OUR PROGRAMS

The Families First Program ensures parents and children have a safe place to call home. Our staff prioritizes finding stable housing for families experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless. The Families First program provides housing and utility assistance, case management and connects families with community services to establish long-term housing solutions.

Every child deserves to receive an education without the challenge of finding clothes, school supplies, or other items they need to succeed. Our Kidz Closet provides essential everyday items to children in need. United Way accepts in-kind donations of new or used clothing, school supplies, and hygiene products. These products are then distributed to children in need right here in our community.

United Way’s Backpack Program fights to end childhood hunger by providing food in students’ backpacks to feed them for the weekend. A donation can help provide up to six meals for kids who need a bit more help and hope when they’re away from school. Together, we are ensuring no child goes hungry over the weekend.

Many neighbors in our community lack safe and reliable ways to get to school or work. For others, an unexpected car repair can be a financial catastrophe. The Wheels for Work program is fueling opportunities to thrive for families by helping neighbors travel safely through, car repairs, transportation vouchers, and more!

Each year over 1,000 children in our community participate in the Winter Wishlist program. United Way collects NEW toys, games, and gift cards for children of all ages. These gifts are given to children who otherwise may not receive presents during the holiday season. Together, we are warming the hearts and hands of kids in our community!

United Way has partnered with Safe Kids Grand Forks to ensure all children are kept safe when traveling in a vehicle. Car Seats for Kids is a collaboration that works to provide families in need with car seats. Together, we are minimizing the risk of injury to our children in our community.

United Way was founded as a collaboration of neighbors. Today, one of the ways we carry out this mission is through our Community Initiatives Fund. We provide much needed dollars to special projects and events that improve the lives of kids, families, and individuals through our Live, Work & Learn framework.

Grand Forks County has been chosen to receive $19,464 through Phase 38 EFSP funds to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. Agencies interested in applying for these funds must submit the online applications by September 10, 2021. Funding must be spent by October 31, 2021.