You know Alaskans who live above the poverty level and can’t make ends meet.

Did you know Anchorage has tens of thousands of people struggling to meet their basic needs each day? That barista at your favorite coffee hut. The individual checking you into a medical appointment. That landscapers we see in our parks. Maybe you’re even thinking about yourself—you’re not alone. This reality impacts working families and Alaskan all across our community and state.

Our Origins

United Way of Anchorage believes that, if you want to know where to go, start by looking at where you’ve been. To understand where we started, you should know that in 1956 then-Mayor of Anchorage, Maynard Taylor, took to the front page of our local newspaper and asked a group to form and address "a critical situation in Anchorage." Lucy Cuddy along with several other community leaders rose to the challenge. A special committee was created to raise funds to provide relief from poverty, alcoholism, and homelessness and to improve Anchorage’s living conditions.

Since 1956, working families in Anchorage have been changed for the better. Countless people still feel those benefits today, and thousands more receive support.

Since 1956

Although the Community Campaign committee Lucy chaired didn't hit their fundraising goal that first year, they started a movement that has grown monumentally. The funds that United Way raised from then until 1964 were distributed to the main organizations in Anchorage doing the hands-on work of offering hope.

Booth Memorial Home, Great Alaska Council: Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fire Alaska, Girl Scouts of Alaska, Goodwill of Alaska, American Red Cross, Salvation Army Anchorage Corps, USO Alaska, and YMCA of Alaska

What else has United Way accomplished in the 70 years that have followed? We’re glad you asked! Here are some of our highlights.

Safety & Stability for Every Person in Anchorage

Heartbreaking experiences like child abuse and substance abuse ruin lives and have lifelong impacts. Addressing them directly matters because we work to help children, families, and hurting individuals. From 1964-1988, we helped address substance abuse with a program that evolved into the State of Alaska's Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Between 1975 and 1998, we advanced the Anchorage Child Abuse Board, which was later consolidated under several programs.

Protection & Support for Anyone in Our Community with Disabilities

Do you have people in your life who have disability diagnoses or qualify for a school-based individualized education program (IEP)? We developed and led efforts to make sure that every vulnerable child and adult with health conditions in Alaska has legal protections, access, and support. Now, what we started you may know as the Governor's Council on Disabilities & Special Education.

Connections to Resources & Services

Before Anchorage had all the incredible local nonprofits that provide services to people facing challenges, there were few places to turn when you faced crises, barriers, and hardships. We filled that gap and created a community services program to assist Alaskans in need. It kicked off as an Anchorage community group in 1969, was incorporated in 1985, became a nonprofit in 1992, and ceased operations in 2015 once other nonprofits had the resources to keep help available.

Onward from Here

New realities are impacting Alaskans, and they’ll continue to change as time goes on. United Way remains committed to lead the charge to raise awareness about and tackle the issues related to asset limited, income constrained families who are employed in Anchorage. Our community depends on that group having financial stability. Nationwide, in 2023, 38 million U.S. households (29%) are doing everything right, and they’re living above the federal poverty level—but they cannot cover their own necessities. Combine these households with those experiencing poverty, and you’ll see:

A staggering 42% of Americans struggle to make ends meet.

Our Future

Where we go next is being mapped out today. Will you, your family, and your friends choose to be part of the solution that makes Anchorage and Alaska thrive? You have many ways to get involved, and here are two easy ones to start.

Please help us spread the word about our community’s challenges and United Way’s solutions.

Share This Blog.

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