Meeting Charlotte County's Needs One Request at a Time
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director – United Way Charlotte County
Every day at United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC), our phones ring with a variety of calls—each one representing a real person with a real need. Some calls are straightforward: a request for information about a local food pantry, the location of a tax preparation site, or the steps to apply for financial assistance. These are the easy ones—the ones where a quick answer provides relief.
But not all calls are so simple. Many require deeper conversations, trusted referrals, and creative problem-solving. A mother on the verge of eviction due to lost wages, a senior struggling to keep up with rising housing costs, a working family facing unexpected medical bills—these situations demand more than a phone number or a website link. They require connection, compassion, and a commitment to finding solutions even when resources seem scarce.
We do everything we can to help at UWCC even when the need extends beyond our direct services. We work with a network of partners, from shelters and food banks to employment services and mental health providers, ensuring that no one is left without an option. Some days, the calls weigh heavy, reminding us of the challenges so many in our community face. But they also reinforce why we’re here—to listen, to connect, and to make a difference, one call at a time.
One call that stands out was from a single mother on the verge of eviction. With nowhere else to turn, she dialed our number—her voice filled with fear and uncertainty. In moments like these, it’s not just about providing a referral; it’s about understanding the urgency and ensuring she’s truly connected to the right help.
Because we are a local agency, we didn’t just give her a list of numbers—we reached out to our partners, explained her situation, and ensured she got a real person on the other end who could help. Our relationships with housing assistance programs, legal aid services, and emergency relief organizations allow us to, at times, move quickly. Maybe there’s rental assistance available through one of our partners. Maybe she qualifies for a short-term program she didn’t know existed. Maybe she just needs help navigating the system—someone to advocate for her, to reassure her that she’s not alone.
Then, there was the call from a senior who had spent her life working, only to find herself suddenly without a job and about to lose her home. She never imagined she would be in this position, facing the terrifying reality of being homeless. She’d never had to ask for help before, but now, in a moment of desperation, she picked up the phone, hoping someone on the other end could offer guidance, support, and maybe even a path forward.
This is what drives us. These are the calls that remind us why we do this work. The challenges facing ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) aren’t just numbers on a report; they are real struggles affecting real people. And while we may not always have an immediate solution, our passion and partnerships ensure that we do everything in our power to help.
Some days, the weight of these calls lingers long after we hang up the phone. But so does the knowledge that we are making a real impact. Whether it’s helping a single mother avoid eviction, shelter for a senior, or simply offering hope to someone in crisis, every call matters. And at United Way of Charlotte County, we will always do everything we can to answer with action.
A single call can open the door to solutions. With strong community partnerships and dedicated resources, UWCC is here to connect you with the support you need. Together, we can create real impact and lasting change. To learn more about UWCC and the work we do, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.