At United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, we believe that advocacy work goes hand in hand with direct services provided by our partners to improve lives and create real change in our region. In 2025, United Way released its Inaugural Policy Report, outlining the community challenges that guide our programs and setting a course for continued advocacy efforts. The report is organized around four essential themes: digital access, economic stability for families, education & youth and food access for all.
In digital access, we recognize that digital connectivity has increasingly become a necessity and affirm our commitment to bridging the digital divide in our five-county region. We highlight programs like United Way’s Digital Navigator Network and our participation in the regional coalitions advocating for low-cost internet access, investments in broadband infrastructure and continued funding for programs that maintain and expand digital navigation services in our region.
In economic stability for families, we acknowledge the great need across southwestern Pennsylvania: 41% of households in our region are classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed), and do not earn enough to afford basic needs. United Way programs and partnerships including the Alliance for Access and Assets and the Free Tax Prep Coalition mobilize organizations and offer assistance. Advocacy priorities include the adoption of a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit to provide a financial safety net to families working hard for low-wages.
In education & youth, we outline United Way’s three core focus areas for enhancing educational outcomes: kindergarten readiness; college and career readiness; and safe, affordable and enriching out-of-school time programs. We advocate for evidence-based literacy instruction, sustainable funding for out-of-school time programs and the expansion of college emergency financial assistance programs.
In food access for all, we recognize that food insecurity in our region is a systemic issue requiring wide-reaching solutions. We show how United Way has made significant strides through Community Food Solutions and Ride United Last-Mile Delivery, which are collaborative programs that build local food systems and deliver meals and food items direct to families and individuals. We outline our support for legislation expanding free school meal programs, enhancing SNAP benefits and incentivizing grocery store development in areas that lack options.
View the full policy and advocacy document here.