Community Services
United Way is focused on results. As a community builder, we highlight the resources and expertise available in the community to solve problems and impact lives.
Alaska 2-1-1
2-1-1* is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to free informaiton about critical health and human services available in their community. Information and Referral specialists are available Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Alaska 2-1-1's comprehensive database can be searched online 24/7 at www.alaska211.org.
*If you are unable to connect by dialing 2-1-1, you may call 1-800-478-2221.
What to learn more?
Alaska 2-1-1 A Critical Tool in Times of Disaster
EITC & Free Tax Preparation
United Way is helping low-income working families increase their financial stability and self-sufficiency by making sure they receive the federal tax credits they're eligible for - in particular the EITC, or Earned Income Tax Credit.
United Way is focusing on the EITC for a couple of reasons. First, it can be a lot of money. In Alaska the average EITC is $1,500; it can be as much as $4,500. For many people, it represents one of the best opportunities they have during the year to get ahead - to pay off debt, get into permanent housing, buy a car, start a savings account. But - and this is the second reason - Alaska has one of the lowest EITC - participation rates nationwide. Each year, as many as 25% of eligible Alaskans fail to apply for the EITC - often because they don't know about it, don't know they're eligible, or don't know how to apply. In Anchorage alone this means that each year an estimated 3,000 families and individuals miss out on as much as $5 million simply because they don't apply for it.
To receive the EITC, you must file a federal income tax return with the EITC Schedule attached. Beginning February 1, local volunteers will provide free help filing for the EITC. See our informational flyer in English, Spanish or Hmong for EITC eligibility requirements and locations of free tax assistance sites. Please share this flyer with your clients, employees, and anyone else you think might be eligible for the EITC. You can also help spread the word by including information on the EITC in your organization's newsletter or on your web page.
Emergency Food and Shelter Program
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created in 1983 to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental, in an effort to help people with economic (not disaster-related) emergencies. This supplemental funding is open to all organizations helping hungry and homeless people. EFSP funds must supplement existing feeding, sheltering (including transitional sheltering) and rent/mortgage and utility assistance efforts only.
EFSP is governed by a National Board that selects jurisdictions for funding. Local Boards are convened in those qualifying jurisdictions to determine the highest need and best use of funds and to select Local Recipient Organizations (LROs) that will provide emergency food and shelter services. Each year, needs are to be assessed in an effort to adapt to particular community needs.
United Way of Anchorage convenes the many Local Boards and the State Set Aside Area for the state of Alaska. For more information, contact sbrogan@ak.org (907) 263-3821.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local governmental or private voluntary organizations must meet the following criteria to be eligible for funding: 1) be non-profit, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.
Download the Phase 26 Application click here
Supplemental Pages Required for Phase 26 Application Submittal
Areas of the state that have been selected for funding can be found at Emergency Food and Shelter's webpage for Alaska.
Surplus Exchange
We facilitate the distribution of corporate and individual donations of equipment and furniture to the non-profit community. We maintain needs lists for agencies around the state. These "wish lists" help us to distribute the donated items to agencies actively. Contact Annabell Stevens at 263-3808.
Additionally, Green Star, Inc has a materials exchange website. www.greenstarinc.org/electronics/index.php
Labor Liaison Program
Created by a partnership with AFL-CIO, United Way provides a year-round link between organized labor members and community services. If you would like more information, please contact us at 263-3808.