United Way of the Mid-South is proud to offer Driving The Dream®, an unduplicated network of services that is helping people move from where they are to where they dream to be.
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%
had more stable employment
%
had better financial management strategies
%
reported higher income
United Way of the Mid-South and the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, in partnership with Mayor Paul Young and the City of Memphis, have joined forces to launch MemphisCares, a community fund to support families experiencing food insecurity.
As of November 1st, 167,000 Memphis and Shelby County residents’ supplemental food benefits (SNAP) will be suspended due to the federal government shutdown. The MemphisCares Fund will provide much-needed support for the Mid-South Food Bank and other local pantries, while also directly assisting individual SNAP recipients.
United Way of the Mid-South, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, and the City of Memphis have each committed funds to this effort. Early supporters also include FedEx, the Frederick W. Smith Family, State Representative Justin Pearson, and the Hyde Family Foundation.
“Our family is honored to join FedEx in helping to ensure our neighbors have food on the table. Memphis is home, and we stand with our community.”
— Diane Smith
“Memphis cannot succeed if the basic needs of Memphians are not met. In this extraordinary moment, we’re proud to stand with our partners to ensure every family has the opportunity—and the nourishment—they need to thrive.”
— Barbara Hyde, Chair and CEO, Hyde Family Foundation
If you are a SNAP recipient, please call 211 for information.
To support our efforts, please
text MemphisCares to 40403
“I think women tend to work collaboratively because they intuitively understand collective impact and the power in our voices. That’s one of the reasons that we have relaunched Women United! This is a dynamic time for United Way of the Mid-South and we want to include the women business executives, community leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in the community. We want to hear from women who know that the Mid-South can do better and be better for women, children, and families.” – Tomeka Hart Wigginton
UNITED WE FIGHT
We’re here to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families across our community. Our mission is simple: to fight poverty and help create lasting change for a better future. Through programs focused on economic mobility, education, and health, we’re united in the fight to help individuals reach their full potential for a stronger and healthier Mid-South.
%
of people in the City of Memphis live in poverty
%
of children under 18 in Memphis live in poverty
%
of people in Shelby County live in poverty
%
of children under 18 in Shelby County live in poverty
%
of people in our AR, MS, TN metro area live in poverty
%
of children under 18 in our AR, MS, TN metro area live in poverty
The US average for people living in poverty is 12%. The 2024 Update of the Memphis Poverty Fact Sheet, produced annually by Dr. Elena Delavega of the School of Social Work at the University of Memphis. Data from the 2023 American Community Survey released in September 2024.
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PAST EVENTS
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Reelin’ for Good Bass Fishing Tournament
Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive
Reelin’ for Good 2025 Auction & Reception
IN THE NEWS
UWMS Board President, Darrell Cobbins’ Real Estate firm joins global network
By Dima Amro - Reporter, Memphis Business Journal Jan 26, 2026 Photography credit: L.A. Dowell Photography, MBJ A prominent local real estate company joined a global network of real estate firms that is set to help expand its reach and shine a light on Memphis. Universal Commercial Real Estate,...
Stuff The Bus Sponsorship Opportunities
Empowering Mid-South Students We’re gearing up to Stuff the Bus once again this year, and we’d love for you to be part of it! Stuff the Bus is United Way’s signature engagement initiative, is a community-wide supply drive that invites companies and individuals to donate much-needed school...
United Way of the Mid-South Highlights EITC Awareness Day
Tax Credit That Puts Money Back in Working Families’ Pockets In recognition of EITC Awareness Day, United Way of the Mid-South is encouraging eligible workers and families to learn about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)—a federal tax credit that helps millions of low- to moderate-income...
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