Our Commitment to Asheville and Buncombe County
Our primary goal as an organization is to reduce the impact that poverty has on the lives of students, families and communities here in Asheville and Buncombe County. Poverty is a deep-rooted issue, interconnected with education, income and health, and it requires a multi-faceted strategy in each of those areas in order to create lasting change. We do that through a collaborative approach alongside donors, volunteers and community partners in all sectors - nonprofit, public and for-profit business.
Last Year in Buncombe County...
In 2019, nearly 3,400 calls were made to 2-1-1, our free 24-hour information and referral service line, from people looking for physical and mental healthcare, including care for addictions. More than 2,700 sought housing and 1,200 were looking for free and affordable food. These callers represent a fraction of those in need as so many aren't able or willing to make that call.
In addition, in Asheville and Buncombe County, 17% of low wealth students do not graduate from high school and last year, more than 500 children in our public schools were homeless.
A Collaborative Approach to Reducing the Impact of Poverty in Asheville and Buncombe County
In order to transform lives today, and drive systemic change that improves the opportunities for future generations, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is committed to working with others to do what no one organization can do alone.
Learn more about our work and our partner's work in the community below.
Community Partnerships: Our Investments
We believe it is critical that we invest community dollars into organizations and programs that provide strong support for the education, financial stability and health of everyone in our community, from infants to elders. Learn more about our vision for our investments and see the full list of programs you helped fund for the 2018-19 fiscal year.
Community Schools
We believe our community is a better place when children are strong, healthy and successful. We all benefit when they graduate from high school and college and are career-ready. In order to have the best chance at a good life, it’s important that their families and community are strong and healthy too. See one way you support students and families.
NC 2-1-1 Asheville Center
We believe in being there for people when they need us. By simply dialing 2-1-1, anyone in our community can speak to a real person and find the help they need - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are proud to be the caring voice on the other end of the line for our neighbors in 16 western NC counties and to be a part of United Way of NC’s efforts to serve all 100 NC counties. Find help today: dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe
We believe in the transformative power of volunteerism. It is an experience that can change how we view and interact with the world around us and gives each of us the chance to be a “force for good." Find a volunteer opportunity in the community today.