United Way will focus more on poverty

from The Long Beach Press-Telegram

Citing growing income gap, group shifts its priorities.
By Tony Castro, Staff writer

Poverty in Los Angeles County, where the income gap is widening and the plight of the poor has intensified, will be targeted by a 10-year, multimillion-dollar campaign being announced today by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

The nonprofit organization announced it will concentrate its discretionary funding on charities that serve impoverished residents, including charities in Long Beach, said Taulene Ayoub, director of communications of United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

"One of four kids is living in poverty in Los Angeles, and that is unacceptable to me in one of the wealthiest regions of the country," said Elise Buik, president and chief executive officer of the organization.

Any anti-poverty agency in Los Angeles County can apply for the funds, Ayoub said.

Last year, the United Way received $47 million in donations, of which roughly two-thirds was earmarked by donors for specific programs and charities, Buik said. The United Way will continue to honor those requests.

However, the $16.5 million a year available for general disbursement will be spent only on anti-poverty programs. United Way officials said funding applications will be accepted beginning Thursday.

"Some agencies that have been funded in the past may not get funded, some agencies that have been funded in the past will continue to be funded and some agencies that have never been funded will get funds," said United Way spokeswoman Darcy Cobb.

Buik said her organization has been working more closely with city and county officials.

"Obviously, we're not going to increase graduation rates by ourselves, so we do hope to partner with other groups," Buik said. "But our new tool in our arsenal kit is addressing policies and seeking policy changes.

Buik said United Way also will be working to help the estimated 88,000 homeless people who sleep on the streets of Los Angeles every night.

"We must treat the root causes of poverty," Buik said. "The best way to help children out of poverty is to first help their parents get out of poverty. Everyone deserves a fair shot at a good education, a decent-paying job and a home, and we intend to do our part in providing the paths to get there."