United Way of the Cape Fear Area (UWCFA) was formed in 1941, in the wake of Pearl Harbor, to help local families through one of the nation’s darkest moments. Since then, UWCFA has been the steady connector—bringing businesses, nonprofits, government, and faith-based partners together to take on challenges no single group can solve alone. 

That role has carried through every generation. UWCFA helped launch and sustain cornerstone initiatives such as Cape Fear HealthNet, providing access to healthcare for uninsured residents; the Blue Ribbon Commission on the Prevention of Youth Violence, which continues to create safer pathways for young people; the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, aligning resources to reduce housing insecurity; and Hometown Hires, connecting individuals with stable employment opportunities. Each effort demonstrates how collaboration can spark lasting community change. 

When Hurricane Florence struck, UWCFA convened community partners to coordinate relief and long-term recovery. Today, we continue to serve as fiscal agent for the Brunswick VOAD, Columbus County Disaster Coalition, New Hanover Disaster Coalition, and the Pender Long-Term Recovery Group—ensuring ongoing support long after the storm passed. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, UWCFA partnered with the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County to launch the Healthy Hotels Initiative. This effort created safe housing for shelter residents, survivors of domestic violence, and patients too healthy for the hospital but too contagious to go home. Each participant received wrap-around services to ensure stability and care. 

For more than 80 years, UWCFA has stepped forward in times of crisis – mobilizing resources, uniting partners, and supporting families across the Cape Fear region when they need it most.