United Way’s Housing Support Meets People Where They Are

Ariel moved to Cincinnati from North Carolina for a fresh start with a new job. Less than a year later, she was laid off.

She searched for work, but after two months, unemployment benefits couldn't cover the gap. By the third month without a paycheck, she was at a breaking point. 

“I was like, I don't know how I'm going to do this," she said. Ariel had a list of resources, but "nothing checked out." She could never reach anyone.

“At that point, I was just depleted, and defeated, honestly,” she said. “I almost gave up."

I just needed that one push. It really restored my faith in humanity.” 

• Ariel

Connecting With 211

Ariel called United Way-supported 211 as “my last resort" and reached a real person. In 2025, United Way 211 connected 35,400 people to housing resources.

A 211 community resource specialist listened without judgment and moved quickly, connecting her to Access to Counsel, which provides rent assistance and legal counsel to Cincinnati residents facing eviction through partners including United Way, the city of Cincinnati, the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Help Center, and the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati. 

“It was a huge relief for me," Ariel said. “It was an easy process. It was very quick, as well. I just needed that one push. It really restored my faith in humanity." 

Today, she says, “I'm 100% stable. I'm thriving." Ariel was one of the six million people referred by 211 for housing assistance in 2025. 

Building a Housing Plan

Morganne Ray, a mother of two teenagers, started nursing classes at 39 while working nights as a hospital lab technician. When her daughter became seriously ill and was in and out of the hospital for weeks, Morganne had to reduce her work hours. 

“I couldn't pay the rent," she said. “I was barely making my car payment." 

Then her car died, and like many of the 31% of callers referred by 211 for help, eviction felt close. 

Her property manager at Winton Terrace referred her to United Way of Greater Cincinnati, the lead agency for the Renew Collaborative, an eviction-prevention pilot with partners including CMHA, HomeStart, GreenLight Fund, and the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Help Center. 

United Way helped build a plan to keep her housed and worked with the property owner toward back rent. In spring 2024, Morganne learned her past-due balance was zero.

I thank them as well as God for getting me over another mountain so I can breathe and relax and feel safe and comfortable in my home.” 

• Lucinda

Getting help with eviction

For Lucinda, 64, the crisis arrived as an eviction notice after years of health complications and 19 surgeries. Living on Social Security disability and $23 a month in food stamps, she called 211, nervous and out of options.

A community resource specialist listened, reassured her, and connected her to Access to Counsel. Within two weeks, her rent was up to date, and she was linked to a charitable pharmacy and a food bank. 

“It was unbelievable," Lucinda said, “and I thank them as well as God for getting me over another mountain so I can breathe and relax and feel safe and comfortable in my home.”

“When families can remain in their homes, they’re better able to stay employed, keep children in school and build a path toward financial stability," said Moira Weir, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati. 

“That’s why our Access to Counsel program matters,” Weir said. “We're working with the city of Cincinnati, the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Help Center, and Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati to help tenants navigate challenges, avoid eviction and move forward with confidence."

United Way's approach to housing stability is grounded in understanding the distinct challenges each community faces and bringing together the right partners to deliver effective solutions. 

Stable housing is the foundation for financial recovery and long-term security, but the pathway there looks different for everyone. Through responsive partnerships and tailored support, United Way meets people where they are and connects them to the resources they need to move forward.