UNITED WE THRIVE EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE 2026-2027
Dutchess County
Population: 299,963 Households: 116,771 (53,626 Children) Employment Rate: 62%
Orange County
Population: 411,767 Households: 141,127 (104,567 Children) Employment Rate: 63%
(United States Census Bureau, 2026)
109,129 households in our community are in crisis, unable to secure the very essentials needed to live. The United Way ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Initiative is a powerful way to describe financial hardship that goes beyond the traditional Federal Poverty Level. It highlights the significant number of households that are working, often in essential jobs, but still struggle to afford basic necessities in their local communities. Poverty
ALICE
Above ALICE Threshold
Dutchess County
Orange County
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Financial Hardship is Not Equally Distributed The largest demographic groups usually have the most households struggling to afford basic needs. But, when you look at what percentage of each group struggles, you see that some groups are much more likely to be in need than others.
2+ Race 8.3%
Asian 2.6%
Black 9.7%
Hispanic 15%
Population Breakdown
AI/AN 0.6%
White 63.8%
POVERTY
ALICE
ABOVE ALICE
100
80
60
40
20
0
Asian
Black
Hispanic
AI/AN
White
2+ Races
There are also differences in financial hardship by household type and age of householder. Households Below the ALICE Threshold Single (No Children) Married (With Children) Single, Female (With Children) Single, Male (With Children) 0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
The Cost of Basics Outpaces Wages
The Household Survival Budget shows the basic cost to live and work today, covering needs like housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, technology, and taxes. It doesn't include money for savings or future goals. In 2026, these costs in every New York county were much higher than the Federal Poverty Level of $15,960 for one adult and $33,000 for a family of four (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2026). 1 ADULT
1 ADULT, 1 CHILD
1 ADULT, 1 CHILD IN CARE
2 ADULTS
2 ADULTS, 2 CHILDREN
2 ADULTS, 2 CHILDREN IN CARE
1 SENIOR
2 SENIORS
HOUSING
$1,408
$1,612
$1,612
$1,612
$2,074
$2,074
$1,408
$1,612
CHILD CARE
$0
$433
$1,154
$0
$866
$2,404
$0
$0
FOOD
$546
$923
$828
$1,001
$1,678
$1,480
$503
$921
TRANSPORTATION
$409
$501
$501
$584
$854
$854
$347
$460
HEALTH CARE
$204
$500
$500
$500
$688
$688
$551
$1,103
TECHNOLOGY
$129
$129
$129
$163
$163
$163
$129
$163
MISC
$270
$410
$472
$386
$632.50
$766
$293.50
$426
TAXES
$530
$505
$678.50
$638
$655
$1,025.50
$597
$962
MONTHLY TOTAL
$3,496
$5,013
$5,874.50
$4,884
$7,610.50
$9,454.50
$3,828.50
$5,647
ANNUAL TOTAL
$41,952
$60,156
$70,494
$58,608
$91,326
$113,454
$45,942
$67,764
HOURLY WAGE
$20.98
$30.08
$35.24
$29.30
$45.65
$56.73
$22.93
$33.88
United Way is Here for ALICE.
We invest in change to build a stronger community so all can thrive. Our mission is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. We listen to you and your needs. We are constantly evolving our programs and initiatives to cater to the pressing needs of our community.
“
A mother’s heart shattered when her son was stolen away by their abuser to another state.
Desperate, she turned to The Financial Assistance Program, whose legal eagles fought tirelessly to reunite them. With unwavering determination, they not only brought mother and son back together but also secured a safe haven – their own apartment. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the mother walked down grocery aisles without the crushing weight of financial despair.”
When It Isn’t an Emergency But Feels Like One. Call 2-1-1. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, and compassionate helpline dedicated to connecting you with the local services you need. Our team of knowledgeable and caring call specialists is available around the clock, every day of the year, to help you find the assistance you need. From everyday needs to times of disaster, we're here to guide you.
Photo courtesy of Yakov Knyazev, Photographer, United Way Worldwide and United Way of Westchester and Putnam.
Service Areas 1. Basic Needs Food, shelter, utility assistance, clothing 2. Physical & Mental Health Healthcare, counseling, substance abuse support 3. Employment & Education Job training, literacy programs, GED assistance 4. Family Support Childcare, elder care, domestic violence resources 5. Disaster Relief Information and resources during emergencies
Prescriptions Are Expensive. We Aim to Help With That.
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is proud to partner with SingleCare to provide community members with access to affordable prescription medications, ensuring greater health and financial stability.
Benefits of Using SingleCare No Cost: It’s completely free to use! No Eligibility Requirements: Anyone can use it, regardless of income or insurance status. Significant Savings: Save up to 80% on most prescriptions. Wide Acceptance: Accepted at over 35,000 pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens and many more. Easy to Use: No forms to fill out, no activation needed. You can also access the card by downloading the SingleCare app.
EMPOWERING FUTURES THROUGH LIFELONG LEARNING Developing skill-based opportunities, fostering positive youth development and expanding literacy services for our community.
“
Failing to achieve grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a strong predictor of future literacy. With your help we are working to curb that statistic. Shy and timid, Kyle found his voice through Literacy Connections. With the encouragement of dedicated volunteers, he blossomed into a confident student. His first raised hand marked a turning point, leading to increased classroom participation and improved behavior.”
SERVICES Career Development Training Early Childhood Education After School Activities Youth Summer Programs Youth Emergency Housing Mental Health Services ESL Support Programs
eR
th e
ng
of
y
OF ENOUGH
Wa
INTO THE HANDS
U n it e d
BOOKS
egio n
YOU CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH
D utch
CHILDREN
Through our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting free books to children from birth to age five. It's more than just fun; it's fundamental. Early exposure to books develops critical cognitive and language skills, sparks creativity, and strengthens the bond between children and caregivers. Research consistently shows that having books in the home is one of the most effective ways to encourage early literacy and academic success. By building strong foundations, we're helping to create a brighter, more equitable future where all children can thrive.
Learn more, www.uwdor.org/imaginationlibrary
O ess-
ra
PATHWAY TO PROSPERITY
BOOSTING FINANCIAL STABILITY FOR LOCAL FAMILIES
Improving financial access for ALICE and low-income individuals to alleviate short-term financial crises in order to increase local families’ economic position and increasing annual earnings and workplace advancement of individuals and families in our region.
Crisis Fund We work with partner agencies to offer one-time grants or direct financial assistance to help individuals facing various emergencies. This can include help with vital medications, bills and other urgent financial needs. This fund helps ensure that children and families have access to their essential needs.
Other Programs Include:
Emergency Hotlines Emergency Case Management Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Eviction Prevention & Housing Stability Financial Literacy Seminars Ride United Lyft Program Free Tax Preparation Preventative Care Screenings
Essential Needs Supply Hub The Hub is a central location that collects, stores and distributes essential items to local organizations in need. This ensures that resources are efficiently allocated to those who require them most. These items typically include clothing, hygiene products, bedding and more.
Social Care Navigation Get immediate support, right from your phone! Our free 20-30 minute phone screening is the fastest, easiest way to connect with the helpful resources and support you need. Individuals are eligible for our services if you’re enrolled in Medicaid and need one or more of the health-related social assistance listed here: Nutrition counseling, emergency food, emergency housing, transportation support, mental health support and more.
Alison was falling behind on rent. Ongoing medical challenges within her family led to significant financial hardship. Her daughter was experiencing health issues, requiring frequent medical appointments and hospital visits. As bills began piling up, Alison was falling further behind and facing the risk of eviction.
When Alison received notification that her application had been approved, she felt a profound sense of gratitude and relief. This funding prevented eviction, eliminated rental arrears, and stabilized her housing situation. With this immediate financial burden lifted, Alison was able to redirect her focus toward maintaining employment and supporting her daughter through her ongoing medical needs without the imminent threat of displacement.
However, there was a glimmer of hope around the corner. Alison discovered she was able to apply for grant-funded rental assistance.
This intervention did more than preserve stable housing; it restored a sense of security and hope for the family during a period of significant hardship.
NOURISHING OUR COMMUNITY, TOGETHER
Increase access to healthy food for families in our community experiencing food insecurity.
Food Access Capacity Building
Food Banks & Healthy Food Distribution
We work to reduce food insecurity by partnering with local distribution centers to distribute healthy food, provide emergency relief and advocate for long-term solutions to connect families with nutritious meals.
Empowers food coalitions to strengthen their infrastructure and expand food access points, thereby increasing the availability of nutritious food within our community.
Advocating for Food Sustainability
We advocate for long-term solutions to food insecurity by leading and participating in advocacy coalitions, urging policy changes that strengthen food assistance programs and amplifying the voices of communities to drive systemic change.
1 IN 5 CHILDREN DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FOOD TO GROW UP STRONG. We are trying to change this. Rabbitt, M. P., Reed-Jones, M., Hales, L. J., Suttles, S., & Burke, M. P. (2025). Household Food Security in the United States in 2024 (Report No. ERR-358). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE
Increase accessibility to affordable housing and legal services for veterans and their families.
A war veteran, haunted by unseen battles, relied on VA benefits to survive. Then, the unthinkable happened: his lifeline was cut. Accused of being “cured" by time, he faced a nightmare of proving his own pain. But hope emerged in the form of a legal shield. With determination and justice as allies, he fought to reclaim what was rightfully his.
VetZero Program No veteran should be without a home. The Vet Zero Program provides rapid housing assistance for low-income veterans in need. We offer hands-on support, including help with initial housing costs, transportation, and connections to essential services, to help you quickly find a safe place to live and build a stable future.
In 2023, one million veterans aged 18 or older
[5.3% of the veteran population]
lived with both a substance use disorder and another co-occurring mental health challenge
Legal Services for Veterans and Military Families Our funded program offers free civil legal services to veterans and military families in Dutchess and Orange Counties. Our services include: Public Benefits & Income Stabilization Housing, Eviction, & Foreclosure Prevention Domestic Violence & Family Law Disability Law Elder Law LGBTQ+ Law
(William & Mary School of Education, 2026)
WE CAN’T DO THIS WORK WITHOUT YOU. Get involved today to help us build a stronger community.
Impact Through Participation. Volunteer
Make a difference through service. Join us for a volunteer day or organize a companywide initiative. Want a deeper commitment? Connect with our Women United group. www.uwdor.org/volunteer
Lead
Shape our future together. Join our leadership committees or board to directly influence our mission. Become a grant review committee member and decide which programs receive funding. Your expertise is vital to our success. If interested, email ci-inbox@uwdor.org.
Attend
From our Community Breakfast in September to the empowering Women’s Luncheon in February, we're dedicated to fostering connection and progress. Celebrate our heroes at the Celebration of Service in May and test your limits at the thrilling Pull the Tank in June. www.uwdor.org/events
Give
A small, weekly contribution can create a big impact on hunger in our community. We turn an investment of $1 into $5 of impact. Your generosity empowers us to expand vital programs. Corporate partnerships, through gifting, are also instrumental in achieving our mission. www.uwdor.org/waystogive
Leave a Legacy
Create a lasting legacy. Your vision for a stronger community can extend beyond your lifetime. A giftin-will ensures your impact endures, inspiring generations to come. www.uwdor.org/giftinwill
“
My Confidence Was Beaten Out of Me. Celine is a single, first-generation, third world immigrant with some college experience. She appears well poised, articulate, and intelligent. She may not look like the typical domestic abuse survivor, but she is, and she is striving to restore the self-confidence she once had. While receiving unemployment benefits, Celine sought help from Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County to cover her expenses. She received rental assistance, HEAP benefits, food pantry, budget counseling, free tax preparation and more. She was also referred to Dress for Success Dutchess County for career support. With their help, Celine eventually accepted a new position in the transportation industry, one that offered her more money and a shorter commute than she had before.
Celine is working toward getting a CDL license and is confidently pursuing her dreams.
Your impact stays local. BECAUSE OF YOU, WE HELPED OVER 147,065 PEOPLE AND INVESTED $16,779,840 BACK INTO OUR COMMUNITY.
47,180
INDIVIDUALS
benefited from the Hudson Valley Region’s 2-1-1 hotline and our support services, including Ride United, discount prescription cards and public health programs Community Investment = $644,108
48,633 INDIVIDUALS
36,766 INDIVIDUALS
2,934
INDIVIDUALS
benefited from community partnerships Community Investment = $372,890
benefited from Days of Sharing and Crisis Intervention Community Investment = $391,053
benefited from emergency housing, food and shelter programs Community Investment = $239,837
6,830
benefited from free tax preparation through HV CA$H
INDIVIDUALS
Tax Savings = $2,049,000 Tax Refunds = $10,052,435
4,722
volunteered to work together to make our community stronger.
INDIVIDUALS
Community Investment = $1,441,611
Through dedicated fundraising initiatives, United Way makes an additional community investment of $1,588,905.
“Thank you for helping our student— his reading has really improved.” This simple statement from a teacher perfectly captures the power a United Way funded program. Behind it are countless stories of growth, confidence, and transformation. Volunteers repeatedly share that their weekly time with their reading buddy is the highlight of their week—an experience that brings joy not just to students, but to themselves as well.
“
After retiring and losing my husband, I felt lost, depressed, and without hope. Then United Way told me about Literacy Connections, and it changed my life forever. I feel valued, I’m contributing, and I always look forward to meeting my students. You’ve been a lifesaver! While others say I make a difference, the truth is, I reap all the benefits.
www.uwdor.org