United Way of Washington County-East

We are your LOCAL United Way serving Washington County and working together to ensure every child, family, and neighbor can thrive. When you give your generosity stays 100% local, strengthening lives across Washington County. 

When the basics aren't basic. Working hard doesn't always mean making ends meet.

Across Minnesota, families are working, raising children, and caring for loved ones while struggling to afford essentials like housing, food, transportation, and childcare. These households are known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). They earn above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to afford the cost of living where they live. 

In 2024, 23% of Washington County households were below the ALICE threshold, with one ZIP code reaching 50% of households below that threshold.

Housing is a major part of the challenge. When rent or a mortgage takes up so much of a household’s income, there's less left for groceries, prescriptions, child care, school supplies, and unexpected expenses. One set back can make an already difficult situation even harder. 

There's no single cause of financial hardship, and no single solution. That's why United Way of Washington County-East partners with local nonprofits to meet the urgent needs and help our neighbors. These trusted partnerships support essential services, connect community resources, and invest in organizations working every day to help our neighbors thrive.  

This Give to the Max day, put your trust in local impact. 

Your gift helps put meals on tables, school supplies in backpacks, and gives a 6th grader the opportunity to attend You R You when their family otherwise couldn't afford it.