When many think of the programs and services supported by United Way, they think of those in poverty. And while many individuals and families living in poverty are benefitted by United Way-supported programs, a much larger population is served as well: the working poor.

The 2014 Federal Poverty Level for a family of four is $23,850. Let’s take a look at a hypothetical family living in Sheboygan living on $41,600 a year, which is approximately 175% of the federal poverty level.

The family’s monthly expenses are:

• $950 on housing, which includes rent on a three-bedroom apartment, heat, water, electricity, and telephone
• $400 on food, which includes groceries as well as dining out
• $400 on transportation, which includes monthly payments on loans, gasoline and oil costs, and maintenance costs
• $200 on clothing, which includes clothing for all family members as well as diapers for the baby
• $200 on healthcare, which consists of medical and dental services not covered by insurance, prescription medications and premiums not paid by an employer or other organizations
• $500 on childcare/education, which includes part-time daycare costs for the baby and supplies and fees for the child in second grade.
• $200 on miscellaneous expenses, which includes personal care/hygiene items and entertainment.

These add up to $2,850 at a minimum for monthly living expenses of a family of four, which does not include savings. These costs are provided by the United States Department of Agriculture, 2014.

The family’s monthly income includes:

• $2,075 after taxes: One parent’s full-time job, which pays $15 an hour plus benefits.
• $725 after taxes: One parent’s part-time job at 20 hours per week and $10 an hour.

These add up to $2,800 a month in take-home pay.

You’ll notice that this family’s expenses exceed their take-home pay by $50 a month. This is an example of living paycheck-to-paycheck with no opportunity for saving for emergency or retirement.

Imagine living in this type of situation, and your car breaks down. What would you give up to get your car running again so you can get to work? Imagine your child breaks his arm on the playground. What would you give up to pay for the medical bills?

This is one example of the working poor: people who work hard and find it hard to get ahead. United Way-funded programs, such as Lakeshore CAP’s Rental Assistance Program, are there to help them from falling deeper under water.

Come to Harvest for the Hungry, a fundraiser sponsored by Destination Kohler and Sargento foods, on October 21 to support the United Way of Sheboygan County’s Food for Tomorrow Initiative. Located in the tents at the Shops at Wood Lake, this is an opportunity for your lunch or dinner to make a difference for the working poor in Sheboygan County.

Call (920) 458-3425 or visit uwofsc.org for more information about this event.