Affordable Housing Initiative has successfully facilitated the creation of 961 units in 9 buildings, offering faster and more cost-effective housing solutions than traditional models.

These examples demonstrate how local United Ways are not only addressing the immediate impacts of the housing crisis but also tackling its root causes through community collaboration and targeted support. By tailoring solutions to local needs, United Ways are creating models of resilience and sustainability that could inspire broader application.  

Addressing the affordable housing crisis requires cross-sector partnerships  

Based on what we’ve done, this is what we know:   

Our experience demonstrates the crucial role of cross-sector partnerships in effectively addressing the housing crisis. From New Jersey to Los Angeles, our network showcases how local actions can tackle global challenges. By fostering partnerships and innovative solutions, we are not just reacting to the crisis but building sustainable models that provide practical help and hope.

Photo credit: United Way Greater Los Angeles