Hundreds gathered in Des Moines this week for United Way of Central Iowa’s annual Live United celebration, where the organization released its 2026 Community Report highlighting areas of progress and persistent challenges across the region.

The report found that 1 in 3 Central Iowa households cannot afford basic needs.

“At its core, this work is about people, the families working hard every day to stay afloat and build a better future,” Mary Sellers, president of United Way of Central Iowa, said in a news release following the event. “This report is a reminder that while we have made meaningful progress together, our work is far from finished.”

The report highlights the challenges facing ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households, those who are employed but unable to afford basic needs, noting that rising costs for essentials such as food and housing continue to outpace wages. 

Key challenges outlined in the report include:

• Food and housing pressures: 1 in 10 Central Iowans experience food insecurity, while 43% of renters spend at least 30% of their income on housing.
• Workforce and wages: Among the 20 most common jobs in Central Iowa, 40% pay less than $20 per hour.
• Child care access: With 78% of young children in households where all caregivers work, affordable, reliable child care remains out of reach for many families and businesses.
• Education gaps: Students face barriers tied to cost, access to resources and caregiving responsibilities, contributing to gaps in achievement and limiting future education and career options.
• Health and mental health access: Limited access to affordable care continues to affect stability, with many Iowans not receiving needed mental health treatment.

The report also points to broader challenges, including homelessness, youth disengagement and access to care, and emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts across government, businesses and nonprofits.

United Way said its approach focuses on coordinating efforts across partners and investing in solutions that help families move toward long-term financial stability.

The event also recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community.

Holmes Murphy received the Spirit of Central Iowa Award, which honors outstanding commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism. 

Live United Leader Awards, recognizing individuals for their efforts in giving, advocacy and volunteering, were presented to Jamie Buelt of Oakridge Neighborhood, John Currier of F&G, Suzanne Heckenlaible of Delta Dental of Iowa, Mikki Stier of ChildServe and Brandon Qualley of Sammons Financial Group.

Live United Champion Awards, which honor organizations for innovative and sustained dedication to United Way of Central Iowa’s mission and impact on the community, were presented to American Equity, Athene, Casey’s, CBRE, Corteva Agriscience, Drake University, F&G, Farm Bureau Financial Services, GuideOne and the Mutual Group, Hearst Corp. (including CDS Global and KCCI-TV), Lauridsen Group, Merchants Bonding Co., Principal Financial Group, R&R Realty Group, Sammons Financial Group and Willis Automotive.

Sellers said the event serves as both a reflection point and a call to action.

“Whether it is giving, advocating or volunteering, every action moves us closer to a future where every Central Iowan has the opportunity to thrive,” she said.