Community Issues

• Food shelf usage is at an all-time high—over 1.7 million visits in 2005.
• The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment requires an income of $37,000 a year yet over half the jobs pay less than $31,000.
• Homelessness is up 149 percent since 1991; the number of homeless children is up 257 percent.

Our Response

• Reduce hunger in our area 20 percent by 2009.
• In partnership with the Governor's initiative, end long-term homelessness in the Twin Cities by 2010.
• Improve the financial stability of 40,000 individuals by 2009.

Learn More

• Learn about United Way Basic Needs partnerships: Start Saving, Claim It!
• Last year 11,000 homeless youth and adults received temporary shelter. More
• Read our community snapshot: Meeting Basic Needs 2006 (PDF)
• View Basic Needs Success Stories.
• Read our Basic Needs Impact Plan Executive Summary (PDF)
• Read the full Twin Cities Hunger Initiative Plan (PDF) or Executive Summary (PDF)

Get Involved

• United Way has collaborated with Financially Fit Minnesota, an initiative designed to strengthen the financial health and fitness of employees through tools offered by employers: www.financiallyfitmn.org.
• You can make a difference. Read our hunger brochure (PDF).
• Want to run a food drive in your company or organization? Read our tips on food shelf drives (PDF) and food shelf needs (PDF).