United Way of Cass-Clay Works to Address Poverty

Fargo is a region facing rising housing costs, workforce gaps and ongoing economic pressure. United Way of Cass-Clay aims to be a central force to address these issues, coordinating solutions across the nonprofit sector.

The organization operates as what President and CEO Sandi Piatz described as a “community chest,” bringing together donors, nonprofits and community leaders to address systemic issues tied to poverty. Rather than running a single program, United Way raises funds and strategically distributes them to local organizations on the front lines.

“At United Way of Cass-Clay, our expertise is cultivating solutions to end poverty,” the organization states in its 2025 annual report.

That mission is carried out through three primary focus areas, referred to as “Bold Goals.” These goals are preventing hunger and homelessness, preparing children to succeed and strengthening families in the Cass-Clay area.

United Way’s structure reflects a broader shift in how nonprofits approach large-scale social problems. Instead of addressing issues in isolation, the organization works across sectors, partnering with dozens of agencies and coalitions.

“We serve on 22 coalitions,” Piatz said, emphasizing the organization’s role in connecting efforts across the region.

This collaboration model allows United Way to respond to interconnected challenges. Poverty in the Cass-Clay region is not limited to a single issue, but instead includes housing, limited access to child care, food insecurity and barriers to employment.

According to the 2025 annual report, food insecurity has risen sharply since 2019, with 10,000 more people in Cass and Clay counties experiencing food insecurity today than five years ago. Housing affordability presents another growing challenge. The report notes that nearly 70% of residents earning under $50,000 are considered financially vulnerable due to housing costs.

For Piatz, these trends reinforce the need for coordinated, long-term strategies rather than just short-term relief.

“We are supporting with education and data,” she said. “We educate others so they can make better policy decisions.”

While federal definitions of poverty often rely on strict income thresholds, Piatz emphasized that those measures do not fully capture the realities many families face. Families who fall just above the federal poverty line are often in precarious situations, making difficult tradeoffs between essential needs.

In practice, that can mean choosing between paying an electric bill or covering school supply expenses for their children, which are decisions that can have long-term consequences for stability and opportunity. This gap between official definitions and lived experiences shapes how United Way approaches its work. Rather than focusing solely on those classified as living in poverty, the organization targets broader financial vulnerability across the region.

“Those who are closest to the problem know best how to solve it,” Piatz said, pointing to the importance of community-informed solutions.

Programs like the United Way School Supply Drive are designed with that reality in mind. By providing backpacks and classroom essentials, the initiative reduces the burden on families who might otherwise struggle to meet those costs. According to the annual report, thousands of students in the region receive school materials each year through the program, helping to ensure that children can start the school year prepared to learn and without stigmatisation.

United Way’s funding model is both selective and data-driven. Local nonprofits must apply to become “Verified Impact Partners,” undergoing a rigorous review process that evaluates financial planning, program effectiveness and long-term outcomes. Organizations that are selected are then required to report measurable results and participate in ongoing meetings, keeping the system accountable.

“United Way leverages these funds to make the best investments in the community,” Piatz said.

This approach is designed to give donors confidence that their contributions are being used effectively. Piatz compared the process to working with a financial advisor: individuals contribute resources, and United Way allocates those resources based on expertise and community data. The impact of those investments is reflected in the annual metrics. In 2025, partner organizations supported by United Way distributed more than 5.6 million pounds of food and provided nearly 78,000 shelter nights to individuals in need. Additionally, 2,580 households were prevented from experiencing homelessness, while thousands of individuals received employment support, mental health services and early childhood education resources.

While emergency services remain a critical component of nonprofit work, United Way places a strong emphasis on prevention. The organization tracks outcomes such as long-term housing stability, school readiness and workforce participation. These outcomes are indicators reflecting sustained improvement rather than temporary assistance.

This strategy is particularly important in communities where generational poverty continues to affect families over decades. United Way’s annual report highlights that one in seven children in the community experiences poverty, underscoring the need for early intervention and education-focused programs. By investing in early childhood education and mentorship, the organization aims to create pathways out of poverty before long-term challenges take hold.

Despite measurable progress, United Way faces ongoing challenges that mirror broader nonprofit trends. Funding volatility remains a key concern. While community support increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, Piatz noted that contributions have since declined, even as demand for services remains high. At the same time, federal policy changes and government instability can disrupt programs and funding streams, forcing organizations to adjust quickly.

“It is shifting the landscape,” Piatz said, referring to how policy changes affect nonprofit operations.

These challenges highlight the importance of advocacy and collaboration.

For college students in the Fargo-Moorhead area, the work of United Way may feel distant at first. However, Piatz said young adults are both impacted by and essential to addressing these issues.

“For you as community leaders, you have an opportunity to get involved,” she said.

Rising housing costs and child care expenses are increasingly affecting young adults and individuals who are early in their careers, making it more difficult to establish financial stability.

“United Way is by and for the community,” Piatz said.

Opportunities for involvement extend beyond financial contributions. Students can volunteer, participate in community initiatives and advocate for policies for local decisions.

At its core, United Way of Cass-Clay operates as a bridge that connects donors to nonprofits, data to decision makers and individuals to opportunities for involvement. The organization’s almost century-long history, dating back to its origins as a “community chest,” continues to inform modern approaches to collective action.

“The amount of due diligence and strategy that goes into how we work,” Piatz said, can often be overlooked.

But for those navigating housing instability, food insecurity or barriers to employment, the results of that strategy are tangible. Through partnerships, data-driven investments and community engagement, United Way of Cass-Clay continues working toward its overarching goal: building a more stable, equitable and resilient region for everyone.