Too many people in Anchorage can’t make ends meet.

United Way of Anchorage wants to change that reality. Everyone should be able to cover their needs. We believe that you deserve a chance to live a healthy, safe, and full life. For many working families, it keeps feeling like it’s getting harder and harder to do. That’s why we’ve led community-wide efforts to tackle challenges since the mid-1950s. The hardships may come and go, but we’re still here working for the same reason:

Let’s make Anchorage a thriving community.

An important part of creating positive change is talking with elected officials, decision-makers, and leaders. We’re boots on the ground in Anchorage 24/7, 365 days a year. Sometimes, we must take our message to our nation’s leaders. Eric Utraq Billingsley, our President & CEO, and Sue Brogan, our COO, recently returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. They were there to make sure Alaska's Senators and Congressperson know what our community needs and why our work matters.

Important Messages

Eric and Sue had three goals at the U.S. Capital: First, show United Way’s 70 years of impact in Anchorage. Second, highlight what we’re doing to help more community members thrive in the next 70 years. Third, spread the word. In all instances, we use real data to guide our choices and fix problems no one organization can tackle alone.

Since 1956, families have been changed for the better. Countless people still feel those benefits today, and thousands are still receiving support.

Past 70 Years

Thanks to all our generous donors, amazing programs and their outcomes exist in Anchorage and Alaska today. The first year that United Way ran a Community Campaign, Lucy Cuddy, was Campaign Chair. Alongside members of a special committee, she heeded the call of then-Mayor of Anchorage to raise funds to provide relief for children, families, and adults in our community. Since then, true impact has followed. Learn more in “Supporting Anchorage Working Families Since 1956.”

Next 70 Years

Now United Way is asking: What does Anchorage need over the next 70 years to thrive? Tell us what you think we should focus on. Our experience since 1956 leads us to believe that we must forge ahead to raise awareness about and then tackle issues related to employed yet asset-limited, income-constrained families in Anchorage. Understanding the needs of this group is essential because our community depends on the financial stability of working families.

Concrete Asks

When Eric and Sue had their meetings in our nation’s capital, they wanted Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Congressman Begich to share that, coming soon, we’ll be releasing comprehensive data about Alaska, focused on asset-limited income-constrained families. This information will shed light on the growing, often overlooked population. It is this comprehensive, statewide data that will help guide the next 70 years of United Way’s impact and how we reduce financial stressors.

We need your support too. Here are a couple ways for you to help Alaskans.

Speak Out.

Your voice matters, and United Way needs your help letting Senators and Congresspeople know that you care about hardworking, yet still struggling families. Click the button below to see a list of ways to support current policy initiatives.