"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

HealthNet Gaston was recently awarded the Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) Grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Catawba County is one of 20 NC counties that the YHSI will focus on, starting this fall. The goal is to establish and implement a response system for rural youth homelessness (through age 24).

This will include:

·        Improve the capacity of youth in participating communities.

·        Establish a broad, regional, collaborative partnership network.

·        Help Coordinated Entry Systems address the needs of at-risk and homeless youth.

·        Improve data collection, analysis, and use between systems.

·        Assess, address, and improve equity in the youth homeless response system.

HealthNet Gaston is currently working to raise awareness of this outreach. It plans on conducting a regional needs analysis and evaluation with local strategy

Recommendations, create and support Youth Action Boards (regional and local) that empower youth who are experiencing, have experienced, or are at-risk of experiencing homelessness.

It will also assess and recommend Coordinated Entry System improvements and provide education, information, training and support to assist local communities in implementing their rural response system addressing youth homelessness.

The other western North Carolina counties covered by the grant are: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, and Transylvania. 

For more information about the local outreach and how to help, contact Carson Dean, HealthNet Gastonia technical advisor - Carson@carsondeanconsulting.com.

HealthNet Gaston is a nonprofit healthcare organization in Gastonia, NC that also provides homeless services.

On Sept. 14, the Catawba County United Way kick's off its annual campaign with a Free night of racing and Fireworks in partnership with the Hickory Motor Speedway held during their season Championships. 



The event also introduces the public to local non-profits during a Resource Fair prior to the start of racing. A Food Drive benefiting local pantries will be held as well. Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing starting at 7 p.m. 



See below for More Details or call 828-327-6851 or email John Bailey at jbailey@ccunitedway.com. 

Catawba County United Way Executive Director Mark Bumgarner gets ready to make the next drop off for Meals on Wheels on Tuesday. The CCUW staff started delivering meals last year, and it's a highlight for us each month.

If you are interested in volunteering your time to help local seniors visit - THIS LINK.

Integrated Care of Greater Hickory recently announced the launch of a new service line: Pediatric Developmental and Behavioral Health Services. This initiative focuses on the unique mental health needs of children and adolescents.

The agency’s Pediatric Developmental and Behavioral Health program aims to provide evidence-based care for mild to moderate developmental and behavioral/emotional health issues, with psychiatric collaboration for more severe cases.

To refer a child or adolescent to this service, visit THIS LINK to find the online ICGH referral form, or have a parent or guardian complete the child and adolescent intake for wraparound services or medication management to collaborate with an existing therapist. You can also call the intake coordinator at 828-322-5914 ext. 220.

Integrated Care of Greater Hickory (ICGH) provides comprehensive support to adults, children, and adolescents, as well as their families, struggling with various behavioral health conditions, including addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma.

The Catawba County United Way is helping with the Point-in-Time homeless count on July 24 by collecting personal hygiene products to hand out during the event at the Hickory Soup Kitchen.

You can drop off travel size hygiene items - soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, wash clothes, at the United Way office Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory or call 828-327-6851.

For more information about the count, contact Chasity at the Western Piedmont Council of Governments - 828-485-4297.

The Point-in-Time count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless is mandated by the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

See flyers below for more details about the event or about volunteering during the count.

We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the non-profit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.

Below are some upcoming programs and events from just a few of those partners...please share, and if you're interested, the Catawba County Interagency Council meets the second Thursday every month (10:30 a.m.) at the United Way office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.

Call 828-327-6851 for more information or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com.

NC 211 is the United Way of North Carolina's health and human services information line.

Last week's calls for assistance in Catawba County.

• 10 calls for Shelter information
• 11 calls for Rent assistance
• 10 call for help a Utility bill

For help - Call NC 211 by dialing

2-1-1 or (888) 892 1162 or visit 

THIS LINK. Open 24/7.



Catawba County United Way is one of several community partners who help fund this program every year.