A working mom shouldn’t have to choose between rent and groceries. This choice could result in her family going hungry or potentially losing their home.
But right now, this is her reality.
In Southeastern Connecticut, thousands of hard-working families are doing everything right, working full-time jobs, raising children, and contributing to our community and yet they are still one crisis away from losing their home. These are ALICE households: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.
At United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, we believe everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. That’s why we’re asking you to join us to ensure everyone in our community can thrive.
If you have questions, please contact Rebecca Reutlinger, Vice President of Resource Development.
Join Us In Action: Volunteer to Build A Better Beginning
One day. 150 homes. A lasting impact.
This September, we’re turning compassion into action with your hands and your heart.
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, we’ll come together for a one-day hands on volunteer opportunity, where supporters from across our community will make a tangible impact for neighbors transitioning out of homelessness.
Together, we will pack 150 Welcome Home Kits for individuals and families who have just secured housing after experiencing homelessness. Each kit will include:
- Cleaning supplies
- Toiletries
- Household basics
- A handwritten “Welcome Home” note from a community member like you
This effort isn’t just about what goes in the box, it’s about what it represents: dignity, hope, and a community that cares. It’s also a chance to build fellowship with like-minded people committed to making sure no one faces hardship alone.
Whether you give your time or your dollars or both you’re part of creating a stronger, more compassionate community.
Partnering with United Way's Housed & Hopeful campaign is an opportunity to promote your organization’s philanthropy, engage with United Way, and solidify your company as one that is taking action so that all can thrive in New London County, ensuring that our neighbors, including children and single parents, do not become or remain homeless.
Reinforce your company’s reputation as a good corporate citizen - and one that truly cares about working families and the future of our community.
If you are interested in supporting this effort through either of the exclusive sponsorship packages, please reach out to Rebecca Reutlinger, Vice President of Resource Development, to discuss details.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Housed & Hopeful Presenting Sponsor – exclusive opportunity, $25,000
- Prominent recognition as the Housed & Hopeful Presenting Sponsor on all campaign materials
- Three social media posts (one each on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram) highlighting your support (combined estimated reach 7,000+ followers)
- Thank you message on UWSECT outdoor sign (Route 12) for one week
- Recorded 30-second radio spot featuring our partnership
- Company spotlight including company logo & link in UWSECT e-news (distributed to 7,899+ subscribers)
- Inclusion in campaign press release as presenting sponsor
- Opportunity to place your company lawn signs at UW Office along Route 12 corner for 1 week
- Prominent logo placement with company link on United Way’s Housed & Hopeful webpage
- Featured in staff email signatures with link to website for one month
- Plus, all benefits of lower value listed below
Welcome Home Volunteer Event Sponsor – exclusive opportunity, $15,000
- Prominent recognition as the Volunteer Event Sponsor on all volunteer activity materials
- Two social media posts (one each on Facebook and Instagram) highlighting your support (combined estimated reach 6,000+ followers)
- Company name, logo, and QR code, placed in Welcome Home Kit materials
- Opportunity to provide remarks at the volunteer event
- Advanced access for volunteer spots
- Invitation (for 2) to the annual United Way Donor Reception
- Plus, all benefits of lower value listed below
Pillars of Hope Sponsor, $10,000
- Recognition as a Pillars of Hope Sponsor on campaign materials
- Logo placement with company link on United Way’s Housed & Hopeful Campaign webpage
- One social media post on Facebook highlighting your support (estimated reach 4,600+ followers on Facebook)
- Recognition with logo in United Way Annual Report (mailed to 250+ key donors, plus 6,000 postcards and 7,000+ email recipients)
- Plus, all benefits of lower value listed below
Housewarming Sponsor, $5,000
- Company name listed on United Way’s Housed & Hopeful Campaign webpage
- Company mention in United Way e-news (distributed to 7,899+ subscribers)
- Plus, all benefits of lower value listed below
Friendly Neighbor Sponsor, $2,500
- Company name inclusion in campaign promotions
- One social media story for 24 hours (on Facebook and Instagram, combined estimated reach 6,000+ followers)
- Recognition with name in United Way Annual Report (mailed to 250+ key donors, plus 6,000 postcards and 7,000+ email recipients)
Welcome Home Kit Supporter, $250
- Support the volunteer packing event by providing funding for the welcome home kits being delivered to families transitioning out of a shelter into a new home.
- Your name will be included as a donor on the Welcome Home Kit content card (to be included in each kit).
A donation today can keep a family from becoming homeless tomorrow or help them quickly move from shelter into a safe, stable home. Your gift supports United Way’s Client Assistance Fund, which provides one-time emergency help to stabilize housing, and ensures continued support for local homeless service agencies facing critical funding gaps due to reduced federal support. It also helps sustain 2-1-1, our state’s essential call center that connects thousands of people each week to food, housing, and crisis services.
Your donation can support our community in the following ways:
$25 – A bag of groceries to put food on the table
$50 – Welcome Home kit supplies
$100 – Utility assistance to keep the lights on in someone’s home
$250 – 2-1-1 support for the 24-hour call center to ensure immediate access to homeless services
$500 – Heating fuel for a family to help them stay warm
$750 – An unexpected car repair so someone can reach work and keep their job
$1,000 – Partial monthly rent for a family burdened by a crisis
$2,500 – Monthly rent for two families
The housing crisis is real and it’s growing.
Last year, homelessness in our region rose 47% and more than 1,100 people are unhoused. Rents have skyrocketed and federal emergency funding has been frozen or is gone. Connecticut’s free helpline, 2-1-1 is overwhelmed with requests for assistance. And basic necessities, like utilities, fuel, even a car repair, can trigger a crisis for families living paycheck to paycheck.
You can help families stay in their home.
A donation today can keep a family from becoming homeless tomorrow or help them quickly move from shelter into a safe, stable home. Your gift supports United Way’s Client Assistance Fund, which provides one-time emergency help to stabilize housing, and ensures continued support for local homeless service agencies facing critical funding gaps due to reduced federal support. It also helps sustain 2-1-1, our state’s essential call center that connects thousands of people each week to food, housing, and crisis services.
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Meet a Working Mother
One unexpected car repair nearly cost a young mother in Groton her home. She was working hard and just promoted to full-time. However, she was forced to choose between fixing her car to keep her job or paying rent.
Eviction proceedings began, but thanks to a grant from United Way's Client Assistance Fund, she was able to stay housed, keep her job, and regain stability for her family.
Prevention supports like this can be the difference between homelessness and hope for a neighbor in crisis.
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Peer-to-peer fundraising is one of the most powerful ways to support the Housed & Hopeful Campaign because it combines your passion for the cause with the strength of your personal network.
When you share why this work matters to you, you bring our mission to life in a way that’s authentic and compelling. People are more likely to give when a friend, family member, or colleague asks, especially for an issue as urgent as preventing homelessness and keeping families stable.
Free Coffee Friday is Here!
Mark your calendar for Friday, September 12 at Outer Light Brewing Company, 266 Bridge Street in Groton. From 8–10 a.m., your coffee is on the house, from your friends at United Way of Southeastern Connecticut.
Why? Because we’re brewing more than just coffee—we’re brewing hope.
This event celebrates Outer Light’s brand-new coffee shop and shines a light on our Housed and Hopeful Campaign, tackling homelessness right here in New London County. Stop by, grab a free cup, and discover how we can mobilize our community together to create lasting change.
Great coffee. Great cause. Don’t miss it!