New United Way tool will improve Florida’s disaster response

When most people think of United Way, they think of food pantries, utility assistance, and local community programs. And they’re right; we do that work, and we’re proud of it. But what many don’t realize is how much United Way of Florida functions as invisible infrastructure, working behind the scenes in ways only an organization with over 100 years of community roots can.

This became clear during the 2024-25 hurricane season, when over 50 of Florida’s 67 counties experienced the highest level of impact from Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and Debby. While numerous organizations arrived to help, most eventually went home. United Way stayed for the long haul because we live here.

When disaster hits, the impact runs deeper for those who are one paycheck away from financial crisis — ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. These are renters who may be forced to move, hourly workers who lose income when they can’t get to work, or families without the resources to relocate or work remotely.

That’s why I’m excited to announce that United Way of Florida is bringing a groundbreaking tool to our state: the ALICE Disaster Assistance Tracker. Set to be released in March by United for ALICE, United Way of Florida is eager to be among the first – if not the first – to fully embrace this tool.

This interactive tool brings together FEMA and ALICE data in unprecedented ways. Policymakers can now track disaster assistance applications, claims, denials, and amounts, broken down by ALICE income status and housing type. We can finally see which communities are accessing help and where the impact will be deepest and longest lasting.

Florida has long been a super user of ALICE data. We were among the first states to adopt the ALICE report in 2014, and we’ve fully integrated this nonpartisan data into our state’s fabric.

United Way of Florida funds these tools and makes them available to other organizations so they can do good. For example, Florida Power & Light uses ALICE data to assist families who can’t pay their utility bills. The Florida Chamber has embedded it in its economic planning. And now, this disaster tool will add another crucial dimension to our response to community needs.

United Way’s work in disaster response exemplifies what I mean when we say we’re the invisible infrastructure. We’re not just writing checks; we’re strategizing, convening, connecting, and problem-solving. We’re the steady presence before, during, and after a crisis. We’re offering a hand up, not a handout.

As we continue to build more resilient communities across Florida, I invite you to explore the many ways United Way of Florida is strengthening families and communities throughout our state. Our disaster work is just one piece of a much larger picture — one where we’re working to ensure every Florida family has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to build secure, stable futures.

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Melissa Nelson is President and CEO of United Way of Florida, representing the state’s 28 United Ways on legislative and administrative issues, disaster preparedness and recovery, and statewide initiatives.