Alameda County
Addressing the Need in Alameda County
Creating Lasting Change Through United Efforts
Welcome to our page on Alameda County, a vibrant region we are committed to supporting and uplifting. As one of the most populous counties in California, Alameda County is home to communities that face unique challenges, as well as opportunities. At United Way Bay Area, we believe in the power of collaboration and collective impact to address the pressing needs of our fellow residents.
We recognize that not everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. Many individuals and families within our Alameda County community face barriers such as lack of access to quality education, affordable housing, and basic needs services.
Through this page, we aim to shed light on critical needs and provide you with the information and data that underpin our efforts to create lasting change in the region.
We Are Stronger Together.
Adelita was doing all she could to give herself and her children a better life.
She was going to community college. She was also working part-time to earn money. Every day was another step toward a brighter, more stable future for her family. But there were times when she needed help urgently—with food, with housing, and even paying the bills.
That’s when she turned to United Way Bay Area. Because of caring people like you, she got the support she needed!
“It was nice to know people were thinking about students and the struggles we were facing. I have a good job today, and I’m building a brighter future for my family. Thank you so much!” – Adelita
The Need in Alameda County
Access to basic needs is difficult for many
129,901 households in Alameda County struggle to meet basic needs including paying for food and groceries, housing and utility bills; and keeping up with monthly car payments and other transportation costs.
The wealth gap is increasing
Among full time workers In Alameda County, the income of low-wage workers decreased 3% between 2000 and 2019, while high-wage workers' income increased 16%
Housing is a cost burden for many residents
209,216 households in Alameda County are housing burdened, spending more than 30% of household income on rent.
Our Impact in the Community
Free Tax Help
(Free tax preparation for anyone who needs it)
Free Tax Help has helped provide 18.89 million in refunds back into the pockets of Alameda County residents.
Sparkpoint
(Centers that provide one-stop access to a full range of services to move families towards financial prosperity.)
SparkPoint centers in Alameda County have served 2,756 individuals providing resources for basic needs, employment and career opportunities, and financial coaching.
Housing Justice
(We mobilize support for solutions through public awareness and will-building, and advocate for policies that increase supply and improve conditions and access, while helping residents meet immediate housing needs.)
$292,500 was distributed to 9 organizations through the first year of our housing justice grants
Explore the Data
The Real Cost Measure
United Ways of California, in partnership with California’s 29 local United Ways, is proud to release How Much it Costs to Struggle: The Real Cost Measure in California 2023, a study on what it takes to make ends meet in California.
Unlike the official poverty measure which primarily accounts for the cost of food, the Real Cost Measure factors the costs of housing, food, health care, childcare, transportation and other basic needs to reveal what it really costs to live in California.
Explore our Real Cost Measure dashboard
211 Bay Area
(A free, vital service that connects callers with health and human services (food, shelter, childcare, legal services))
2-1-1 phone and text services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are available in 150 languages through phone interpretation services and English and Spanish for text services.
Explore our 211 Dashboard
