Financial Stability

The Challenge

• More than 17percent of Forsyth County residents --- and over 25 percent of our children --- live in poverty.
• Thirty-nine percent of Forsyth County households live in asset poverty, unable to access wealth resources sufficient to provide for basic needs for a period of three months.
• Thirty-five percent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County low-income residents are uninsured.

United Way's Goal

• Help individuals and families achieve greater financial stability

The Results

• Since 2008, more than 5,800 individuals have received personalized job-search assistance through the Prosperity Centers' Career Connections program, with more than 1,500 receiving individualized debt and credit counseling.
• Through Ways to Work, working families with challenging financial histories have access to low interest car loans in conjunction with financial literacy classes than help lay the foundation for a solid financial future and expand employment opportunities. In 2012, 128 famillies were helped and 86 car loans approved.
• Low income workers save hundreds of dollars with free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and the Earned Income Tax Credit programs which in 2012 brought over $3.5 million back into our community.

United Way’s Partners

Experiment in Self-Reliance, The Enrichment Center, Family Services, Financial Pathways of the Piedmont, Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, Winston-Salem Urban League, YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, YWCA of Greater Winston-Salem

Success Stories

Judy Forlines got help saving her farm from foreclosure

In 2008, United Way identified an integrated, innovative service strategy that would respond to the comprehensive needs of lower-income families seeking to improve their financial situation, and opened the Career Connections and Prosperity Center at 585 Waughtown Street in mid-2008. 

 The Results

• 520 individuals have obtained a new or better job.

• 584 families and individuals have reduced their debt. 471 are consistently paying their bills on time.

• 79 chronically homeless individuals have remained in permanent housing for over one year. This is significantly better than the 30-40% success rate seen with traditional programming.

• 464 new units of supportive housing added to our community to house individuals how were previously homeless. (343 permanent supportive housing, 121 transitional housing)

 United Way’s Partners

 Led by Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina in partnership with Consumer Credit Counseling Service, the Center for Homeownership, Experiment in Self-Reliance, and Family Services’ Ways to Work program.

2010 Financial Stability Video (full length/3:44)

2010 Financial Stability Video (short version/2:03)