At United Way of Passaic County, we help our neighbors prepare for, respond to, and recover from the everyday challenges and large-scale disruptions that affect families and communities.
Community resilience means making sure individuals, families, and local organizations have the resources, support, and connections they need to weather crises, bounce back, and build stronger lives. We stand with people before, during, and after emergencies—because resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving.
Many households in Passaic County face ongoing financial pressures—from rising costs for housing, food, childcare, and transportation to unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs. For too many, even steady employment doesn’t guarantee stability. The ALICE population—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, but Employed—represents a large share of local families working hard but unable to afford basic needs.
When disaster strikes—whether a weather emergency, housing displacement, or sudden financial crisis—these families are often the hardest hit. Without the right supports in place, households can quickly fall behind and struggle to recover. Community resiliency work helps ensure that vulnerable residents are supported, nonprofit partners are prepared and connected, and the county can respond together as one community.
United Way of Passaic County works with local organizations, government partners, neighbors, and volunteers to strengthen resiliency across the county.
Our community resiliency effort United Way of Passaic County works with local organizations, government partners, neighbors, and volunteers to strengthen resiliency across the county.
Our community resiliency efforts include:
- Supporting Passaic County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), a cross-sector coalition that coordinates disaster preparedness and response across nonprofits, government, and community partners
- United Way of Passaic County also convenes the Passaic County Non-Profit Resilience Network, which brings together frontline nonprofit organizations to share resources, strengthen coordination, and improve preparedness so they can continue serving the community.
- Mobilizing resources, volunteers, and emergency supports during times of crisis
- Connecting residents and partners with information, tools, and services to strengthen readiness and recovery
Together with our partners, we are building a Passaic County that is ready for challenges, equipped to respond, and resilient in times of need.