United Way CEO, Angela F. Williams, Offers Steps to Support Communities

(November 17, 2025) - In response to the end of the United States government shutdown, United Way Worldwide President and CEO, Angela F. Williams, released the following statement:

"Millions of Americans are breathing a sigh of relief now that the longest federal government shutdown in American history has ended. But the truth is that the damage won’t disappear overnight. At United Way, we are seeing fallout akin to the aftermath of natural disasters. The 211 helpline, our nation’s largest free and confidential social services resource, has already reported that calls seeking food assistance have quadrupled in recent days. This is the level we see after natural disasters, like hurricanes. It will take time for communities to heal and recover. And, with the holidays quickly approaching, low-income individuals and families, individuals with disabilities, and the most vulnerable among us will still need help.

I deeply believe that we can recover best together. The past few weeks have shown us what’s possible when communities come together and step in when our systems fracture. We saw families set up food pantries at the end of their driveways. We heard stories of neighbors getting together to cook and fill community fridges. Community organizations set up funds to support federal workers with emergency cash assistance and food, offered free financial counseling, and expanded access points for help. This is how we build strong communities: we think beyond ourselves to serve the needs of our neighbors–today, tomorrow, and every day from there.

And, if there is one lesson we take away from this, it’s this: To build and maintain strong communities, we must invest in the support systems that keep them running. In part, this means that we need lawmakers to fully fund critical safety-net programs before the safety net breaks; we need local leaders to work to strengthen systems in their communities in advance of the next crisis; and we need civil society—including nonprofit organizations like United Way—to continue to offer backbone support to communities."