Financial Stability

When people earn enough income to be self-sufficient, build savings to weather a personal financial crisis and gain long-term assets like home ownership, our whole community benefits.

Did you know that only 40% of Americans have the funds to respond immediately to a $1,000 emergency?

The financial stability of every individual and family that makes up Greenville County is imperative to the vibrancy and equity of our community. United Way of Greenville County works to empower people on the journey to financial stability by providing education and training programs that lead to higher-paying careers. We also aim to increase access to financial services and benefits — giving people the tools to save and protect themselves against a personal financial crisis, while gaining long-term assets like a home or business.

The Hard Facts

Despite a strong local economy and continued growth, financial stability is an elusive dream for many in Greenville County.

Nearly 60,000 people in Greenville County are living in poverty – 1/3 of which are children. People of color in Greenville County are disproportionately affected by poverty, with 21% of Black and 22% of Hispanic people living below the poverty line, compared to 9% of whites.

Across our community today, many families struggle to stretch their wages to meet the cost of basic needs. Though often not deemed “poor” by official poverty measures, these families lack enough income to meet the rising cost of essentials such as food, housing, transportation and health care.

Approximately 17,400 Greenville County families have an income of less than $25,000, which according to the Self-Sufficiency Standard in South Carolina, would barely be enough to make ends meet for a single person, let alone an entire family. 

This visualization shows what monthly budgeting on $25,000 a year looks like for a local family of four:

Item Monthly Cost (averaged)
Rent/Housing $1,200 (2 bedroom home)
Utilities $200
Transportation $108 (two bus passes)
Groceries $600
Healthcare $200
Child care $433
Misc. $300
TOTAL: $3,041 (-$958)

community impact

How We Change it

Your support of United Way of Greenville County is an investment in programs and initiatives that create pathways to financial stability through five key steps:
  1. Learn (employment skills)
  2. Earn (self-sufficient income)
  3. Save (protect against personal financial crises and acquire assets)
  4. Own (home, business or investments)
  5. Protect (health and property insurance, etc.)
This includes strategic investments in 19 proven local partner programs, as well as our highly successful Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Opportunity Center Powered by United Way.

Opportunity Center

Powered by United Way of Greenville County, the center is a one-stop resource hub to improve financial stability and economic mobility options for individuals and families in Greenville County.

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VITA

For more than a decade, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has been one of United Way of Greenville County's most impactful financial stability initiatives.

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AmeriCorps

Our local program of this national service initiative helps create access to services such as financial classes and tools, educational programs, food and more.

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Our Financial Stability Non-Profit Partners

United Way of Greenville County works to empower people on the journey to financial stability by providing education and training programs that lead to higher-paying careers. We also aim to increase access to financial services and benefits — giving people the tools to save and protect themselves against a personal financial crisis, while gaining long-term assets like a home or business.

United Way strategically invests in 18 organizations working to increase financial stability in Greenville County.

Able South Carolina
Alston Wilkes Society
Center for Community Services
CommunityWorks
Foothills Family Resources
Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands
Greenville County Human Relations Commission
Greenville County Schools Career and Technology Education and Lifelong Learning
Greenville Literacy Association

Greer Relief & Resources Agency
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
Homes of Hope
Jasmine Road
Mill Community Ministries
Soteria World Outreach Ministries
Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources (SHARE)
United Ministries
Upstate Fatherhood Coalition

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Story

Support Found

Reentering his hometown of Greenville after more than a decade in prison on a drug conviction, Devlin Jackson found the support he needed from United Way and its funded financial stability partners. Today, he’s building a new life and thriving in a career as a commercial truck driver.

Discover your impact’s reach

Whether you give $5 or $5,000, your impact creates lasting social change. See just how far your donation can go.

You Make the Difference

Your neighbors need your help to overcome poverty in Greenville County. When you support United Way, your gift creates economic opportunity for those who need it most, helping increase income, build assets and save for the future. Give now or sign up to volunteer for one of our many opportunities throughout the year — and help more of our neighbors thrive, not just survive.

Give

No amount is too small to make an impact. Your contribution goes a long way in improving the lives of your Greenville County neighbors.

Advocate

Your voice is a powerful tool for change. We advocate for public policies at all levels of government that support our mission and vision for the future.

Volunteer

Your time is our privilege. Explore United Way volunteer opportunities that will give you a chance to make an impact in our community. 

Making a difference starts here

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Making a Difference Starts Here

Thank you for joining us to build a stronger, more equitable Greenville County for all. Please complete the form below to stay connected with us. 

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