United Way of the Cape Fear Area is now accepting Requests for Proposals for 2010-2011 year.  Please click here for the application,  instructions, and supporting materials.  Applications are due to United Way of the Cape Fear Area by 5:00pm on Monday March 15th.

The 2009 United Way Campaign kicked-off in September and we are well on our way to a successful campaign! You can read about the latest campaign updates and events by clicking on the newsletters below:

February 2010 Newsletter 

January 2010 Newsletter 

October 2009 Newsletter

September 2009 Newsletter

United Way of the Cape Fear Area has announced it will receive a $1.2 million grant to fund a new program to address homelessness prevention and housing in the three-county Cape Fear area. 

The grant is funded by the federal American Recovery and Re-investment Act of 2009 through the North Carolina Office of Economic Recovery.  This federal program is called the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid-Re-housing Program or HPRP.  It is the only new program created by the Recovery Act. 

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and New Hanover County Vice-Chairman Jason Thompson, both members of the 10 Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness' Executive Board, were on hand for the funding announcement made by United Way president Chris Nelson. 

Funds from the grant will provide a combination of rental and utility assistance to low-income households that are already homeless or in peril of becoming homeless in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties. 

The 10 Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and Reduce Homelessness in the Cape Fear Region is a community initiative that is managed and partially funded by United Way.   Nelson said 10 Year Plan staff  has been working collaboratively with community service providers since learning about the availability of the $18 million in HPRP funds allocated to certain North Carolina communities last spring to build a broad-based, three-county coalition to apply for those funds. 

During that process, at the request of a number of the participating community organizations, United Way of the Cape Fear Area's Board of Directors agreed to serve as the lead applicant for this application. 

Nelson thanked Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo for his leadership in maximizing this funding opportunity for the entire three-county area by quickly granting the City of Wilmington's permission for a United Way application to go forward.  Nelson also thanked United Way board chairman Bob Stuart for the board's quick decision that allowed United Way of the Cape Fear Area to serve as the lead applicant for the grant application. 

According to Nelson, United Way has considerable experience in managing dollars directed to social programs through our Community Impact programs and through management of special community initiatives like the 10 Year Plan, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence and the Senior Aids Program.   In fiscal year 2010 United Way of the Cape Fear Area will allocate approximately $150,000 to agencies that serve homeless populations throughout the three-county area, he said. 

In its efforts to facilitate the development of a community's HPRP plan, the 10 Year Plan staff engaged a very broad a coalition - one that encompassed stakeholders from all three Cape Fear area counties.  The goal of the coalition was to quickly stimulate the creation of a comprehensive HPRP program not only for the City of Wilmington, but for Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, as well. 

Nelson announced United Way's successful collaboration with a group of five Cape Fear Area Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Partner Agencies that form the foundation for this new program.   The five partner agencies are: Brunswick Family Assistance Agency; The Salvation Army of Wilmington; The Good Shepherd Center; Pender County Housing and AMEZ Housing Community Development Corporation.

"Our community partnership was forged to allow us to very quickly begin to direct federal funds appropriately to prevention, shelter diversion and rapid re-housing throughout the Continuum of Care's entire three-county area", said Nelson.   "Our decision to apply for these federal funds was based on an overall assessment of the level of need within our community and the need for this program is high."

According to Nelson, more than 40% of the calls made from the Cape Fear area to the 2-1-1 help-line in August involved requests for rental or utility assistance.   

Nelson said the number of homeless households with dependent children in the three-county Cape Fear area increased by more than three hundred percent from the 2008 to 2009, according to the  HUD Point-in-Time Count - from 44 households in 2008 to 150 households in 2009. 

"In fact, the level of need is so high that none of our HPRP Program Partner agencies anticipates any challenge in using the entire $1,200,000 during the three-year period," said Nelson.  "This three-year HPRP allocation of $1.2 million will allow our partner agencies to provide services to as many as 1,500 homeless and at-risk people throughout our three-county area within the three-year grant cycle." 

The 10 Year Plan staff will manage the grant within the United Way structure and will conduct outreach and public information activities on behalf of the partnership.   The HPRP Recovery Act funds will become available after October 1, 2009 and must be spent by September 30, 2012. 

United Way of the Cape Fear Area is pleased to have Jon Evans, news anchor for WECT and WSFX, serving as Campaign Chairman for United Way's 2009 community giving campaign.

On August 19, Evans spoke to more than 100 business and community leaders as he explained the impact of United Way's efforts in the tri-county area. Local CEOs and other business leaders gathered at United Way's annual Breakfast with the Chairman, an event that brings together companies and organizations that plan to host workplace giving campaigns.

"United Way is working to create lasting change in the areas that affect us all-education, income and health. Our entire community benefits when children learn and achieve high school graduation. We are all strengthened when families gain financial stability and when people have the tools to improve their health," said Evans. "Because these things are so important, I am enthusiastic about the 2009 United Way campaign and honored to serve as its Chairman."

The 2009 community giving campaign will officially kickoff on September 10 at Airlie Gardens. More than 200 local businesses and organizations will participate in workplace campaigns this year as United Way strives to reach its campaign goal of $2.3 million.

 "Jon is a trusted voice in the Cape Fear area," said Christopher Nelson, president of UWCFA. "He is passionate about this community and the serious issues that affect us all. As Campaign Chairman, Jon will not only highlight the needs in our area, he will inspire local residents to get involved and make a difference-whether it's through volunteerism, advocacy for important issues or giving to the community through United Way. Everyone has a role to play in creating a brighter future for the Cape Fear area."

The first meter is located outside the main US Post Office in Wilmington, a spot identified as one of 11 in the downtown area where panhandling is a recurring problem. It is one of many specially signed, retired parking meters that will be installed throughout the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County in a managed attempt to reduce panhandling and create a more hospitable environment for residents and visitors alike.

Because money traditionally given to panhandlers does not help break the cycle of chronic homelessness, the 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness is encouraging people to deposit quarters in the meters instead of giving money directly to people who ask for "spare change" on the streets.

All money deposited into the meters will be distributed to established local agencies that assist the homeless on an annual basis. For more information about the 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness or the Make a Change donation meters, visit www.capefearhomeless.org.

United Way of the Cape Fear Area has welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors. The organization has also announced its slate of officers for 2009-2010.

The Board of Directors for United Way of the Cape Fear area has 20 members, who are among the area's most prominent business and community leaders. These respected individuals help United Way fulfill its mission of uniting and mobilizing resources to improve lives and strengthen our community.

The following individuals have begun a three-year term on the Board of Directors:

Kevin Cannon, M.D., Wilmington Health Associates

Gary McNair, WECT - TV6

Billy Smith, NewBridge Bank

The Board of Directors has selected the following individuals to serve on its 2009-2010 Executive Committee:

Chairman of the Board - Bob Stuart, East Carolina Bank

Vice Chair - Donna Girardot, Wilmington-Cape Fear Homebuilders Association

Treasurer - Earl Oxendine, Bank of America

Community Investment Cabinet Chair - Jayne Mathews, Brunswick County Government

Marketing & Communications Committee Chair - Jennifer Adams, SunTrust Bank

Personnel Committee Chair - Avril Pinder, New Hanover County Government

Nominating Committee Chair - Jay Neisen, Neisen Law Firm

Immediate Past Chair - Jay Atkinson, St. James Properties

"Our Board members are extraordinary volunteers who contribute countless hours and their invaluable expertise to the community through service with United Way," said Christopher Nelson, president of United Way of the Cape Fear Area. "We cannot thank these leaders enough for their dedication and compassion."

For a complete list of United Way of the Cape Fear Area Board Members, click here.

During its recent annual meeting, United Way of the Cape Fear Area awarded top honors to companies that ran exceptional workplace campaigns and to individuals whose extraordinary dedication helped their company's campaign meet and exceed expectations. 

"It has been a tough year economically for everyone-no doubt. But these honorees, and indeed everyone who participated in the 2008 campaign, rose to the occasion. The generosity and commitment of our local businesses, organizations, and caring individuals will make a tremendous difference for those in our community who need our help the most," said Jack Barto, president and CEO of New Hanover Regional Medical Center and 2008 Campaign Chairman.

Awards were presented to:

Outstanding Campaign Award

PPD

Outstanding Employee Campaign Coordinator(s) Award

Bob Wensel & Rich McNinch - Corning

Outstanding Corporate Support Award

General Electric Wilmington

Most Innovative Campaign of the Year

Time Warner Cable

Outstanding Neighborhood Entrepreneur (ONE) Award

Wilmington Machinery

Campaign Coordinator of the Year - Large-size Company

Brian Quadrio - PPD

Campaign Coordinator(s) of the Year - Mid-size Company

Candace Moore & John Gardner - BB&T

Campaign Coordinator(s) of the Year - Small-size Company

 Cathy Pleasant & Richard Pridgen - Piedmont Natural Gas

Campaign Coordinator of the Year - Public Agency

Bill McDow - City of Wilmington

Campaign Coordinator of the Year - Non-Profit Organization

Amy Feath - Coastal Horizons Center, Inc.

Campaign Appreciation of the Year - Large-size Company

New Hanover Regional Medical Center

Campaign Appreciation of the Year - Mid-size Company

Time Warner Cable

Campaign Appreciation of the Year - Small-size Company

WECT/WSFX

Campaign Appreciation of the Year - Public Agency

New Hanover County Government

Campaign Appreciation of the Year - Non-Profit Organization

Child Development Center

Campaign Appreciation of the Year - National Corporate Leader

Harris Teeter Stores

Spirit Award

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

First Campaign Award

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority

Chiltern International, Inc.

Positive Progress Award - 20% or greater campaign growth

Archer Daniels Midland Company; Belks - Shallotte; Child Development Center; Coastal Horizons Center, Inc.; Crescent State Bank; Elementis Chromium LP; Harris Teeter Stores; IBM; New Hanover Regional Medical Center; Piedmont Natural Gas; PPD; Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP; Target; Time Warner Cable; Town of Carolina Beach; WECT/WSFX

Jack Barto, president & CEO of New Hanover Regional Medical Center, was honored for his passionate leadership as 2008 Campaign Chairman. Additionally, Jack Barto announced that Jon Evans of WECT-TV will be the 2009 United Way Campaign Chairman.

Finding help in the Cape Fear area is now easier than ever before: United Way of the Cape Fear Area has launched 2-1-1, an information and referral line that makes it easier for people to find the community services they need.   

By simply dialing 2-1-1 from their home or cell phone, Cape Fear residents can reach a caring, trained specialist who will match their needs with community services. Available 24 hours a day in multiple languages, 2-1-1 is also an integral component of our region's disaster response infrastructure.

Trying to find services can be very frustrating for someone who is in a desperate situation.  2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember solution for service providers and their clients. 

2-1-1 is not just for those who need help. It's also for people who want to volunteer their time, resources and talents to the community. The referral line directs volunteers and donors to the place where their gifts are most needed.

United Way of the Cape Fear Area provides the financial resources for our local 2-1-1, which serves Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties. Statewide operations are managed by United Way of North Carolina in cooperation with 40 local United Ways throughout the state.

In the Cape Fear area, 2-1-1 offers access to a wide variety of services, including:

• Basic Human Needs: food banks, shelters, clothing closets, rent assistance, utility assistance
• Health and Wellness: Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, Children's Health Insurance Program, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, medical clinics
• Financial Stability: financial assistance, job training
• Education and Youth Development: childcare, after-school programs, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring

The Cape Fear Chapter responded to an unprecedented number of disasters during fiscal year 2007-08. The organization assisted nearly 170 families in the first nine months alone, a significant increase over the 146 families assisted during the entire previous year. 

The United Way of the Cape Fear Chapter has partnered with this organization since 1941 and has provided yearly funding through allocations and designations through our community-wide campaign.   United Way of the Cape Fear Area is pleased to provide this additional funding to the Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross during their time of need.   

The New Hanover County Blue Ribbon Commission is pleased to announce that Tufanna Thomas will serve as Strategic Director on Youth Violence for the commission. Tufanna Thomas was formerly the executive director of Girls, Inc.

The mission of the Blue Ribbn Commission is to provide leadership, foster collaboration and develop resources for addressing youth violence in New Hanover County by:

• Providing a cohesive vision and comprehensive strategic plan
• Overcoming current fragmented programs by consolidating, coordinating and streamlining communication and eliminating redundancy
• Securing resources to sustain needed programs
• Ensuring accountability by monitoring and evaluating progress
• Advocating for programs
• Educating the community about the issue of youth violence

Members of the Blue Ribbon Commission include the following:

• Bill Saffo, Mayor of Wilmington
• Bill Caster, Vice Chair, New Hanover County Commissioners
• Dr. Al Lerch, New Hanover County School Superintendant
• Ben David, District Attorney of the 5^th Prosecutorial Judicial District
• Phyllis Gorham, Superior Court Judge
• James Faison, District Court Judge
• Pastor Robert Campbell
• Pastor Mike Queen
• Connie Majure-Rhett, CEO, Chamber of Commerce

The commission will be supported by Tufanna Thomas, Strategic Director for Youth Violence, who will be a conduit between the commission and a Technical Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from programs addressing youth violence in the community under the following categories:

• Enforcement
• Research
• Prevention
• Intervention

The following is a press release regaurding the release of the complete Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness comissioned by the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County 18 months ago. Click here for a photo gallery of the press event.

PRESS RELEASE

TEN YEAR PLAN TO END CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS

AND REDUCE HOMELESSNESS IN THE CAPE FEAR REGION IS RELEASED  

WILMINGTON, NC – The much-anticipated Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and Reduce Homelessness in the Cape Fear Region was released to the public today.   The plan is a ninety-one page document establishing a comprehensive community blueprint for addressing growing problems with homelessness and affordable housing in the three-county Cape Fear Region.  

The Ten Year Plan, commissioned by both the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County and recently endorsed by Pender County, is the result of over eighteen months of research, consultation and development.  Dr. Spiro Macris, a retired Wilmington orthodontist, and the late Windell Daniels co-chaired a steering committee that developed the plan – with advice and assistance from hundreds of people throughout Wilmington and New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties.  

Macris, moderating a press conference today in Wilmington, congratulated elected officials from the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County for commissioning the development of the plan and for what he called their “courageous action in providing financial support to begin implementation.”    Macris noted this action does not provide the high drama of commissioning the submarine North Carolina, nor does it match the breathtaking dream of a high rise bridge over the Cape Fear River.   “More importantly”, said Macris, “this action speaks volumes about the spirit and good will of the citizens of this region. We care about our fellow man and we act.”

Speaking at the press conference, Mayor Bill Saffo re-iterated the City of Wilmington’s commitment to addressing what he called a “highly complex problem.”   He said the plan “provides a roadmap to ending chronic homelessness and reducing homelessness by providing affordable housing, jobs, supportive services and other resources necessary to solve the homeless problem in our community.”

 New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robert F. “Bobby” Greer also spoke at the press conference and said “while we as a community certainly need to address the housing issue, the implementation of vocational training and treatment of mental health and substance abuse issues are equally important measures.” 

The plan establishes an executive board to provide oversight to the plan.  Thomas L. Dodson, Senior Vice- president of U.S. Trust; Bank of America Private Wealth Management, will chair the board the first year.  Dr. Stephen Demski, Vice Chancellor of UNCW, will serve as the board’s vice-chair. 

The Ten Year Plan is divided into two sections – one focusing on Prevention, Engagement and Supportive Services and the other on Housing.  Three strategy teams will now to begin to implement forty-four separate strategies to support twelve positive outcomes.  A fourth strategy team will track the results.  The plan calls for a project manager to make progress reports to both the executive board and the community on an ongoing basis. 

United Way President Pam Wyatt, a member of the Ten Year Plan executive board, introduced Dan Ferrell as the Project Manager for the new plan’s implementation.  She said Ferrell brings a background in homelessness issues from his former position as the Social Security Administration’s regional communications director in Seattle.

 “Completing the planning process is just the first step in meeting our goal of ending homelessness,” Ferrell said.  “The plan presents the key strategies for achieving that goal, but until we convert the plan to action nothing will change.”  Ferrell also said the traditional approach of treating the symptoms of homelessness is economically costly and not meeting the goal of ending it.   

Ferrell also noted the Ten Year Plan’s unique yellow and black logo, which was designed by Kim Hennes of Clove Marketing.  He explained the logo can serve as a constant reminder within the community of three things that need to be done.  “Give a hand up to housing for those who are currently homeless.  Keep people who are at risk from becoming homeless. And stay ahead of the curve on the whole affordable housing issue”, outlined Ferrell.  

One avenue to accomplish this is through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeless Continuum of Care, a means through which local agencies can band together and apply for federal funding for permanent supportive housing - meaning affordable housing that includes services, according to Anita Oldham.   Oldham chairs the Tri-County Homeless Interagency, Council - the continuum of care serving the City of Wilmington, Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender Counties. 

 She said the continuum brought in $487,826 in Federal funding in 2007 and $623,947 in 2008.  “In the coming funding cycle we will be applying for over $680,000”, she continued.  “While this is not the whole answer to our problem, it is a stable, ongoing source of funding housing with the goal of ending homelessness.”

One element of the local plan is the inclusion of a previously homeless person as an executive board member.  Carla Ortiz, a Hurricane Katrina survivor who found herself displaced - on the streets and in area shelters - is now thriving in supportive housing.  She will serve as the first previously homeless board member. 

Ortiz told those present at the public unveiling of the plan that the most difficult thing about being homeless for her was the uncertainty and never knowing what to expect. “I was afraid to make any decisions about myself because of the constant uncertainty of life in a shelter,” explained Ortiz.  “I never knew when I might be asked to move or to leave.”  Ortiz recently obtained supportive housing in an apartment of her own and said she believes having stable housing will give her an opportunity to regain a more certain lifestyle, a hope she said she shares with everyone experiencing homelessness.    

During today’s press conference, Dr. Spiro Macris noted the late Windell Daniels’ substantial contribution to the plan’s development.  Wilma Daniels, Mr. Daniels’ widow, attended the press conference and was recognized. 

Macris also praised the willingness of a very diverse range of interests to rally behind the plan’s concept and development.  He urged them to now rally around its implementation. 

According to project manager Dan Ferrell, the local plan is modeled on an approach to ending chronic homelessness being employed by almost 350 cities and counties nationwide.  He said large and small communities across the country are finding that creating supportive housing for homeless people saves substantial dollars.  “In managing chronic homelessness, limited dollars are many times being spent for expensive treatment in hospital emergency rooms, corrections facilities and detox centers,” said Ferrell.  “Those and other services can be more economically provided through supportive housing options.” 

A copy of the Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and Reduce Homelessness in the Cape Fear Region, as well as other information about efforts to address homelessness, is available at www.capefearhomeless.org.  Paper copies of the plan will be available for review in the area’s public libraries within the next few weeks.