IMPACT AREA

BASIC
NEEDS

Everyone deserves access to essential resources like food, shelter, and healthcare. Together, we can provide these vital services to those in need, helping to create a stronger, more resilient community.

Addressing Critical Needs

In Gallatin County, families are grappling with the soaring cost of living, where the living wage stands at $27.92 for a family of four with two working parents. Despite these challenges, the average wage remains 10% below the national average, making it increasingly difficult for families to manage high housing costs and essential expenses.

HIGH COST OF LIVING

Bozeman's cost of living is 22% higher than the national average.

HOUSING COSTS

Housing costs are over 62% above the national average, higher than in Seattle, Denver, Boise, and Sacramento.

RENT BURDEN

Nearly 30% of renters in Gallatin County spend 40% or more of their income on housing costs.

CHILD FOOD INSECURITY

Nearly 37,000 children live in food-insecure homes.

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GGUW provides affordable out-of-school care for more than 1,200 children every year, helping families balance work and childcare.

Affordable Out-of-School Care

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We invest in community partners who deliver essential basic needs services to those in need.

Community Partner Investments

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GGUW maintains a disaster relief fund to respond swiftly when disasters strike, ensuring timely support for affected individuals and businesses.

Disaster Relief

Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) is dedicated to addressing these pressing needs through a range of impactful programs and initiatives.

Our Commitment

Empowering Communities to Face Crisis and Thrive

Greater Gallatin United Way’s basic needs programs deliver tangible outcomes by providing essential support to families and individuals in our community. Through targeted initiatives, we ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive, from affordable housing and food security to disaster relief and crisis support.

$3 MILLION+

was distributed to help more than 400 businesses and individuals recover from the Yellowstone River flooding through the Southwest Montana Flood Relief Fund, a partnership between GGUW and the Park County Community Foundation.

$425,000+

in tuition assistance and scholarships was awarded to families for out-of-school care and early learning programs.

CRISIS SUPPORT

The 2-1-1 service, vital to Montana, is managed by the Help Center, which responded to over 717 calls for help last year, providing critical support across our region.

DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

Greater Gallatin United Way is here when disasters strike.

In recent years, our community has faced significant challenges. Together with our partners and the community, we responded by fundraising, assessing community needs, and distributing funds transparently and securely.

  • Yellowstone River Flood
  • Bridger Foothills Fire
  • COVID-19 Pandemic

These experiences have taught us valuable lessons about disaster response. As a result, we have established the GGUW Disaster Response Fund to better address future emergencies.

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Become a Basic Needs Supporter

Join us in building a community filled with opportunities for every individual. Your support has the power to drive positive change, and foster a community where everyone thrives. Together, let’s amplify our impact—get involved, give back, and be a catalyst for a brighter, more inclusive future.

INVEST IN BASIC NEEDS