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United Way tells Goldsboro council $50,000 UCAN fund helped 193 households
Summary
United Way of Wayne County briefed the Goldsboro City Council on its UCAN emergency-assistance program, reporting that a $50,000 city allocation served 193 households (411 people), with rent and utilities as top needs and a monthly online intake process. Councilors asked about geographic reach and possible utility-bill roundup donations.
Miss Archibald of the United Way of Wayne County told the Goldsboro City Council that a $50,000 city allocation to the UCAN (United Community Assistance Network) program has been used to assist 193 households and 411 individuals since the program began operating in late 2023.
"Each month on the first business day at 8 a.m. we open an online intake and we have between 60 and 75 applicants," Miss Archibald said. She said UCAN prioritizes crises such as a single mother living in a car and that rent and utility assistance make up the bulk of awards.
Archibald introduced Yamile Dines, the program’s community caseworker, who confirmed that district mapping of clients relies on the residential information applicants provide, which can reflect temporary or transitional locations for people who are unhoused.
Resident and council discussion stressed access. A council member suggested exploring utility-bill roundup or other local giving mechanisms to increase funds; Archibald said some cities and utilities undertake similar programs and the United Way can accept and direct such gifts to city-specific needs.
The presentation noted the UCAN program’s initial funders (Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Duke Energy Foundation) and the partnership with the City of Goldsboro. Archibald said she provided council members with a packet showing where applicants live by district and the types of assistance paid.
Council members thanked United Way for administering the program and asked staff to examine whether a city-managed digital round-up or other collection mechanism would be feasible before bringing a proposal back to the council.
