Orange County United Way views gaps in basic need services as a serious problem that severely affects our community. Without access to basic need services, individuals and families are unable to break free from the cycle of dependency and poverty to achieve their full potential. Providing families and individuals with access to proper nutrition, adequate and safe housing, physical and mental health and independent living will create self-sufficiency for all.

The Need:

• There are over 35,000 incidents of homelessness every year in Orange County (Point in Time Homeless Count and Survey 2007)
• Orange County has the over 790,000 individuals that cannot afford enough food or who are victims of hunger (Orange County Food Bank Report 2007)
• Over 14% of individuals in Orange County (over 430,000 individuals - of these 40,000 are children) do not have health insurance (Orange County Health Needs Assessment Report, 2005)
• In Orange County there are approximately 150,000 households that earn less than  $25,000 per year (United States Census Bureau, 2006)

Strategic Approaches:
Food: Investments go to programs that help individuals and families achieve proper nutrition and maintain a healthy lifestyle. More on food programs.

Housing / Shelter: Investments go to programs that help individuals and families secure and maintain safe, adequate and affordable housing. More on housing programs.

Medical Care: Investments go to programs that help individuals and families become mentally and physically healthy. More on medical care programs.

Emergency Services: Investments go to programs that provide services to individuals and families finding themselves in crisis situations. More on emergency service programs.
 
Other Basic Needs: Investments go to programs that ensure individuals and families are safe and protected from harm and have opportunities to achieve their full potential. More on other basic need programs.