Facts-Actions-Outcomes

Through United Way of Greater Milwaukee's safety net services, we connect people with food, clothing and shelter, strengthen families, children and youth, and help individuals become self-sufficient. In addition, we also focus on the root causes of our communities most critical problems to break the cycle of poverty - the key to sustainable change. This page features information about the United Way and its current Building Hope Community Campaign. Click HERE to view other frequently asked questions about United Way and its efforts in the Greater Milwaukee community or click HERE to view United Way of Greater Milwaukee Facts & Figures
Below, you'll find how acute some of the needs are within our community, how United Way is addressing them, and the progress that has been made. Please note that these are only a few examples of thousands of concerns that need to be addressed and that United Way is working with nearly 140 Program Delivery Partners to address them.
FACT	48% of those who needed help from United Way and partners in 2004 were children under the age of 17.
ACTION	United Way invests $770, 251 in childhood development and care.
OUTCOME	73,022 children benefited from youth development programs.

FACT	Over 9% of individuals living in Wisconsin are not sure where they will get their next meal.
ACTION	Last year, United Way invested $392,240 in emergency food assistance programs.
OUTCOME	Combined United Way funded food programs meant 8,288 individuals and families didn't go hungry.

FACT	800,000 individuals in Wisconsin live with a physical, mental or sensory disability.
ACTION	United Way invests $1,278,727 in programs that promote self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.
OUTCOME	1,196 Greater Milwaukee individuals with disabilities improved their ability to walk, communicate, work and care for themselves.

FACT	Over 50% of Milwaukee’s inner city working-age males are not employed.
ACTION	United Way is investing $391,850 in programs that develop skills which lead to employment.
OUTCOME	Job training and job readiness skill development will lead to employment for those without a job.

FACT	Reading skills at the 3rd grade level dramatically influence high school drop out rates.
ACTION	United Way is investing $514,446 in innovative early childhood programs.
OUTCOME	Children struggling with reading will read at age-appropriate levels.

FACT	Milwaukee has the second highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation.
ACTION	United Way is investing $312,816 in teen pregnancy and violence protection programs. United Way initiated a community-wide task force to jointly address teen pregnancy.
OUTCOME	Fewer teens will become pregnant or be abused.

FACT	Milwaukee has the 7th highest rate of poverty in the country.
ACTION	United Way, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs, is investing $382,000, including a federal match, to assist low-income individuals in buying a house or getting a post-secondary education.
OUTCOME	The program hopes to assist 450 families gain home ownership or post-secondary education.