UNITED WAY

Orange County commissioners are set to vote on a proposal that would help develop a mental health action plan, according to documents obtained by News 6.

Heart of Florida United Way United Way officials discussed the "State of Our Families” at its annual breakfast on Monday. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — A new report says Central Florida families are struggling to afford just the basics. According to numbers released Monday by the Heart of Florida United Way, a family of four would need to make $93,000 a year to make ends meet. United Way officials discussed the “State of Our Families” report at its annual breakfast. “Working for minimum wage on their feet all day wasn’t the lifestyle they wanted, a lot of folks have re-directed, pivoted in their careers,” said Jeff Hayward, president and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way.

It found 39% of families in Central Florida made more than the federal poverty line, but not enough, or barely enough, to make ends meet in 2021.

Experts and leaders with Heart of Florida United Way highlighted the struggles low-income families are going through due to the pandemic and recent inflation.

United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties The United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties announced this week that it’s investing $225,000 into 23 local non-profits. (United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties)LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties announced this week that it’s investing $225,000 into 23 local non-profits. Officials said the investments range from $5,000 to $20,000 to programs that tackle the United Way’s three focus areas: income, education, and health. “It renews one’s faith in humanity as we see the effect of the last two years on so many families, children and Veterans and now can also see our local non-profits, serve even more needs than we can reach and utilize this grant funding to even expand their reach and existing programs for residents in both counties,” said Monica Wofford, CEO United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Orange County received $1 million from the Heart of Florida United Way, a gift that’s part of a donation made to the nonprofit by author and philanthropist, McKenzie Scott.

In 2021, Orange County voted unanimously to approve $315,000 for a study by the Heart of Florida United Way to do an analysis of the county's mental and behavioral health system.

Heart of Florida United Way The Heart of Florida United Way is distributing $1.27 million to 15 nonprofits across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties to address needs across the community. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — The Heart of Florida United Way is distributing $1.27 million to 15 nonprofits across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties to address needs across the community. Catholic Charities of Central Florida Inc.: $45,0002. Christian Service Center for Central Florida Inc.: $70,000READ: Recall alert: Target Christmas decorations4. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida: $130,00014.

>> Read more trending newsTeam Western Kentucky Tornado Relief FundGov. Andy Beshear has started the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief fund. Checks can be made out to the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, with “Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund” listed in the memo line. At the same time the Western Kentucky Red Cross has partnered with Facebook, which is paying all processing fees for donations, WLKY reported. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 21 Kentucky tornadoes A resident surveys the damage from a tornado that hit downtown Mayfield, Kentucky, on Friday night.

Four Central Florida counties and the State of Florida are at risk of losing their remaining emergency rental assistance funds, which could amount to millions of dollars not going to help local families who need it.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 Eyewitness News This Morning anchor Nancy Alvarez signed off Wednesday to begin a new role at Heart of Florida United Way. READ: Channel 9′s Nancy Alvarez to begin new role at Heart of Florida United WayAlvarez also traveled to Puerto Rico many times, reporting on the damage and recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria. She will join the Heart of Florida United Way as the senior vice president of community relations and equity impact. Alvarez said she has many more stories to share and some will even be featured on Channel 9. READ: 9 things to know about Kirstin Delgado, Channel 9′s newest anchorTo stay in touch with Alvarez, follow her social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Heart of Florida United Way is making sure struggling families across Central Florida have a Thanksgiving feast this year.

Nearly 200 shoes donated to homeless children in Central Florida The Heart of Florida United Way and Coalition for the Homeless teamed up with Geico to give nearly 200 pairs of shoes for homeless children in Central Florida. ORLANDO, Fla. — The Heart of Florida United Way and Coalition for the Homeless teamed up with Geico to give nearly 200 pairs of shoes for homeless children in Central Florida. Families gathered Friday at a children’s playground at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida for the shoe giveaway. Photos: Nearly 200 shoes donated to homeless children in Central FloridaExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Nearly 200 shoes donated to homeless children in Central Florida The Heart of Florida United Way and Coalition for the Homeless teamed up with Geico to give nearly 200 pairs of shoes for homeless children in Central Florida. The Heart of Florida United Way said it is the largest provider of funds to the region’s most critical health and human service programs.

ORLANDO, FLA. — This week the Heart of Florida United Way announced that $250,000 dollars in investments had been disbursed to five local nonprofits to help local people in need. Read: Seminole County Public Schools in need of substitute teachers, how to applyUnited Way says those families are working, but they are struggling and don’t have a lot of resources to pay their bills. Jeff Hayward, president and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way said, “some of the top needs are housing obviously, housing assistance, rental assistance, that’s one of the top, usually the top need all year round. Utility assistance is certainly right behind that.”Read: Target reviving car seat trade-in programLeaders at United Way say if you need help or just some guidance, you can dial 2-1-1 at any time of the day and someone will be able to direct you to the relevant parties for assistance. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Parents across Central Florida are getting last-minute supplies ready for the first day of school, but thousands of local families can’t afford supplies or pay for other essentials. The Heart of Florida United Way helps families in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. READ: Backpack-A-Thon 2021: Help students get school supplies they need this year! READ: Back-to-school: What you need to know for your 1st day backThis year, Channel 9 is inviting viewers to help with a virtual drive called the Backpack-a-thon. Each year, the HopeNow Foundation has been able to hand out about 10,000 backpacks filled with school supplies each year to families.

The United Way of Miami-Dade has partnered with the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald to bring artwork to Surfside survivors following the devastating condo collapse.

The pandemic exacerbated the mental health crisis @OrangeCoFL was already dealing with. We're looking at how it's disproportionately impacting the mental health of communities of color, young adults, and essential workers for @WFTV at 6pm. According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the pandemic has disproportionately affected the mental health of communities of color. More essential workers also report symptoms of anxiety or depression than non-essential workers. READ: Records detail past criminal history of boy, 17, accused of killing Orange County mother in her driveway

ORLANDO, Fla. – March is Women’s History Month and to celebrate the accomplishments of local women and to empower them to find even more success, the Heart of Florida United Way is hosting a luncheon Thursday as part of Women United. Women United is a part of United Way that says it fights for the health, education and financial stability for all. News 6 anchor Bridgett Ellison spoke with Women United Luncheon co-chair Annie Marie Howard about the event. But really, it’s about other women coming together to help other women and families and children.”This year, due to the pandemic, the Women United events are virtual. Click here to purchase or click here to learn more about Women United.

ORLANDO, Fla. – More help is coming to Orlando renters. The city is reopening its rental assistance program to help families who are struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic. It’s for rent assistance, not for mortgage or utility assistance,” Larsen said. Orlando City Council is considering adding more funds to the program. Larsen said they will vote on allocating a total of $2.3 million of federal CARES Act funds for rental assistance.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Cars lined up at the Orange County Convention Center Saturday morning as hundreds of families received free Thanksgiving meals. Heart of Florida United Way gave out free meals to 1,500 pre-selected families in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Michael and Patricia received the free meals through the non-profit’s second annual Thanksgiving Project. Heart of Florida United Way President and CEO Jeff Hayward said they provided families everything they need for the meal. He adds the meal giveaway is just another way they’re doing their part.

Orlando City Council voted on plans to use $1.5 million of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act funds to provide rental assistance. The city will partner with United Way to implement the funds. Requests for rental assistance can be made through the Heart of Florida United Way website beginning Sept. 9 at 8 a.m. City employees will assist the United Way in administering and overseeing the program. Residents who are interested in applying for the Rental Assistance Program are encouraged to begin gathering all required documents needed to apply as soon as possible.

Florida United Way weighs in on housing crisis during coronavirus pandemicPublished: August 7, 2020, 10:22 amJeff Hayward, CEO of Heart of Florida United Way, describes the increase in people struggling and needing assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.

Central Florida organization worried about 'tidal wave' of evictionsPublished: July 1, 2020, 1:31 pmHeart of Florida United Way President Jeff Hayward said he feared thousands of families would face homelessness with Orange and Osceola counties reporting some of the state's highest unemployment rates.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Heart of Florida United Way CEO Jeff Hayword said the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have economic consequences for Central Floridians. On Wednesday, he held a meeting with local leaders to discuss what he calls a housing crisis in the community. From March 17, 2019, to June 17, 2019, there were over 2,300 residential eviction cases filed in Orange County. In the same period of 2020, there have been less than 300 residential eviction cases filed. Tiffany Moore Russell, with the Orange County Clerk of Courts, said July though October is typically when they see a high peak in evictions.

The coronavirus pandemic has placed income-constrained families in the area at a greater risk for financial ruin, according to the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties. But a new study suggests that among the most affected are income-constrained families who face a greater risk for financial ruin. Its more than just a wage issue, said Courtney Edgcomb, president of the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties. The coronavirus outbreak has just placed additional financial stress on those income-constrained families, some whom have several people counting on them to survive. To make a donation to assist ALICE families, contact United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties at 386-253-0563.

Good news in Marion County. Please send items to calendar@starbanner.comHeres a look at good news happening in Marion County. SECO Energy Board of Trustees elects officersThe SECO Energy Board of Trustees held elections March 30 for its three board officer positions, a press release stated. Anderson lives in The Villages and has been a SECO Energy member since 2013. United Way names 2020 annual Giving ChairUnited Way of Marion County recently announced this years annual chair: the executive director of Career and Technical Education for Marion County Public Schools, Mark Vianello.

MEHOOPANY, Pa. - The Procter & Gamble factory in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania, has long been a key fixture of the rural community. The Wyoming County United Way counts P&G, which opened its plant in 1966, as its biggest financial supporter. And though few people outside Wyoming County know all that, shoppers have cleared shelves of its products across the country in recent weeks. The plant is located about an hour's drive south of downtown Binghamton mostly along rural and scenic Route 267. And P&Gs workers are spread across about six counties, judging by the number of county United Way organizations Huff usually sees represented at fundraising time.

MEHOOPANY, Pa. - The Procter & Gamble factory in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania, has long been a key fixture of the rural community. The Wyoming County United Way counts P&G, which opened its plant in 1966, as its biggest financial supporter. And though few people outside Wyoming County know all that, shoppers have cleared shelves of its products across the country in recent weeks. The plant is located about an hour's drive south of downtown Binghamton mostly along rural and scenic Route 267. And P&Gs workers are spread across about six counties, judging by the number of county United Way organizations Huff usually sees represented at fundraising time.

MEHOOPANY, Pa. - The Procter & Gamble factory in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania, has long been a key fixture of the rural community. The Wyoming County United Way counts P&G, which opened its plant in 1966, as its biggest financial supporter. And though few people outside Wyoming County know all that, shoppers have cleared shelves of its products across the country in recent weeks. The plant is located about an hour's drive south of downtown Binghamton mostly along rural and scenic Route 267. And P&Gs workers are spread across about six counties, judging by the number of county United Way organizations Huff usually sees represented at fundraising time.

Patrons can get a bowl of chili, with crackers or rice, and a drink for $5. UPCOMINGRainbow Springs Garden Club: The club will host its annual holiday social and auction fundraiser from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Rainbow Springs Community Center Rainbow Room. There will be an entry fee of $15 that includes admission, 25 auction tickets, a door prize ticket, finger foods, fruit cups, sweets and salty snacks and drinks. Additional cards of 25 tickets and one door prize ticket may be purchased for $10. Donated baskets for auction should be delivered to the Rainbow Room between 11:30 a.m. and noon for set-up.

Family receives a home for the holidaysOn Nov. 15, Habitat for Humanity of Marion County held a house blessing for the Tiffany Solomon family as they took possession of their new home in Belleview. Tiffany has been such a great family partner to work with, Tyler Starr, social media coordinator for Habitat of Marion County, wrote in an email. During the 2020 United Way Pledge Drive, SECO employees donated $70,316 that will benefit local families living in SECOs service area, which includes Marion County. Our employees understand that local families need financial support year-round, and United Way is instrumental in leading the charge to improve lives. Preston Bowlin, Marion County Sheriff's Office director of emergency operations, and several local first responders gave the course to about 40 members of the church on Nov. 2.

Heart of Florida United Way visits News 6 at Nine to discuss their work in the Central Florida community.

Publix announced it is making a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross and United Way for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. "The damage and impact caused by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas has been devastating, and its path continues to affect Publix customers and associates in our coastal areas," said Maria Brous, director of media and community relations. The grocery food chain also said it is activating its register campaign to allow customers to make donations during checkout at any Publix store. One hundred percent of donated funds from registers will be given to the American Red Cross. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

TAVARES Dozens of representatives of nonprofits, city officials and residents attended the Lake County Commissions workshop on homelessness Tuesday afternoon. Staff with both LifeStream Behavioral Center and the Mid Florida Homeless Coalition gave a snapshot of the countys homelessness issue. According to the MFHC count from last week, it was more than 400. LifeStream recommended the county adopt the key components to building an effective homeless response system, establish a county homeless advisory council, help coordinate community services and move quickly. Were actively looking for a location for a homeless shelter.

Diane Dyer, executive director of teaching and learning for Flagler Schools, called the honor proof that the option was needed among Flagler students. You have heard a lot about the success of the high school credit recovery programs and the increased graduation rate, she said. (iFlagler) has been instrumental in these great accomplishments.iFlagler is beginning its 10th year of providing online education for Flagler students. The funds will be used to develop a career coaching mentoring program as part of Flagler Schools Classroom to Careers initiative. The first institute is being held this week at Matanzas High School.

Volunteers renovate home for 87-year-old blind veteran A group of volunteers from Home Depot and United Way in Michigan transformed a disabled veteran's house into an outdoor oasis. WNEM-TV's Craig McMorris reports.