Income

The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Helps Residents Achieve Financial Stability

Over 17% of Chautauqua County lives below the poverty level, according to the 2010 U.S. Cenus. In Jamestown, that statistic is even scarier: 25.1% of the city lives below the poverty level!  We can do better.  We must do better. For families walking a financial tightrope, unable to save for college, a home, or retirement, United Way is here to help.

Our Goal

Last year, 9,274 individuals gained financial stability through our partner agency programs.  Whether it be disaster assistance from the Amerian Red Cross, or tax assistance from our VITA program, more and more people are being helped financially from United Way sponsored programs.  This year we hope to help even more people reach financial independence.

Our Strategy

To address the obstacles that prevent hard working families from getting ahead financially, the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County is taking a proactive approach through such things as the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. Each year, hundreds of eligible residents have their taxes done for free by trained volunteers.  Futhermore, close to $3 million in state and federal refund dollars are returned to the local economy.

How You Can Help

Volunteers make United Ways’ tax assistance and financial education programs possible. We need your help, even if you don’t have an accounting background. Volunteer to help.