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The Problem:
- 12% of all citizens and 16% of children live at or below the federally established
poverty line (approximately $20,000 annually for a family of four).
- 19% of our citizens lack health coverage of any kind -- no Medicaid, no Medicare,
no insurance. They are "the working poor."
- Between $3 and $4 million of the Earned Income Tax Credit goes unclaimed by low-moderate
income families every year in Spartanburg County.
- There are limited resources in our community designed for financial case management
or financial literacy education.
What United Way is doing:
- United Way of the Piedmont and several community partners compose the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Initiative, which helps build financial stability through free tax preparation services for low to moderate income individuals and families. During the 2009 tax season, VITA volunteers prepared 1,065 tax returns at no cost, bringing back over $1.15 million in refunds and credits to individuals and families in our community.
- "Upstate Saves" is an ongoing community program that was established with United Way funds to strengthen individuals and families through debt reduction services and tips on saving and planning for the future.
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