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

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

Volunteers in Phoenix assemble heat relief kits
Stories of Resilience

Heat Relief Kits Provide Lifesaving Help

Volunteers with Valley of the Sun United Way and Verizon assembled 10,250 heat relief kits, providing lifesaving help during Phoenix's extreme heat.
A 211 operator looking at two computer screens while taking call
News Release

United Way Worldwide Backs Bipartisan HELP Act to Strengthen 211 System

The bipartisan Human-Services Emergency Logistics Program (HELP) Act legislation would strengthen and expand the vital 211 service amid growing demand for basic needs, like housing.
A VITA volunteer works with a taxpayer in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Impact Story

Getting Step-by-step Help with Taxes

The free program guides qualified taxpayers through the filing process and helps maximize deductions.
A man smiling while sorting groceries with child
Impact Story

Helping Working Families Go from Paychecks to Pathways

United Way of Beaver County is developing solutions to support families who are working but still financially struggling.
Letter carrier Russell smiling in his vehicle
Impact Story

A Letter Carrier’s Drive to Stamp Out Hunger

United Way is proud to stand with letter carriers as a founding partner of Stamp Out Hunger, which has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive.
211 operators in Los Angeles assisting callers
Press Release

Housing Insecurity Emerges as Most Pressing Need Across the U.S., New 211 Data Shows

In 2025, 211 contact centers across the United States had more than 19 million requests for help, with housing assistance being the top need.
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.

How You Can Help

Take the next step to support thriving communities. Your gift now or in the future, or the gift of your time, are valuable contributions to our shared mission.