Vibrant & Equitable Communities
From Travelers Rest to Fountain Inn, and from Greer to Greenville, we believe all communities should be safe, thriving and equitable — no matter their zip code.
We define Vibrant & Equitable Communities as ones in which neighborhoods are safe and well-connected, the nonprofit network is strong enough to meet community needs as they arise and everyone has access to opportunities to achieve their full potential.
To realize that vision, the community must work collaboratively to improve conditions for all, policy and advocacy efforts must be centered around systems change that move individuals and families out of poverty, and our most vulnerable neighbors must have equitable access to resources that meet their basic needs.
The Hard Facts
The great successes of Greenville County in economic development, growth and quality of life are not shared by all who live here. For every new apartment building or hotel across the skyline, there are thousands of families struggling to find a safe, affordable place to stay or keep up with rent. In 2020 alone, United Way received more than 45,000 calls for help from our community, with the majority of the requests related to food, housing and utility assistance.
- 22.5% of Black children and 30.2% of Hispanic children live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty, compared to 4.8% of white children.
- In Greenville County, there is a significant racial inequity in home ownership, with approximately 83% of owner-occupied housing units having white, non-Hispanic householders, compared to 11% Black householders and 4% Hispanic householders. This constitutes a greater equity gap than those of the state and the nation.
- It is estimated that 63,810 people in Greenville County are food insecure, lacking the resources to purchase (or having limited access to) adequate and safe food. Many of these people are minorities, and two-thirds are single parent families with young children.
community impact
How We Change it
United Way of Greenville County invests in programs and initiatives that provide basic needs, mobilize community resources and advocate for systems change. We collaborate with partners across communities to understand their unique needs, addressing the barriers and challenges impacting marginalized and disconnected communities. Our goal? To make resources and services as accessible as possible.
This effort includes strategic investments in 21 proven local programs that support a collaborative nonprofit network and provide access to basic needs, as well as our award-winning AmeriCorps service program, the Racial Equity and Economic Mobility Commission, and grassroots initiatives like Greenville Dreams, Faith-Based Roundtable and more.
AmeriCorps Upstate
Our local program of this national service initiative helps create access to services such as financial classes and tools, educational programs, food and more.
REEM
The Greenville Racial Equity & Economic Mobility (REEM) Commission was established to convene around matters of racial inequities, social justice, and disparities in key areas that negatively impact the Black community in Greenville County.
2-1-1 Resource Line
This unique, non-emergency line connects callers with information and community resources like food, housing, utility assistance, transportation and more. Just dial 2-1-1 or text "HELP" or "AYUDA" to 211-211 to get connected.
Greenville Dreams
A partnership between United Way, the City of Greenville and the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority, Greenville Dreams works directly with grassroots leaders to help build upon the strengths and assets already present in their neighborhoods.
Faith-Based Roundtable
Members of Greenville County’s faith community collaborate to build a greater knowledge of the equity and economic mobility issues many in our community are facing and how we can collaborate to improve lives.
Vibrant & Equitable Communities Non-Profit Partners
From Travelers Rest to Fountain Inn, and from Greer to Greenville, we believe all communities should be safe, thriving and equitable — no matter their zip code.
We define Vibrant & Equitable Communities as ones in which neighborhoods are safe and well-connected, the nonprofit network is strong enough to meet community needs as they arise and everyone has access to opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Compass of Carolina
Greater Good Greenville
Greenville Housing Fund
Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board
Greenville Free Medical Clinic
Greenville Homeless Alliance
Institute for Child Success
Mental Health America of Greenville County
Meyer Center for Special Children
New Horizon Family Health Services
New Mind Health and Care
Project Host
Root & Rebound
Safe Harbor
Senior Action
Step By Step Ministry Hope Project
Taylors Free Medical Clinic
The Salvation Army
United Housing Connections
Unity Health on Main
Well-Being Partnership
Play Video
Story
Fighting Food Insecurity
in Greenville County
United Way and our partners are on the front lines of fighting food insecurity in our community.
You Make the Difference
Your neighbors need your help to create Vibrant & Equitable Communities for everyone in Greenville County. When you give to United Way, you help our most vulnerable neighbors access basic needs like food, housing and healthcare, while advocating for systems change that move more people out of poverty, and strengthening the capacity and reach of our nonprofit network. Give now or sign up to volunteer for one of our many opportunities throughout the year, and make an immediate and lasting impact in a person’s life.
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.