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Final part in a series, “Helping People You Know — Right Here, Right Now,” from United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Every dollar matters. Dollars serve as the link between those who are in need of critical services in Guilford County and provision of services — especially in the areas of education, income and health.

Guilford County is fortunate to have two United Ways in the same county — one in Greater High Point, the other in Greater Greensboro. Both are working diligently to close the gaps on their respective campaign goals in order to fund programs and community initiatives that address crucial needs in Guilford County.

This is the most severe economic downturn that many of us will ever see, and the effects on our community are real and deep.

We all know people who need our help — family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Many of them have never needed help before.
The need for services is as great as it has ever been in recent history. Estimates show a 30 to 40 percent increase in service needs among United Way partner agencies.

Senior Resources Mobile Meals program had never had a waiting list before 2009. The current waiting list hovers at 40 people.
Government reduction of funds means greater reliance for many nonprofits, such as Senior Resources, on other funds.

A year ago, Family Service of the Piedmont’s Consumer Credit Counseling Program reported nearly 1,300 calls requesting housing, budget and bankruptcy services. To date, calls have more than doubled to 2,835 calls compared with last year’s call volume.

“We’ve seen record unemployment in High Point and throughout Guilford County,” said Bobby Smith, United Way of Greater High Point’s president. “With such a cold winter, our partner agencies are reporting unprecedented numbers of people seeking help with utility bills, as well as rent, food, child care and medication. The needs are enormous, right here in our own communities, and we want people to know that they can still have an impact on them by making a donation to United Way.”

Your dollars translate to changed lives. For the price for a cup of coffee, a DVD, or dinner at a local restaurant, you can help people you know, right here, right now.

• $10 a week for one year provides 100 nutritious mobile meals through Senior Resources of Guilford.
• $5 a week for one year provides 13 days of emergency shelter for a family through the Salvation Army.
• $2 a week for one year provides four weeks of tutorials for children reading below grade level through Communities In Schools.

Although there is a great deal of uncertainty, one certainty is that local support is needed right now. Thank you!

— United Way of Greater Greensboro.