As we count our blessings this year, we are thankful for you!

You have supported United Way of West Florida through your time, talents, and gifts over the last year. The work we do to connect people in our community with the resources they need begins with you. And we couldn't do it without you!

You have helped UWWF change so many lives this year. Thank you for making Escambia and Santa Rosa counties stronger!
COUNTRY MUSIC AND CHRISTMAS WISHES
Three amazing country music singers put on one heck of a show at Cat Country 98.7's Miracle on Palafox! Thank you to Easton Corbin, Elvie Shane, and Conner Smith for donating their time for the concert, which raised almost $17,000 for the Christmas Wishes program. And thanks to Gulf Winds Credit Union for sponsoring.

Christmas Wishes provides gift cards to low-income families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties so that those families can purchase gifts for Christmas.

Applications for Christmas Wishes will be open on November 21 and 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or until 100 applications are received each day. Applying does not guarantee acceptance. All applications will be vetted and qualified applicants will be notified by email.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS
We are looking for volunteers to help with this coming tax season.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers assist residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties making low to moderate incomes, by helping them file their taxes for free.

There are three ways to serve: as a Client Greeter, a Tax Preparer, or a My Free Taxes Tax Assistant. No previous experience is necessary, and all volunteers will all receive IRS certification and training.
BENEFITS

  • Learn a new skill
  • Receive IRS certification
  • Resume Builder
  • Flexible volunteer hours
  • Reward yourself by giving back to the community


RESULTS

Last year VITA volunteers saved residents in our community more than $100,000 in tax preparation fees and helped secure $1,088,000 in tax refunds.
SERVED, SACRIFICED, YET STRUGGLING
The latest ALICE in Focus report shows nearly a quarter - 23% - of our community's veterans struggle to afford the basics.

In 2019, while 7% of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties' veterans were deemed in poverty, 16% — more than twice as many — were ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to live and work in the modern economy. Veterans with income below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival can't meet the basic costs of housing, child care, health care, transportation, and a smartphone plan.
HELP IS HERE
211 Northwest Florida is an information and referral service that provides one-stop connections to community resources and services.

211 maintains up-to-date information on emergency food and shelter resources; services for families and seniors; connections to healthcare, childcare, and disability services; counseling and mental health services; and so much more.

Call 211 to connect
The Florida Veterans Support Line provides veterans and their loved ones the opportunity to speak with fellow veterans.

An FVSL Care Coordinator can help them through the difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life, connect them to community resources and services, and provide emotional support from trained professionals -- all fellow veterans.

Call 1-844-MYFLVET (693-5838)
988 is a suicide and crisis lifeline. This helpline provides 24-hour-a-day, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.

Our specialists have undergone extensive training to assist callers and provide them with the support and resources they need.

If you or a loved one have thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, or any other emotional distress, call 988 to get help today
EASY WAYS TO GIVE
ROUND UP

You can give back to your neighbors any time you go shopping! Sign up to round up your purchases and donate to United Way of West Florida.

Your purchases will be rounded up to the next dollar, donating your change to UWWF. Set a monthly limit and start sharing.
VENMO

United Way of West Florida is now on Venmo! You can find us at @UWWFL in the Venmo app or use the QR Code to the right.

PAY PAL

You can also find us now on PayPal.

To see all the ways you can give, click the button below.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
United Way of West Florida | uwwf.org