USI is a national nonprofit organization providing a comprehensive portfolio of technical assistance, data-driven tools and cross-functional resources to families and communities across the U.S.
Headquartered in St. Louis and serving urban communities nationally, USI delivers transformation and economic prosperity through data-driven, people-centered strategies, fostering self-sufficiency and resilience.
Our approach is multifaceted: engaging residents with knowledge and skills to take action, influencing policies to achieve long-term results, and applying Results Count® framework to every project to ensure investment equals tangible progress.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where private, public and community interests align and where every home, neighborhood and community in the United States has the opportunity to succeed.
We keep families at the center of our work, utilizing 360 assessments and data to guide our strategies, and employ a team of professionals who can deliver effective change and contribute as thought leaders in the field.
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity
We are honest, transparent, ethical, and just. People trust us to adhere to our word.
Accountability
We deliver our very best in all we do, holding ourselves accountable for results.
Respect
We treat residents, communities, partners, and our staff with dignity and respect.
Innovation
We act with courage, challenging the status quo, and finding new ways to strengthen our work.
Multiplicity
We know it takes people with different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds to help us succeed.
Collaboration
We recognize that success cannot be accomplished by one person or organization.
OUR PILLARS
Our impact is not just measured in projects completed or funds raised, but in lives transformed and communities revitalized.
Our work is driven by a commitment to holistic, sustainable development across multiple key areas that are foundational to the well-being of individuals and communities.
These pillars – Housing Stability, Education, Economic Mobility, Health & Wellness, Engagement, and Policy & Influence – represent the different yet interconnected aspects of our comprehensive approach to community upliftment.
Housing Stability
We believe housing is the foundation for which families can grow. Our work is rooted in meeting residents where they are to provide them with the resources and support to achieve their goals.
“I am so proud of myself for going through the whole process and buying my first home. I love everything about my house.”
— Karima N., USI Resident of Perkins Homes in Baltimore, MD
Education
Focusing on the strategic development of programs, partnerships, and policy recommendations, we provide the support and service connections to change the trajectory of children and families’ education and career opportunities.
“The work USI does is beyond valuable.”
— Dr. Alicia J., Director of Student Support Services, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Economic Mobility
We address financial burdens and hardships, while also providing assistance to shift the economic status of individuals through workforce development, entrepreneurship, employment, job-readiness support, and skills training.
“When the hurricane hit, I was living in public housing at the time. Determined to get back on my feet, I worked with USI to land a job, get promoted, and move into my own home with my sister. My proudest moment!”
— Icezerine P., USI Resident of Magnolia Homes in Galveston, TX
Health & Wellness
Through focused service connections, we provide opportunities for residents to live healthier lifestyles through nutrition and wellness classes, counseling, recovery support, mental health programming, and more.
“My doctor never told me about cholesterol. I’m so glad I took the USI class so I could learn the important things, like changing my diet and avoiding a heart attack.”
— Adrienne V., USI Resident of Bayview in San Francisco, CA
Resident/Community Engagement
We connect residents with nonprofit service providers, public agencies, philanthropies, faith-based organizations, and other local stakeholders to build and support vibrant, self-sustaining communities.
80% of target families report a positive community connection from USI’s LEARN System, 2023.
Policy & Influence
We’re committed to designing practices that inform and influence policy, transform systems, and positively impact families.
“Even if we can’t directly have an impact on every child in the country, we can influence leaders in other cities and organizations to practice in a more people-centered and collaborative way.”
— Erika W., VP of Marketing & Communications, USI
We are an organization that is representative of the places where we work.
READ OUR FULL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
We recognize that there are existing societal structures that effectively interfere with the efforts of communities across the country to thrive. We commit to addressing these issues by working on individual, local, and structural levels to develop tangible opportunities that benefit everyone in a community.
We build strategies informed by the experiences and expertise of local residents and use comprehensive data to positively impact people’s day-to-day lives. This approach ensures that we can establish deep local partnerships and design sustainable solutions that address the root causes which have consistently limited progress and focus on delivering short and long-term results. We also involve and collaborate with local partners across multiple sectors that are willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with us. For the last 45 years change has been a constant, and we are continuously committed to creating pathways for all children and families to live healthy and prosperous lives.
Central Corporate Office • 100 N. Broadway, Suite 1110 • St. Louis, Missouri 63102
Phone: 314-421-4200 • Fax: 314-279-0067 • Email: info@usi-inc.org
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