Why We Focus on Basic Needs

 

United Way’s work is focused on the building blocks for a good life which starts with taking care of basic needs like food, shelter, and assistance with other emergency and non-emergency situations.

Family Crisis Center
Services victims of family violence and sexual assaults. Provides shelter for battered women and their children. Offers 24-hour hotline, support groups, individual counseling/advocacy, information for help through the legal system, and accompaniment to hospital, law enforcement, and the courts. Educational programs include general community presentations; prevention programs for students of all ages including post secondary; training for professionals including health care, social services, child care, churches, school and law enforcement. Operates a thrift shop in downtown Harlingen.

Help Stuff the Bus
The Stuff the Bus programs collects and distributes new school supplies to children in need. Children who receive supplies through this program have the tools to begin the school year ready to learn. Support the Stuff The Bus Campaign by Texting FULLBACKPACKS to 41444 on your Smart Phone.

Loaves & Fishes of the RGV
Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley is a non-profit agency offering Help & Hope for the Hungry, the Homeless & the Hurting. The Bread of Life Dining Hall serves meals seven days a week in Harlingen and Raymondville. The Open Arms Homeless Shelter provides a safe environment. Family Emergency Assistance provides assistance to families in need of emergency rent and utility assistance. The New Hope Job Shop provides GED training and job placement. Great Physician Healthy Living is open Monday through Friday for basic medical care.

Boys & Girls Clubs in Harlingen and San Benito
The Boys & Girls Clubs in Harlingen and San Benito inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. They are a dedicated neighborhood youth facility open every day after school when kids have free time and need positive, productive outlets. The Core Programs available at The Boys & Girls Clubs provide Character & Leadership Development, Education, Health & Life Skills, Arts, Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to the ideal that all people deserve to own a home that is both comfortable and affordable. United Way of Northern Cameron County is funding “Aging in Place” projects for Habitat in our service area. These projects will aid seniors, veterans and families to preserve the dignity of home ownership.

Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides a variety of programs that range from the physical to the spiritual needs of the community. Together we work with the police and fire department for 24-hour emergency assistance. We provide furniture, appliances and other household items that help those in need in the community. We provide services for those in need of utility and rent assistance. We also provide food from our food pantry and new and used clothing for indigent families and individuals. At Christmas we help thousands of local families with toys and food. We offer youth a chance to experience a time away from home at summer camps.

Cameron County Children’s Advocacy Centers, Inc.
CCCAC- “Maggie’s House” provides a child-friendly nurturing environment whose mission is to advocate for and serve child abuse victims through prevention, intervention, and treatment.

Harlingen Neighborhood Food Pantry
Harlingen Neighborhood Food Pantry uses United Way funds for purchase high protein food, baby supplies and diapers. In a calendar year United Way funds provide 40,000 lbs. of poultry or available protein, 15 diapers per child each month.

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