United Way of California

California, March 28, 2023

United Ways across California are committed to bridging the financial gaps many households are experiencing in today's economic climate. Our investment in this work helps advance equity and economic inclusion to alleviate some of the financial burdens California farmworkers are facing by providing cash support to households across the state.

We are proud to be working alongside 15 local United Ways across California, including the Central Valley, Central Coast, and Inland SoCal regions. Each of them is working to reach eligible farm and food worker households in effective ways to connect them to financial support.

Under grants from the USDA awarded last fall, United Ways is one of 10 organizations providing this assistance in California. Eligible farm and food workers do not have to have suffered storm loss to qualify, so long as they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

October 2022

In partnership with 16 local United Ways, United Ways of California is honored to announce they have been awarded a $42 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture to provide economic relief to farmworkers and their families. This is the largest award in the organization’s 14-year history. United Ways of California is one of 15 organizations nationwide to receive funding.

According to the USDA, “Organizations were selected for their proven track records working with farmworkers, meatpacking workers, and front-line grocery workers, their strong partnerships with worker-serving organizations, and their ability to provide services in critical geographic areas to collectively ensure nationwide coverage under this program.” Funds from this grant will be used to provide economic relief to farmworkers who incurred pandemic-related health and safety costs.

“According to our Real Cost Measure study, an estimated 3.5 million households in California struggle to make ends meet, and 97% have at least one working adult, so what we are seeing is that hardworking families living in the golden state aren’t making enough in basic wages to get by,” shares United Ways of California President and CEO, Pete Manzo. “United Ways across California are determined to help bridge the financial gaps many households are experiencing in today’s economic climate. This grant from the USDA helps us continue to address existing inequities and alleviate some of the financial burden California farmworkers are facing by providing cash support to households struggling across our state.”

Advocates praise Governor Newsom and the Legislature for additional funding for Community Schools, building on last year’s historic investment  

(Sacramento, CA) -  United Ways of California and the Children’s Defense Fund - California applaud the Governor and Legislators for agreeing to invest an additional $1.1 billion in funding for Community Schools in the Fiscal Year 2023-24. This budget agreement is a testament to the shared commitment of the Newsom Administration and the Legislature to build out a more holistic approach to address decades of inequities and help support students and families. 

As organizations that have advocated for their creation and funding for years, United Ways of California and Children’s Defense Fund-California know that the California Community Schools Program is a historic initiative by our state to provide more than just a pathway to graduation for our children and youth. It is an opportunity to build healthy families and reshape communities that have been decimated by racism, policing, poverty, and the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

We know that Community Schools are designed to provide precisely the kind of programming and services our children, youth, and parents need right now to reduce gun violence, unemployment, suicide, domestic violence, houselessness, and food insecurity. Instead of being punished for problems outside their control, students and families will receive tools and resources to support them. Community Schools will fundamentally reshape and improve health, education, and social service delivery for hundreds of thousands of California children and their families. 

Governor Newsom's proposed May Focuses Economic Relief for Car Owners; United Ways of California Urges Targeted Child Tax Credits, Relief, for Struggling Families, and 2-1-1 System Services

United Ways of California supports the financial scope of the Governor’s proposed May Revise investments, however, notes that relief that does not target families that are struggling the most to get by misses a critical opportunity to invest in data-driven interventions.  

(Los Angeles, CA) — Statement from Peter Manzo, President and CEO of the United Ways of California, (UWCA) regarding Governor Newsom’s proposed May Revise budget:

With California’s current revenue surplus exceeding $97 billion, Governor Newsom has an incredible opportunity to work with the California State Legislature to make targeted investment in what we know works to uplift California families, struggling with the rising cost of living. While we agree with the Governor that the economic realities so many Californians face require robust investments, we differ somewhat on the approach. We support the proposed $2.7 billion investment in rental relief and $1.4 billion proposed for helping Californians address past due utilities, as it is imperative that we keep as many families safely housed as possible. However, we also urge a refocusing of at least a portion of the $11.5 billion for car owners to instead be used via proven pathways for targeted assistance, drawing from our state’s experience with the Golden State Stimulus, California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), and Young Child Tax Credit. These credits hit the sweet spot - they are the most targeted and effective way to reduce poverty, help families deal with inflation, boost local economies, and improve lifelong results for children. 

Governor Newsom’s Proposed January 2022 Budget Invests in Immediate COVID-19 Response and Robust Long-term Economic Recovery; United Ways of California Urges Focus on Tax Credit Equity and 2-1-1 System Services 

United Ways of California applauds the Governor’s proposed substantial investments in public health, homelessness services, and youth-focused tax credits. With a $31 billion surplus, there are opportunities to make additional investments in equitable access to earned income tax credits and the 2-1-1 system as a critical statewide health and human services resource. 

(Los Angeles, CA) — Statement from Peter Manzo, President and CEO of the United Ways of California, (UWCA) regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2022-2023 state budget:

It is encouraging to see so many of our shared values and priorities addressed in the Governor’s January Budget Proposal. With California’s current revenue surplus exceeding $31 billion, and a total state budget of $286.4 billion, we look forward to advocating for a balanced, equitable budget alongside fellow community-based organizations and our elected officials. 

We are very supportive of the Governor’s prioritization of $2.7 billion for vaccine distribution and COVID-19 testing, as well as funding for medical surge staffing at hospitals and local public health jurisdictions. Addressing our public health crisis and the economic fallout that has been ravaging our state for two years is of critical importance. In that context, we are also especially pleased to see a concrete plan to implement “Health4All,” a first-in-the-nation investment to make sure all immigrant residents are eligible for Medi-Cal by expanding coverage to the last segment of ineligible undocumented residents, 26 to 49-year-olds. The United Way network in California has been a strong proponent of equitable access to health care for over a decade and we are thrilled to see this community-based advocacy effort result be realized.