In this month’s newsletter, see what we have planned for our next Network Meeting, catch up on work from our Financial Empowerment Collaborative and Eviction Prevention Case Management groups, and more.

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona's Financial Wellness Partnership envisions a community where every person and family is financially well - asking five questions:

• Can a household cover their basic needs?

• Do they have savings for emergencies, retirement, and education?

• Can they make informed financial decisions for themselves and their families by using financial skills?

• Can they pursue wealth-building opportunities such as homeownership, entrepreneurship, or further education?

• Do they have a voice in civic and community resource decisions, particularly funding and policies?

At their recent meeting, the Financial Empowerment Collaborative (FEC) discussed how engaging local employers relates to their overall goals as a group. They recognize that financial empowerment programs hold the potential to help with employee retention and satisfaction, and that employed individuals are often well-positioned to think about financial skills and asset building. The group voted to pursue two projects: 1) Developing a package/workshop session to offer to employers about FEC programs; and 2) Developing a stronger set of shared goals outcomes for measuring FEC success. In the coming year, the group will continue working on a shared pitch and pilot for working with employers on financial empowerment topics and how to measure success among 16 organizations working toward a shared goal. For the monthly program highlight, the group heard from local JPMorgan Chase staff about opportunities for collaboration. Tucson was selected as a market for JPMorgan Chase’s new Racial Equity Commitment, and as part of that work, Chase has launched new educational initiatives and workshops (investing, 401ks, small business support) and partnerships. 

Our Eviction Prevention Case Management group officially launched last month! 16 people from nine different organizations joined, all with connections to housing and eviction prevention. Staff roles ranged from working to build up stability to reduce any likelihood of eviction (financial education programs, career training support) to fielding calls from people in housing crisis to connecting individuals to homelessness prevention or intervention funds. After reviewing a few potential ideas, the group voted and found most consensus around 1) strengthening relationships, and 2) sharing resources (through presentations, shared materials, and guest speakers). The group is also interested in sharing more about housing and housing assistance processes, which we hope to discuss at our January meeting.

We can’t expect children to succeed in school when they don’t have a safe, stable place to call home. According to data from ApartmentList, Tucson rents have increased 41% since March 2020, and more local families are facing evictions, disruptive moves, or the prospect of doubling up with friends and family. Last year, United Way’s family eviction prevention efforts reached 101 families, helping 83% increase their income and nearly all families successfully stabilize their housing. Four organizations currently work with United Way on these efforts - Family Housing Resources, Our Family Services, Primavera Foundation, and YWCA of Southern Arizona.

With the end of the year quickly approaching, VITA training is right around the corner! Our last VITA volunteer orientation is December 6. No fear if you can't make it, we would be happy to have you join our team of volunteers. If you would like to learn more about volunteering, fill out the Interest Form or visit our newly redesigned VITA Volunteer webpage for more information.

United Way Tucson Financial Wellness Resource List: Find programmatic and 1:1 opportunities for financial coaching/education, tax assistance, workforce development, and more on this list developed by United Way of Tucson and Southern AZ partners. If you are involved with a program, service, or other resource supporting financial wellness in Southern Arizona, we would love to add you to the list. If you are already on our list, we would love for you to review your entry and make sure it is up to date as we enter the new year. Want to add or update your program's entry? Use this form.

Youth on the Rise Re-Engagement App: A new resource guide to help youth 16-24 navigate services, resources, and systems in Pima County