GOLDSBORO, NC — The Goldsboro City Council has voted to redirect its $50,000 annual nonprofit support through the United Way of Wayne County and its community campaign, marking a significant shift in how municipal funds will reach local organizations serving city residents.
Administrative Challenges Prompt Strategic Review
The decision comes with administrative complexities that United Way Executive Director Sherry Archibald acknowledged during discussions with city officials. The funding, which previously supported 21 programs across 14 different agencies, faces compliance requirements regarding administrative fees that make direct distribution challenging.
“The compliance requirements and administrative fee structure would make it difficult to maintain our current broad distribution model,” Archibald explained following recent city council retreat discussions.
Two Innovative Programs Proposed
In response to these challenges, United Way of Wayne County board members convened to develop strategic alternatives for maximizing the $50,000 community impact. Two primary programs have emerged from their planning sessions:
“Invest in U” Program
The “Invest in U” initiative would allow the city council to participate directly in the community campaign by selecting from four focus areas: health and wellness, financial stability, education, or basic needs. United Way board members would then identify one or two specific programs within the chosen focus area to receive concentrated support.
This targeted approach is designed to minimize compliance issues while ensuring administrative fees remain manageable, according to Archibald.
“U-Can” Community Assistance Network
The 18-month-old “U-Can” program (United Community Assistance Network) provides a centralized resource hub for individuals experiencing gaps in community services. The program connects residents with essential resources including rent assistance, utility support, water bill help, and transportation services.
Recent funding success has strengthened the U-Can program, with grants from the Duke Energy Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield, along with support from multiple sponsors and individual donors.
Focus on Goldsboro City Residents
Archibald emphasized that the proposed $50,000 funding options would exclusively serve Goldsboro city residents, aligning with the municipal funding source.
Addressing Housing Rehabilitation Needs
The United Way proposal also recognizes an emerging need among city residents participating in HUD-funded home repair programs. Many residents require temporary housing assistance while their homes undergo necessary repairs but lack the financial resources to secure alternative accommodations during the renovation period.
The organization plans to establish specific criteria and maximum assistance amounts for these temporary housing situations, potentially creating a dedicated funding stream from the $50,000 allocation.
Next Steps
The United Way of Wayne County continues to refine these proposals as city council members evaluate the most effective approach for distributing the annual nonprofit support funding. The partnership represents a collaborative effort to ensure maximum community impact while maintaining proper fiscal oversight and compliance requirements.
