Children in a classroom with United Way adults
Global Reach

U.S. and Canada

Map of countries in US and Canada region

Countries In This Region

United States of America
Canada

Overview

United Way's roots are deep in this region with the founding of United Way tracing back to Denver, Colorado in 1887. Community collaboration is at the heart of local United Ways across U.S. and Canada. Collectively, more than 1,000 local United Ways serve millions of families in need.


From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, local United Ways bring people and resources together to tackle each communities' toughest challenges to create a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.

We unite people, ideas and innovation and bring them together to solve humanity's most complex issues.

- Fahim Haque, Centraide of Greater Montreal

U.S. and Canada Impact

Bringing local ideas, people and resources together to make sure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.  

7.3M

individuals served across Canada each year

900+

local United Ways in communities across the United States

750K+

volunteers across the United States each year

Stories Across U.S. and Canada

Impact Stories

Stuff the Bus: Empowering Students to Succeed

Shine bright! Be you, be great! Volunteers shared these encouraging words for students around the DC, Virginia, and Maryland area at United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) annual Stuff the Bus signature event. On August 2, 2023, individual volunteers and volunteers from partner organizations came together to fill backpacks with school supplies for students who need it most. As they counted notebooks and folders, volunteers also took time to write personal messages of hope and inspiration.
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Impact Stories

Bridging Educational Gaps in St Joseph’s County

Alice stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and refers to households earning above the Federal Poverty Level yet struggling to afford basic expenses. Research has shown a relationship between poverty and educational outcomes, with many children in low-income families lacking the necessary school supplies. This situation created a specific need in the community that required attention.
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Impact Stories

Serving Those Who Served: United Way Supports Veterans in Texas

Recent data suggests that 25% of Texan veterans could not afford their basic needs. United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) has taken a stand with its Mission United initiative, partnering with Combined Arms through the Texas Veterans Network (TVN). Their shared focus: support veterans like U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Betty Moreland, enabling them to rebuild their lives after overcoming adversities like homelessness.
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Impact Stories

Racine County: Schools of Hope

In Racine County, Wisconsin, where the literacy gap was once a looming challenge, a change is taking place. United Way, identifying the need for early reading proficiency, initiated the Schools of Hope project. By third grade, reading skills are a powerful predictor of academic achievement, and this initiative aimed to give children the tools they needed to thrive.
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Impact Stories

United Way Southwest Virginia Invests in the Future

In Southwest Virginia the threat of persistent poverty has cast a long shadow. Over the course of decades, this lingering issue has affected 6% of the state's population or more than 492k Virginia residents, leaving entire counties trapped in a cycle of deprivation. Breaking this cycle requires more than just good intentions. Persistent poverty is a complex issue that includes educational outcomes, transition to employment, access to healthcare and opportunities for financial stability. Most of the affected counties are part of the Virginia’s southwest region and are served by the United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA), that is meeting the challenge through innovative interventions.
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Impact Stories

Mobile Food Pantries in Detroit

For more than 30 years, United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s partner, Forgotten Harvest, has helped fight hunger in metro Detroit by rescuing surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, caterers and more and delivering it free of charge to local pantries and food banks. The organization has struggled with surges in demand, fewer volunteers and food shortages that required staff to revamp their overall operating model in a matter of days.
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Individuals sitting on the ground at a temporary shelter

18M+

referrals through 211 in 2024

Supported by United Way, 211 is a free, confidential service that connects people to locally available programs and resources across the U.S. and Canada. In 2024, the 211 network responded to over 16 million requests for help resulting in more than 18 million hyperlocal referrals for assistance.

Learn About 211

How You Can Help

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