To unite our community to improve people’s lives.
Southern Nevada Needs You Now
Federal Funding Cuts Are Threatening Food, Housing & Health Services for Thousands
What's going on?
Emergency federal funding is in jeopardy, and our rapidly growing community is already in crisis.
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), a critical safety net for individuals and families in crisis, has been paused and may be eliminated altogether. This program has helped thousands avoid homelessness and hunger by providing food, shelter, rent, and utility assistance.
Since 2020, EFSP has delivered over $8.5 million in emergency aid, reaching more than 680,000 people in Southern Nevada. In 2025 alone, EFSP funding was expected to support over 100,000 individuals. Now, that funding is currently unavailable.
Federal Program Eligibility Changes
At the same time, additional federal changes are compounding the crisis.
In January, changes to SNAP eligibility requirements took effect. Nevada’s current waiver, granted due to high unemployment, will expire, triggering eligibility reviews for an estimated 133,000 residents who rely on food assistance to meet basic needs.
Medicaid access is also at risk. Changes at the federal level could significantly increase health care costs and reduce coverage for thousands of Nevadans. Over the next several years, new work requirements, higher out-of-pocket costs, and reduced funding could result in as many as 100,000 people losing Medicaid coverage in Nevada alone. These changes also threaten community health centers and rural hospitals that families depend on for care.
Together, these cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and Medicare will force families into impossible choices:
- Food or medication?
- Shelter or electricity?
- Health care or survival?
How United Way of Southern Nevada Is Responding
UWSN has mobilized to respond by:
- Uniting nonprofits to coordinate aid and resources
- Engaging lawmakers at every level to advocate for restored funding
- Educating decision-makers on the essential role nonprofits play in the community
- Building long-term solutions through regional partnerships
But we can’t do it alone. This is where you come in.
How You Can Help
Support the UWSN Emergency Assistance and Community Needs Fund today.
Your gift will provide urgent help to families facing eviction, food insecurity, and utility shut-offs. Every dollar makes a difference, and right now, every dollar is needed.
Did You Know?
Give $1,000 or more to join Women United, a group of female philanthropists uplifting women and families.
Give $10,000 or more to become part of our Tocqueville Society, a community of changemakers leading Southern Nevada forward.
