United4Community is United Way Santa Cruz County’s health and human services department that ensures every resident has access to essential resources that promote financial stability, health, and social well-being. We connect individuals and families to the support they need, whether it is navigating public benefits, accessing healthcare, or securing financial assistance. By breaking down barriers, we help create a thriving and resilient community.
2-1-1
The Santa Cruz County 211 Helpline connects Santa Cruz County residents by phone, text or web to resources when residents need support with many needs such as food, transportation, and income assistance, disaster preparedness, and more. With over 500 local resources and multiple ways to navigate them, 211 Santa Cruz County is here to help you find what you are looking for.
Tax Support
United Way’s mission to support families on their pathway to financial stability centers free tax filing assistance through our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program and taking advantage of the CalEITC as strategic tools for overcoming poverty and increasing intergenerational wealth.
Emergency Preparedness
United Way Santa Cruz County, through the Santa Cruz County 211 Helpline and public and private partnerships, is able to respond on the ground supporting residents when disaster strikes by connecting residents with food, shelter, transportation, pet and farm animal support, and more.
Real Cost Measure
To help families and individuals with low incomes move up economically, so they can live with dignity and agency, we need measures that point the way to a decent standard of living. The official federal poverty measure and others built on it aren’t able to show the often significant gap between our aspirations for families and what those families actually earn. That’s why United Way created the Real Cost Measure, designed to show the true cost of living in California and provide insights into how we can support initiatives to help all Californians build financial security. Learn more here.