Heart of Florida United Way Strengthens Education, Health, and Financial Stability with $100,000 Grant from Dr. Phillips Charities
ORLANDO, Fla., August 21, 2023 — The Heart of Florida United Way’s focus on helping ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) individuals and families make ends meet catches the eye of Dr. Phillips Charities. The Phillips family believed in helping others help themselves, and the programs of the Heart of Florida United Way do just that for those living on the edge of the financial cliff. Dr. Phillips Charities’ recent grant of $100,000 will help further their programs for the education, health, and financial stability of all Central Floridians.
“We are grateful for the partnership with Dr. Phillips Charities and for their consistent belief in our mission,” said Jeff Hayward, President & CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. “With nearly 50% of households in Central Florida struggling to afford basic necessities, the need is great. We hear it in the voices of 211 Crisis Line callers every single day. These dollars will go a long way in supporting Heart of Florida United Way is being able to continue to answer the call.”
The number of Central Florida households unable to afford basic needs increased during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a total of 386,077 households throughout Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. Outlined in the new ALICE in the Crosscurrents: COVID and Financial Hardship in Florida report from Heart of Florida United Way, this is up from 347,000 in 2018 and 353,000 in 2019. This number includes the 110,250 Central Florida households living in poverty, as well as another 275,827 families defined as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), earning above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what’s needed to survive with the escalating cost of living in Central Florida.
# # #
About Heart of Florida United Way
Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) stands up for the education, financial stability, health and basic needs of every person in Central Florida. Since 1939, HFUW has invested dollars, delivered programs, and convened community members around important issues impacting Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. As Central Florida’s most comprehensive health and human services nonprofit, HFUW created a $50 million impact in Central Florida last year. In 2021-22, HFUW served more than 703,000 people through its direct service and funded programs. HFUW is home to notable community resources like the 211 Information & Referral Crisis Line; 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Mission United program for Veterans; TECHquity, bridging the digital divide; Destination Graduation at Seminole State College; the Ryan White Part B & General Revenue program, which administers nearly $2.3 million to provide HIV/AIDS services and referrals; the Planning Council Support program facilitates community planning and priority setting for HIV services. United Way partners with individuals, local businesses, government, and other nonprofit agencies to open opportunities and close gaps in Central Florida. Visit www.HFUW.org for more information, or call (407) 835-0900. Follow us on Facebook at Heart of Florida United Way and on Twitter and Instagram @hfuw.
About Dr. Phillips Charities
The Dr. Phillips name has been a major economic and philanthropic presence in the Central Florida community since the turn of the 20th century. Dr. Phillips Charities (Dr. Phillips Inc. and The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation) uses the earnings from its investment and real estate income to give financial assistance to hundreds of charities serving primarily in Orange and Osceola counties. Dr. Phillips has contributed more than $222 million in grants, pledges and program-related investments to Central Florida charities responding to the needs of the community and directly touching the lives of thousands of children and families. Learn more at www.DrPhillips.org.
###
