United WayUnited Way

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

SHAPING THE FUTURE
FOR THE BETTER
UNITED FOR LASTING CHANGE

Together with civic leaders, we are working to disrupt centuries of systemic inequities, put historically underrepresented people at the center of reform and work towards building a better Massachusetts Bay. We believe this kind of change is only possible when we give a voice to the communities that have been excluded from the conversation for too long.

TRANSFORMING THE SYSTEM, UNIFYING A MOVEMENT

See how we're transforming our region's approach to systemic inequities by supporting policy organizations, convening coalitions, engaging local officials, educating the community and advocating for influential legislation.
Our Policy Agenda

THE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING COALITION

This broad coalition brings together more than 80 housing advocates, healthcare institutions and nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to expand supportive housing and services for adults, youth and families experiencing homelessness. They most recently championed the Massachusetts Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool Program, a nationally-proven model that combines resources to help meet the complex housing and health needs of individuals, youth and families experiencing homelessness.

INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY

As we seek to build more equitable communities and advance economic opportunity, we’re committed to fortifying, empowering and building grassroots organizations in Black, brown and LGBTQ+ communities. To support this work, we’ve distributed $255,000 to 17 organizations driving community action throughout the region through the Community Action Grants.
Community Action Grants

CHELSEA EATS PROGRAM

The pilot program, Chelsea Eats, was created to help the 60% of Chelsea residents who identify as food insecure. In partnership with the Shah Family Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital, this “guaranteed income” pilot program will help 2,000 families in Chelsea support their essential needs.

“I don’t know how we would have progressed so far on the permanent supportive housing initiative and the flexible pool fund without United Way’s leadership and support, bringing everyone together to speak with one consistent, clear voice calling for systemic change.”

JOAN MESCHINO, STATE REPRESENTATIVE

“Chelsea Eats is a simple concept.  It is administered with virtually no red tape or administrative costs. It gets money directly to people who need it most and empowers them to spend it in ways that best meet their needs. It also may be the single most effective way to stimulate local economies at a time when that is more important than ever.”

JILL SHAH, SHAH FOUNDATION, AND FOUNDER OF THE CHELSEA EATS GUARANTEED INCOME INITIATIVE

“This investment in Massachusetts’ legislative experts, researchers and educators will allow us to reshape practices impacting every aspect of Black and Brown lives across our state.”

DR. MAKEEBA MCCREARY, PRESIDENT OF THE NEW COMMONWEALTH RACIAL EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND

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