Our Work » INCOME About INCOME Promoting Financial Stability and Independence We all know that financial pressures put incredible stress on a family. But what may not be so evident is just how many families living in our predominantly wealthy northern New Jersey communities live every day burdened by the inability to make their income stretch to meet their needs. 29% of northern New Jersey residents are struggling to maintain financial independence. Source: United Way ALICE Report, 2008 When we dig just a little bit below the surface, we find that nearly one-third of our northern New Jersey households are walking the financial tight rope as they struggle to make household payments, provide adequate medical coverage, and keep food on the table. This statistic represents very real people who are essential to the success of our community – cashiers, child care providers, health care aides, auto mechanics, and more. While we depend on these services, they offer incomes which cannot meet the high cost of living in our area. We are addressing the needs of these families and individuals by helping them build the foundation for a safe and stable life by supporting financial literacy programs, offering free or reduced services like money management and tax preparation, and advocating for affordable housing. Strengthening the Financial Foundation for All Life’s challenges make it difficult to meet expenses, deal with unexpected hardships, and save for the future. United Way of Northern New Jersey is helping families set a more positive course and achieve financial independence. United Way Center for Financial Growth Circles United Way Family Success Center United Way Family-Sustaining Employment United Way Income Tax Assistance Program Increasing Access to Affordable Housing Housing costs can be overwhelming to already tight budgets. As a result, families may be forced to make tough decisions between paying for housing or necessities like medicine and nutritious meals. United Way of Northern New Jersey is working to help families and individuals find affordable housing solutions. United Way Housing for All |