Get Help

We know that anyone can fall on hard times. That's why we partner with local organizations so you can confidentially connect to community resources. United Way GCR proudly supports Call 211, CA$H Coalition of the Greater Capital Region, FamilyWize, and Summer Meals.

211 Northeast Region

211 was designed to strengthen the health and human service information and referral provider network in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington. counties through advocacy, coordination, and education. 211 connects individuals with resources that can help such as information on emergency food and shelter, services for families and senior citizens, health care, childcare, services for people with disabilities, counseling and mental health services, and more. ​

To speak with a trained Resource Specialist, dial 211, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit 211neny.org

 

CA$H Coalition of the Greater Capital Region

United Way convenes and supports the Creating Assests' Savings and Hope (CA$H) Coalition of the Greater Capital Region. This coalition helps working families keep more of their paycheck and move toward financial security primarily through the annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at dozens of sites across the Capital Region. IRS-certified volunteers provide free tax preparation to filers who meet annual income guidelines. These tax appointments provide opportunities to start conversations and make referrals to help economically challenged families with budgeting, saving, paying down debt and establishing long term financial goals.​

See if you qualify for free tax preparation or volunteer with the CA$H Coalition by visiting getfreetaxprep.org

 

FamilyWize Prescription Savings

Through their prescription savings card, FamilyWize works to make prescription medications more affordable for everyone, so that no one has to make the hard choice between the meds they need and other basics like food or rent.​

With the FamilyWize card there are no forms to fill out, no waiting period and no registration.  The card is free for everyone and serves as a reusable coupon on FDA-approved medicines.  Whether you are insured or uninsured, show the FamilyWize card and get the best price on your prescriptions.​​

Start Saving Now

 

Summer Meals

Local data to New York's Capital Region shows that out of the 48,000 children who eat free/reduced price meals during the school year, only 1 in 7 access free summer meals. ​

Launched and led by United Way of the GCR in 2013, the Summer Meals Collaborative is a cross-section of health and human service providers, policy advocates, and government agencies that set out to address the food gap during the summer months for families that rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year. ​

The Summer Meals Collaborative offers FREE, healthy meals to kids and teens through the summer months. Partner agencies provide the sites and serve meals in public locations throughout the Capital Region. Many of the Summer Meals sites offer breakfast, lunch, and/or a snack.

Adults are welcome to bring their lunch and eat along with their kids. Many places that offer Summer Meals have fun, enriching activities for the kids as well.

During the summer a list of sites in your county offering meals will accessible at unitedwaygcr.org/summermeals. You can also call 211 to find a site near you.

2019 Goal: Serve 230,000 meals

Meals Served: 240,834 meals

Operating Sites: 105

Kids Served: 4,816*

Growth: 8% from 2018

2018 Goal: Serve 215,393 meals

Meals Served: 222,677 meals

Operating Sites: 104

Kids Served: 4,433*

Growth: 6% from 2017