Financial Security
Child Care Access • Affordable Housing Options • Job Training
Creating a stronger financial future for
every generation.
WHY IT MATTERS: When more people have access to stable, family-sustaining jobs and safe, affordable housing, they experience less stress and are better equipped to support themselves and their families—strengthening both our community and local economy as a result. That's why we're partnering to help more adults thrive in a career, live in quality housing and build their own financial security.
Key measures of financial security in our community:
- Many of the common & needed jobs in our community pay below what it takes to make ends meet
- When family budgets & SNAP run out, area food pantries are key to filling the gap
- People of color are more likely than white people to live in poverty
of Johnson Co. Households
of Washington Co. Households
(Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)
Hourly Earnings Required to meet a basic-needs budget by family type
HOW WE WILL MOVE CLOSER TO OUR GOALS:
- Increase the number of people who earn enough to support their basic needs
- Improve access to public benefits and community basic needs supports like food to help individuals and families bridge gaps during times of financial hardship, illness, or job loss
- Strengthen workforce readiness by increasing participation in career training programs and creating stronger pathways from high school to in-demand local jobs
Key Child care measures in our community:
- Low pay — among the lowest of any profession — makes it difficult for child care centers to hire enough workers to meet demand and makes it difficult for child care workers to support their own families
- Despite the great need in our region, participation in Child Care Assistance — the state’s program to help low-wage working parents afford child care is declining
AVG annual cost of child care in johnson and Washington Counties
| Licensed Child Care Center | Johnson Co. | Washington Co. |
| Infant | $16,705 | $10,196 |
| 3-year-old | $12,651 | $8,864 |
Tuition & fees, U of I
$11,283
The cost of full-time child care nears or beats cost of tuition and fees at UI
HOW WE WILL MOVE CLOSER TO OUR GOALS:
- Reduce the financial burden of child care by increasing the number of centers accepting Child Care Assistance (CCA) and expanding the availability of CCA-funded slots
- Increase wages for childcare workers through non-tuition funding sources, helping centers attract staff, expand available slots & improve provider options for families
of young children in Johns. & Wash. Cos. have all available parents in the labor force
is the average wage of child care workers in Johns. & Wash. Cos.
Key measures of Housing Affordability and Adequacy in our community:
- Many households are burdened by high housing costs; renters face biggest burdens, but homeowners are not exempt
- Many individuals face housing instability — falling behind on rent, frequent moves, or doubling up — long before seeking formal support. This means service data greatly underrepresents true need
Percentage of households spending more than 30% of income on housing:
People who sought formal housing services or shelter, Johnson and Washington counties, 2023
- Increase the supply of affordable housing units by increasing the number of landlords who accept housing vouchers and exploring other innovative solutions
- Improve the safety and quality of housing by reducing the number of poorly maintained, deficient units
UNITED WAY’S ROLE IN FINANCIAL SECURITY
Fund & Collaborate
We’re investing in strategies and local programs that help families achieve economic stability. Through partnerships, we connect individuals with resources to access affordable child care, housing and other basic needs and connect to job training programs. In addition, we support the Child Care Coalition and invest in proven approaches to reduce family homelessness, including improving access to food, providing case management, and expanding housing options.
Advocate & Educate
At United Way, we believe financial stability is the foundation for a thriving community. Yet, 40% of Johnson and Washington County individuals and families — facing barriers to stable employment, affordable housing, and essential resources — struggle to make ends meet.
We advocate for access to affordable housing and child care to help individuals build long-term financial security. We advocate for an increase to the Child Care Assistance reimbursement rates, to increase access to quality child care and promote stabilization in the child care workforce.