(Stock Photo)

By Rosie Allen-Herring

Your United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) has always worked to address the inequities in our systems for employment, education, health and food access, financial stability and opportunities for all. But, most importantly, we recognize that these inequities existed long before COVID.

While we have all been reeling from the pandemic and social justice, we must continue taking the next steps to help diminish the disparities and racial inequities in the region. In July 2020, we began work towards our next five-year commitment, which focuses on equity and actualizing our work in the community. Our goal is to create an equitable society where everyone in our community has fair and equal access to health, education and economic opportunity. 

We’re asking the community to join us as we practice equity as a mindset and a personal journey to support a greater movement. United Way NCA supports and encourages these journeys by providing those who join us with facts, stories and events focused on inequities in education, health and economic opportunity. 

The work your United Way NCA is doing with Project Community Connect, October 18-23, 2021, includes more than a dozen hygiene and feminine hygiene kit distribution events and a series of virtual workshops covering topics in food access, basic needs, education and economic opportunity. Project Community Connect provides equitable access to meet residents where they are and resources for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness, as well as the region’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, representing the growing number of individuals and families who are working but cannot afford the necessities. 2020 ALICE reports show that in Prince George’s County 42 percent of Black households and 56 percent of Hispanic households struggle to afford basic needs.

Project Community Connect exemplifies that your United Way NCA serves as a connector for individuals and organizations that share our goal. Our organization champions connections and conversations that advance our journey toward equity for all people in Prince George’s County. As we continue our work as equity advocates, we ask you, our friends and neighbors, to join us as we listen to, respond and deliver needs to the community. We strongly believe that when none are ignored, all will thrive. 

Please join us for Project Community Connect if you are in need of resources or services or if you would like to give back to the community. For more information, please visit UnitedWayNCA.org/PCC. 

Rosie Allen-Herring is the President and CEO of United Way of the National Capital Area. 

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