Promote Stability

When people don’t have basic needs met, it’s very difficult for them to plan for the future. United Way of the Midlands helps people get back on their feet so they can thrive.

Prevent Homelessness

United Way fights for the 1,500 people experiencing homelessness in our community. Living on the street costs them connections with family and friends and makes it hard for them to work or maintain good health.

Address Childhood Trauma

67% of young people have suffered trauma during their lifetime—whether it’s food insecurity, an abusive parent or guardian, homelessness, or some other sustained traumatic event. Resilient Richland is raising awareness around childhood trauma to shatter taboos, end painful silences, and create healing.

Free Tax Filing

For low-income families, an annual tax refund is a needed cash infusion, but many can’t afford to pay an accountant. We offer a free filing service, led by volunteer accountants, that maximizes their refund.

We fund great projects and causes.

The United Way of the Midlands provides grants for community organizations that are helping to promote stability. Last year, we provided over a million dollars to local organizations that are helping transition people out of homelessness, including homeless youth, and providing needed services that help individuals get back on their feet. 

TOTAL Funding $1,340,000

$20,000 to Boys Farm

Impact 360

Boys Farm is a nonprofit organization that provides unique foster care services for boys experiencing difficult family situations.

The Impact 360 program addresses educational challenges, emphasizes character and responsibility, and incorporates athletics to create well-rounded young men.  

$30,000 to Boys Farm

Pathways to Independence

Boys Farm is a nonprofit organization that provides unique foster care services for boys experiencing difficult family situations.

Pathways to Independence helps prepare boys for independence after leaving Boys Farm. Progressing through multiple program phases, boys learn the skills they will need to establish and maintain an independent lifestyle.

$10,000 to Edisto Habitat for Humanity

Edisto Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit Christian housing organization in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

$65,000 to Homeless No More

Family Sheltering

Family homelessness is a temporary problem, not a chronic condition. However, federal funding has evaporated for many family programs as HUD’s focus, and that of many local funders, has turned to chronically homeless men and women. As a result, families have fallen through the cracks. We can change this. By helping parents and children achieve lasting independence, our organization seeks to eradicate family homelessness.

$50,000 to Homeless No More

Life Skills, Professional Development & Personal Coaching for Women in Crisis

Women in crisis need resources and help to get back on their feet. Homeless No More helps provide the tools they need to find work and become independent. 

$25,000 to Midlands Housing Trust Fund  

Affordable Housing Financing

The Midlands Housing Trust Fund (MHTF) is a public-private funding partnership to preserve and increase the stock of quality, affordable housing in the region through financing, technical assistance and advocacy. MHTF focuses on people who struggle to secure housing including people who work at low-wage jobs, people with disabilities and other special needs. Typically, individuals served have incomes at 50% or below area median income but the fund is intended to serve people up to 80% area median income.

$50,000 to MIRCI

Youth Drop-In Center

Our outreach youth drop-in center serves youth ages 17-24, and is open every day from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. for showers, meals, and case management help.

$245,000 to MIRCI

Street Outreach, Assertive Community Treatment, Benefits Enrollment

Outreach to homeless youth is a critical component in helping them find stability and purpose. With appropriate treatment and resources, these young people can thrive and become healthy adults.

$60,000 to Mission Lexington (LiCS)

School Enrichment Program

$55,000 to One80 Place

Housing-focused Case Management  

One80 Place provides food, shelter, and hope to end homelessness and hunger one person at a time, one family at a time.

$60,000 to Palmetto Place

Unaccompanied Youth Transitional Program

The Palmetto Place Unaccompanied Youth Program prepares homeless and unaccompanied youth to live independently and reach self-sufficiency. We provide food, housing, clothing and wraparound services for teens ages 16-21 in Richland and Lexington Counties. These teens are referred to the program by school social workers and partner agencies. Teens participating in this program are able to set long-term goals for employment and education and learn the life skills necessary for independence.

$85,000 to Richland Library

New Hope Project

The New Hope Project is a program that assists individuals experiencing homelessness with a dedicated team to help them find employment, housing, and become self-sustainable.

$225,000 to Salvation Army

Housing Stabilization

Salvation Army advocates for more permanent housing, in safe neighborhoods, and at affordable rents; but the first step is to never see a family have to experience anxiety over basic needs.

$30,000 to Sistercare

Support and Case Management for Emergency Shelter

Three shelters in Richland and Lexington counties are available in our five county service areas for battered women and their children who need a safe place to stay. The shelters offer a non-judgmental atmosphere where women can escape violence and plan for the future. Counseling, court advocacy, referrals for increasing self-sufficiency, room, food, laundry facilities, clothing, transportation, and more are provided.

$240,000 to Transitions

End Homelessness

Transitions' mission is to engage and equip homeless adults of the Midlands to transition into stability and permanent housing.

$60,000 to The Cooperative Ministry

Financing Your Future

The Cooperative Ministry (TCM) has worked with under-served low-income populations since 1982 when five faith congregations in Columbia, South Carolina established TCM to help prevent homelessness, hunger, and utility shut-offs among households with inadequate financial resources and social supports.  Today, TCM provides crisis assistance and financial sustainability programs to support low-to-moderate income wage earners in their efforts to climb out of poverty. 

Financing Your Future (FYF) provides financial education for TCM program participants, ex-offenders who are re-entering the community, and for low-income community residents at large.  Community-based workshops are offered twice monthly—at noon and 5:30 p.m.—to accommodate working adults.  Manning Correctional Institution hosts bi-weekly sessions at the prison for inmates who are within 3 months of release.  Volunteers from banks, credit unions, insurance companies, law offices, credit counseling programs, and chambers of commerce serve as workshop facilitators.  

$30,000 to Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a client management system that helps coordinate shelter and services for people who are homeless or struggling with a housing crisis. United Way of the Midlands manages the internet-based system for the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) – a nonprofit organization representing homeless providers in 14 counties throughout the Midlands. HMIS is utilized by homeless providers, federal and local governments to identify gaps in housing and services and inform effective planning.

Want to help?

Even a small donation goes a long way toward promoting stability and independence for our friends and neighbors. Can you give to help people in our community get back on their feet?