Supporting Basic Needs

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The community remains committed to providing a viable safety net of health and human services to meet the basic needs of families and individuals in time of crisis.

According to the US Census Bureau, in Anderson County 12% of all individuals and approximately 17% of children live in poverty, and according to the South Carolina Council on Homelessness, the annualized approximation of the homeless population in Anderson County is 190 individuals who are estimated homeless at any point in time in the county. Ensuring a community has a system in place to help people in times of crisis to meet life's basic needs is the foundation for a caring community.  United Way of Anderson County remains committed to assisting those who need help with basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and other emergency needs.

It is important to note that the nature of Basic Needs and Safety Net services does not lend itself to an Impact model of change and outcome measurement as do the other focus areas. However, it is recognized that ensuring a viable system of services in the community to meet basic needs is critical. While Impact goals and measures are not defined for Basic Needs and Safety Net Services in the Community Impact Agenda, community partners who were involved in the Agenda development are committed to continued support of these much needed services in Anderson County.