About

Who?  The United Way of Hood County has chosen to do things differently.  Our commitment is to give 100% of the money raised back to our community.  We do not do pressure campaigns - people should give because they want to give!

What?  Organized in 1998 to increase the organized capacity of people to care for others in Hood County.

Why?  There is a huge need for services for people who live in poverty.  There are two Hood Counties - one is quaint and comfortable; the other is very different:

• 38% of the children in the school district receive free and reduced price lunches.
• Victims of violence have increased 48% resulting in a 22% increase in clients requesting shelter.
• 65% more children are in foster care.
• Healthcare expenses have skyrocketed.
• People requiring care for cancer treatment increased 42%.
• Within a 2-year period the county's population increased by 9% while the unemployment rate increased by 181%.

The United Way of Hood County has three major roles:

1. Raising money throughout the community to help meet the needs of the community.   
   As of 2008 the United Way of Hood County's campaigns have raised over $2,000,000.00.
    

2. Allocating money to partner agencies who serve residents of Hood County.  and holding the agencies accountable for meeting the needs of the clients.
   As of 2008 the United Way of Hood County has allocated close to $2,000,000.00 to Hood County partner agencies.
    

3. Identifying needs and finding solutions for these needs.
   As of 2008 the United Way of Hood County performed a Needs Assessment and formed a committee to study the #1 identified problem: drug abuse.  This committee made a series of recommendations as to how to combat the problem and the United Way of Hood County will be working with the community to implement these recommendations.