United Way of Southeastern Connecticut Launches “Keeping Families Housed & Hopeful” Campaign to Address Housing Crisis

Housing costs in Southeastern Connecticut have skyrocketed, rising 40% in just three years for low-income families. Last year alone, 1,192 people experienced homelessness in the region—marking a 47% increase over the last two year. With federal emergency funds drying up, local families are facing housing instability at alarming rates.

For example, a working mother in Groton was nearly evicted when her car broke down, threatening her ability to get to work. Fortunately, a small grant from a Client Assistance Fund covered the repair, helping her stay employed and remain in her home. However, these funds are no longer available.

These stories are echoed across the region—families who are one crisis away from losing everything.

In response, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut (UWSECT) has launched the Keeping Families Housed & Hopeful campaign to provide immediate relief and more longer-term stability for families on the brink of homelessness.

“No one working full-time should face homelessness. Every person deserves the dignity of a safe home,” said Dina Sears-Graves, President and CEO of UWSECT. “It’s unacceptable that families are forced to choose between paying rent, putting food on the table or fixing their car. This campaign is about more than financial assistance – it’s about restoring dignity, stability, and hope to hardworking individuals who deserve a fair chance to thrive.”

United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is actively addressing the crisis through coordinated efforts including helping people find or keep their housing, providing emergency assistance to prevent homelessness, and direct funding to local organizations working with families in crisis.

Contributions to Keeping Families Housed & Hopeful will strengthen these efforts and include:
•    Preventing evictions with one-time emergency assistance through the United Way Client Assistance Fund.
•    Helping families transition from shelters into stable housing through trusted United Way partner organizations.
•    Supporting the statewide 2-1-1 call center, a critical 24/7 resource connecting thousands of residents each week to housing and crisis support.

Even small gifts have a big impact and every donation matters. Contributions could help a family purchase groceries, pay a utility bill, or even support a month’s rent to prevent eviction.

United Way calls on the community to step forward:
Donate today: uwsect.org/housedandhopeful.
Volunteer: Help assemble “Welcome Home Kits” for families transitioning from shelters. The volunteer project date is Saturday, September 20 at United Way.
Spread the word: Share the campaign with neighbors, colleagues, and on social media.

“Together, we can keep families housed and hopeful,” added Sears-Graves. “Your generosity is the safety net that ensures no one in our community falls through the cracks.”

Learn more at uwsect.org/housedandhopeful.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is a locally-based non-profit organization supporting a network of health and human services, programs, and initiatives in New London County that work together to help people in need and improve community conditions. Supported programs make an impact in four areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.

United Way operates the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center which provides food to a network of member food programs in New London County and a Mobile Pantry. United Way supports 2-1-1 Connecticut for free information and referral 24/7, Project Warm-up for one-time, emergency heating assistance, Days of Caring volunteer events, and more. Visit United Way online at www.uwsect.org.