California Earned Income Tax Credit, Young Child Tax Credit, and Foster Youth Tax Credit—with $8.8 billion in tax credits delivered to Californians since 2015.

Governor Newsom has released his proposed 2026-27 #CABudget. We urge the Governor and legislators to prioritize investments that uplift our most vulnerable communities and strengthen vital partnerships between the state and community-based organizations.

Congratulations to Monique Limón, California’s new Senate President pro Tempore! We look forward to her leadership and to continuing to partner with her to improve the health, education, and financial security of children and families across California. #CALeg

A year ago today, devastating wildfires erupted in Southern California. United Way of Greater Los Angeles mobilized to provide immediate support, but they didn't stop there. Learn how United Way continues to support communities impacted by the fires today: https://bit.ly/3YWOFoh

Enhanced Premium Tax Credits are set to expire at the end of this year. These credits have played a critical role in making health insurance more affordable and accessible for millions of Americans, including working families, older adults, small-business owners, and those who are self-employed.

Explore our 2024 Impact Report to see what we can accomplish when we stand United for California, United for good: go.unitedwaysca.org/2024-impact

Affordable health care remains a top issue for many households already struggling to make ends meet. Enhanced Premium Tax Credits—set to expire at the end of this year—have played a critical role in making health insurance more affordable and accessible for millions of Americans.

From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security for Californians with low incomes, United Ways of California is working toward an equitable California where every individual has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Join us on Nov. 18 to hear from leaders on what #OpenAI shift means for philanthropy, governance, and California’s future. @catherinebracy.com, @techequity.bsky.social | @irvinefdn.bsky.social | @pmanzo.bsky.social, @unitedwaysca.bsky.social | @/latinoprosperity

Amid the uncertainty and disruption that Congress and the presidential administration’s actions are causing, especially for our most vulnerable communities, it’s clear that California must further support 211 infrastructure statewide to make certain that all Californians have access.

During the longest federal government shutdown in American history, as 5.5 million Californians went weeks without critical SNAP (CalFresh) food assistance and other income supports, United Ways and 211s were there for Californians to help fill in the gaps.

UWCA is proud to have supported SB 638 (Padilla), which was signed into law! SB 638 boosts technical career technical education access in CA by supporting programs focusing on our workforce needs.

UWCA is proud supporter of AB 893 (Fong), which was signed into law! AB 893 will support communities near college campuses access more affordable housing. Our communities flourish when we are able to make basic needs, like housing, accessible. @asmmikefong.bsky.social

SNAP (CalFresh in California) food assistance payments for 5.5 million Californians—including 2 million children—have been delayed, and it’s not clear when funds will make it to recipients.

211 helplines connect millions of Californians each year to housing, food, child care, and other services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. California United Ways operate or significantly fund most 211 providers in counties across the state. 211CA.org

5.5 million Californians will not receive their SNAP (CalFresh in California) food assistance payments starting Nov. 1.

Last year, the CalEITC, Young Child Tax Credit, and Foster Youth Tax Credit put $1.4 billion back in Californians’ pockets. Free tax prep sites like those operated by the United Way network help ensure that eligible community members access these valuable credits.

Enhanced Premium Tax Credits—set to expire at the end of this year—have played a critical role in making health insurance more affordable and accessible for millions of Americans, including working families, older adults, small-business owners, and those who are self-employed.

Voting within a week of Election Day? It’s best to use a ballot drop-off box or vote in person at a vote center. If you mail your ballot, go inside the post office and ask to have it hand-stamped to ensure it’s postmarked by November 4.

Millions of families—including more than 5 million Californians—are at risk of losing SNAP as the federal government shutdown continues. SNAP and WIC provide crucial access to groceries and baby supplies. Without action, November benefits are at risk.

Every day, United Ways work to mobilize the caring power of communities for the common good. We know that it takes engaged people, working in good faith, from all sectors, to build a more equitable California in which all can thrive. One way we can all be a part of this vision: Vote!

Each tax return prepared by VITA free tax prep saves Californians an average of $350. Last year, our volunteers helped Californians save over $37M in tax prep fees. Volunteer today to support this indispensible asset to your community. Text VOLUNTEER to 211-211 to get started.

Did you know that United Ways across the state play an important role in connecting Californians with food resources? Last year alone, California 211 helplines provided 204,136 referrals for food assistance.

In California, we rely on farmworkers for the food that fuels our state and economy. However, many farmworkers—particularly those from immigrant communities—are paying into our tax system but are not receiving taxpayer benefits.

The last government shutdown in 2018 was the longest in history at 35 days. As we are a few days into the current government shutdown, we don’t yet have a clear picture on when this one may end.

Did you know that United Ways across the state play an important role in connecting Californians with food resources? Federal cuts to food assistance programs will likely result in millions of Californians needing even more support in the coming months.

Join Thomas. Sign up to volunteer to support free tax prep programs in your community at MyFreeTaxes.org/volunteer, or text the word VOLUNTEER to 211-211. No experience necessary!

In honor of Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month, we asked United Way staff across the state what the observance meant to them. Here are a few of their unique stories and perspectives. https://unitedwaysca.org/what-hispanic-and-latine-heritage-month-means-to-us/

Every day, United Ways work to mobilize the caring power of communities for the common good. We know that it takes engaged people, working in good faith, from all sectors, to build a more equitable California in which all can thrive. One way we can all be a part of this vision: Vote!

Our Policy Director Danielle Bautista shared public comment at this week’s Franchise Tax Board meeting, highlighting how sustained investments in California #FreeTaxPrep Assistance and Outreach & Education programs support communities and urging the Board to consider increasing funding.

California unites an incredibly diverse geography, population, and economy into an incredible portrait of hard work, ingenuity, and creativity. Years of increasing costs, and perhaps moreso, of wages failing to keep pace with worker productivity, puts much of this in jeopardy.

Policy Director Danielle Bautista shared public comment during this week's Assembly Budget Sub No. 7 hearing, urging CA to take action in this session & into next year to mitigate the detrimental impacts of #HR1 cuts and to protect ALL Californians’ access to health care, food, & financial security.

As immigrant community members across the state and country are experiencing high levels of fear and uncertainty, United Way Bay Area is making sure everyone knows that they belong through their “You Are Not Alone” campaign. @uwba.org

Our You Are Not Alone posters are popping up all over the #BayArea! We want your help reminding our communities that they are not alone, and that 211 is here to help. Donate $50 today and you'll receive 2 posters and 10 red cards! Visit uwba.org/what-we-do/y... to donate now! #TheWorkUWBA

Despite California being the fourth largest economy in the world, it’s getting harder and harder to make ends meet for working California households. Families are faced with impossible choices: buy groceries or pay rent, cover child care or the doctor’s visit.

Tell your representative(s) in Congress to protect Americans’ sensitive personal data. This is the sensitive data of our small business owners, neighbors, friends, and family. Take action: go.unitedwaysca.org/43ZndtQ

The Immigration Research Initiative found that immigrants account for 17% of the national GDP (while making up about 14% of the population) and are responsible for $3.3 trillion in economic output.

Immigrant workers in California who are undocumented pay billions in taxes and contribute to the public benefits systems and infrastructure that support all Californians across the state—and yet they receive very little access to benefits from these public systems that they pay into.

We believe no one who works full-time should live in poverty, and we think most Californians would agree with that. Yet this year’s Real Cost Measure study shows that it would require three full-time, minimum-wage jobs to pay for one California household’s necessities. go.unitedwaysca.org/3J8zK5T

Beginning in early 2025, the federal government has attempted to access sensitive and personal information from numerous federal, state, and local databases—including those which contain sensitive taxpayer, medical, and even public benefits information—for the purposes of immigration enforcement.

Immigrants of all documentation statuses in the United States play a vital role in our economy as workers, taxpayers, and consumers. They also positively contribute to our workforce and economies by creating new businesses and driving consumer demand.

Communities across California are feeling the effects of immigration raids and mass deportation efforts, both in the fabric of their communities as well as their economies.

Community members can text the word “Rights” (for English) or “Derechos” (for Spanish) to the number 211-211 for immigration resources, including response networks, knowing your rights, legal rights, and more. We’ve also compiled a list of helpful resources below:

All Americans should expect their federal administration to pursue sustainable policies—on taxes, energy, health care, education, and innovation—that strengthen America’s long-term prosperity.

H.R. 1 squarely puts the financial burden on households with low incomes. The phrase ‘poverty is a policy choice’ has never rung more true. go.unitedwaysca.org/44DTIwj

More than 1 in 3 California households are not able to earn enough income to make ends meet. That shouldn't just concern those who fall below this threshold; it should concern *all* Californians. Because, as the late Paul Wellstone said, "We all do better when we all do better."

Sensitive medical data should be protected. It has been reported that the Department of Homeland Security may have illegally directed the Center for Medicaid Services to share personal data—including immigration status—of all 15 million Californians who are enrolled in Medi-Cal.

The House and Senate passed, and President Trump has signed, a reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) that will be devastating for California’s working families, hospitals and health systems, grocers, and state and local governments.

The 2025-26 fiscal year state budget funds the CalEITC free tax preparation, education, and outreach program at $10 million. While we're grateful for the continuation of this critical program, the funding is $2 million less than this year and $10 million less than preceding years.

211 is fundamental to United Way’s work to build strong and resilient communities where everyone can thrive. The #HELPAct offers much-needed investments to build out 211 networks to provide additional support for communities and Americans in times of need.