Our Work
United Way works to address our community’s economic mobility challenges, while always providing a safety net for our neighbors that face unexpected life challenges.
Whether it’s the needs of an entire neighborhood or simply the needs a family has for tomorrow, we’re always working together with our community to improve economic mobility and ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The Hard Truth
A child born in poverty in the Southeast has very little chance of climbing out if it during his or her lifetime. In fact, Charlotte-Mecklenburg ranked 50th out of 50 among the largest U.S. cities in economic mobility in a recent Harvard University/UC Berkeley study. All too often, access to economic opportunity in our region is aligned with the zip code and neighborhood where one lives. That must change.
A Trusted Leader
When we come together with one voice, our community is truly advocating for our neighbors in need. From our unique position at the center of the nonprofit, government, philanthropic and business communities, United Way drives focused collaboration among our partners to address community-specific challenges with an emphasis on education, health and financial stability, and to provide avenues for everyone to engage in creating change.
What Does United Way Do?
SOLVE the most complex problems in the community.
RAISE funds to make strategic community investments.
CONVENE community leaders for collaborative success.
ADVOCATE for impact that creates lasting change.
COMMUNITIES WE SERVE
Serving Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Union Counties, our impact strategies align with the needs identified by residents of those communities.
ANSON COUNTY
United Way serves Anson County residents through housing stability, food security, childhood literacy and mentoring programs.
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CABARRUS COUNTY
United Way serves Cabarrus County residents by focusing efforts on strengthening the mental wellness of the community.
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UNION COUNTY
United Way serves Union County residents through housing stability, food security, access healthcare, childhood literacy & mentoring programs.
Learn MoreMECKLENBURG COUNTY
This is the work of United Way — every day, all year long and during times of crisis.
Get Involved
Behind all our work, there are people like you who get involved in big and small — but always significant — ways to ensure a better future for our families and communities.
Get Involved
Our Partners
We Unite with local nonprofits and organizations to serve nearly 250,000 people in our community every year.
View Community PartnersResearch & Reports
Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and United Way have released the first-ever assessment of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg emergency shelter system. Among its findings, the report illustrates the importance of connecting solutions for housing and homelessness in our community.
Assessment of Capacity and Utilization
Executive Summary
System Solutions Handout
Case study developed by Community Solutions to highlight Charlotte-Mecklenburg's efforts to actively invest to improve the equity in all aspects of their work.
Case Study: Addressing Racial Equity In Charlotte-Mecklenburg County’s Homeless Response System
In partnership with Child Care Resources Inc., United Way helped develop this report about the impact of trauma on young children and families, plus strategies, interventions and next steps.
Creating a Trauma-Informed Early Childhood System Full Report
In partnership with UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, the Brookhill Community Resource Center, the Brookhill Neighborhood Association and the South Tryon Community Development Corporation, United Way of Central Carolinas conducted an asset and needs assessment for the Brookhill community residents, to better understand the community and the resources that would be needed if Brookhill Village were to be redeveloped.
Brookhill Community Asset & Needs Assessment