The first step forward is getting connected to the services you need.
Driving The Dream™, Free Tax Prep, and 2-1-1 information services are important resources on your path.
Driving the Dream helps build your plan out of poverty and access a network of services and programs | Free Tax Prep helps to get your taxes prepared and filed for free, by IRS trained volunteers who apply proper credits to maximize your refund | 2-1-1 allows you to speak with a trained operator who can hear the details of your situation, “cut through the red tape” and connect you with services that help
Driving The Dream is United Way’s innovative approach to providing people in poverty with guidance, help, and a map of services they help create so they can take the proper steps at the right times to escape poverty and live the life of their dreams. The area’s battle against poverty cannot be won by a single individual, organization, or sector. United Way uses our unique position at the intersection of numerous sectors including volunteers, nonprofits, collaborations, businesses, organized labor, academia, faith-based organizations, and other groups to create positive changes and help more people escape generational poverty.
Relief Call Center powered by Driving The Dream (844) 444-4211
The battle against generational poverty has many fronts and requires many strategies. United Way’s Free Tax Prep program trains volunteers to help people prepare and file their income taxes for FREE. This program brings income back to individuals and families in low-to-moderate income households and creates a boost of more than $12 million in refunds to our local economy. Free Tax Prep also helps people avoid predatory lending practices at less-than-reputable tax centers, and can help people learn about savings, financial literacy, and healthy financial practices.
Visit a Supersite, mobile site or, just call 2-1-1 (backup number 901.415.2790) to get information about the Free Tax Prep site in your area.
Do you or someone you know need nonprofit help? Your best “first step” is to call 2-1-1, the region’s information and referral system for nonprofit services. Just as you dial 9-1-1 during a crisis like a house fire or medical emergency, dial 2-1-1 when you have a need for local nonprofit services and information. Trained operators are able to ask for details related to needs and provide information about local nonprofits that can be of assistance. If you live outside of Shelby County, you may wish to call toll free, 855.354.4211. If your mobile phone provider does not allow service to 3-digit numbers, call 901.415.2790; 2-1-1 is a partnership between United Way of the Mid-South and the Memphis Public Library System.
Each year, 103 million Americans leave $80 billion in public benefits unclaimed. United Way is committed to ensuring that struggling families in our state are aware of the benefits for which they qualify and know how to apply for them. The Tennessee Benefit Kitchen is a free screener that all Tennesseans can use to determine eligibility for several tax credits and many federal, state, and local public benefits – and to access the application sites to apply for those for which they qualify.
Tennessee residents can simply text “Benefits” to 211-211 or visit the online application at https://app.benefitkitchen.com/tool, and they receive a series of screener texts to see what they may qualify for.
Medical expenses can force lower income households into making tough decisions between either purchasing medicine or paying bills/buying food. United Way’s partnership with SingleCare discount prescription cards helps people save on many prescription medications regardless of insurance status or income. SingleCare has helped nearly 100,000 Mid-Southerners by saving them over $8 million in prescription costs.
