Financial Empowerment | United Way of Story County

UNITED IS THE WAY WE BUILD FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Thousands of Story County families aren’t in the financial position to weather even a small storm, struggling paycheck to paycheck.

Financial stability helps families move from surviving to thriving, but many lack access to the tools to get there.

In 2024:

386 tax returns were filed through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at no cost to the filers
$381,077 came back to Story County residents through the VITA tax returns
46 people participate in Women United financial literacy events

Beginning in 2025, United Way of Story County will invest in tools to build long-term financial stability for 1,000 households annually through:

Additional sliding fee spots at local child care centers
Increase VITA volunteer recruitment and total number of VITA tax returns filed
New financial education opportunities

We work to make sure everyone has access to basic needs by creating programs and partnerships that tackle the specific challenges in our community. Our goal is to help every resident in Story County get the essential resources they need for a better quality of life.

NOTE: Data from 2019 or most recent year available. While these indicators are not the only ways to assess access to basic needs in our community, these are data points that illustrate that there is a need in our goal area.

LOCAL NEED

Over 18,500 Story County residents live below the federal poverty level

19% of people experience severe housing challenges (defined as overcrowding, high housing costs, lack of kitchen facilities and/or lack of plumbing facilities)
51.1% of households spend 30% or more of income on rent

RESPONSE

Help families and adults meet their basic needs

Provide housing support
Provide emergency services
Ensure access to reliable transportation
Grow knowledge of community resources to help meet basic needs

IMPACT

6,282 people referred to financial and non-food assistance programs

1,802 households received financial assistance to relieve housing cost burden and prevent homelessness
61,190 people served through food pantries and emergency food vouchers
1,049 individuals received transportation assistance

We aim to provide financial education for everyone by implementing effective programs and collaborating with local partners. Our goal is to help every person in Story County gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions.

NOTE: Data from 2019 or most recent year available. While these indicators are not the only ways to assess financial education in our community, these are data points that illustrate that there is a need in our goal area.

LOCAL NEED

41% of Iowans surveyed indicated it is difficult to cover expenses and pay all bills in a typical month

6% of Story County households have no savings or checking account
12% of households are underbanked
24% of households cannot survive for three months at the poverty level without any income

RESPONSE

Increase financial capability among Story County residents

Provide basic personal financial education and other financial programs
Support access to banks’ financial services
Increase financial opportunity

IMPACT

198 participants in financial literacy or financial assistance programs

92.9% of participants reported having increased financial knowledge
13 people reported having improved their income to expense ratio
35.8% reported a general improvement in their financial situation

Local Investments & Initiatives

Wheels for Work

Ames Ford Lincoln has partnered with UWSC to bring Wheels for Work to Story County. Ames Ford Lincoln accepts donated vehicles into the program to be given a safety inspection and repaired to donate to a family in need of a vehicle.

Women United

Women United is a multi-part series program that builds financial skills for women. The program utilizes leadership-level donations from women to help other women achieve self-sufficiency and confidence through financial education.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

VITA is a program that offers free tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Volunteer tax preparers, trained by the IRS, help clients navigate tax filing, ensuring they receive eligible credits and refunds.

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Get Involved

Volunteer or Schedule an Appointment