What United Against Poverty does

United Against Poverty (UAP) is a Florida-based 501c3 nonprofit organization incorporated in 2003, operating three community-campus hubs — UP Indian River County (Vero Beach, headquarters), UP Orlando, and UP St. Lucie County (Fort Pierce) — that collectively serve more than 59,640 unique households annually whose incomes are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Its service portfolio is built around four core programs: the Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP), a choice-based food assistance model where members pay a small per-item handling fee and save up to approximately 67% on grocery costs; the Success Training Employment Program (STEP), a free three-phase (training, career connection, coaching) workforce program with four-week classroom instruction and industry-recognized certifications; the Crisis Stabilization Program (CSP), providing one-on-one navigator support and customized care plans for households in instability; and Collaborative Partner Services (CPS), an active referral ecosystem that co-locates external agencies (e.g., CareerSource, Florida Department of Children & Families, DiscoverAbility) on-site for warm-handoff service delivery.

UAP does not operate proprietary technology systems — service delivery is facility-based and human-mediated, supported by standard CRM/communications tools, a WordPress website, and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). Programmatic scale is anchored on physical infrastructure: 50+ product donation partners (including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sysco, Kellogg's, and Dot Foods) supply MSGP inventory, while more than a dozen on-site partner agencies deliver employment, healthcare, disability, and benefits services.

The business model is donation-dependent. UAP receives monetary contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations; product donations from retailers and manufacturers; stock transfers; and planned giving. A revenue-adjacent stream flows from nominal MSGP handling fees paid by members and from a $787,640 social-cost-avoidance claim attributed to reduced public-assistance dependence. Volunteer labor (12,863 hours valued at $406,599 in 2025 at the St. Lucie campus alone) materially subsidizes operations. Go-to-market is community-led: warm-handoff referrals, partner-agency routing, and success-story-driven organic social and event marketing replace traditional sales or advertising. UAP is governed by a Board of Directors, led by Executive Director Sean Howald, and has no parent company, outside investors, or institutional ownership.

Name

United Against Poverty

Legal name

United Against Poverty Inc.

Website

https://unitedagainstpoverty.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

United Against Poverty is a Florida-based 501c3 nonprofit operating three UP Center campuses that serve 59,640+ low-income households annually through choice-based food assistance (MSGP), free employment training (STEP), crisis stabilization, and on-site collaborative partner services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social and Community Services

NAICS

Community Food Services (62421), Individual and Family Services (6241), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Food Assistance & Food Banks (BPAGAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Food Assistance & Safety Nets (In-Kind, Vouchers, Cash Transfers) (BPADAJAA), Bulk Food Buying Clubs & Cooperative Bulk Programs (CRAHAMAM)

Keywords

• Food assistance programs
• Crisis stabilization services
• Employment training programs
• Social service referrals
• Community food pantry

Headquarters

HQ city

Vero Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Grants: United Against Poverty is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization that relies on charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The organization accepts monetary donations, product donations from retailers and manufacturers, stock transfers, and planned giving through estate plans.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

United Against Poverty operates a portfolio of social service programs through three UP Center campuses in Florida that deliver dignified food assistance, employment training, crisis stabilization, and coordinated partner services to families and individuals at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP) allows members to personally select food and household items for a small handling fee, enabling savings of approximately two-thirds on grocery costs. The Success Training Employment Program (STEP) provides free 3-phase employment preparation including classroom training, employer connections, and success coaching.

Product overview

United Against Poverty is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization operating a portfolio of social service programs designed to help families and individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency. The core offerings include: the Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP), a dignified food assistance program where members select their own groceries for a small handling fee, saving up to two-thirds on food costs; the Success Training Employment Program (STEP), a free 3-phase employment training program with classroom training, employer connections, and success coaching; the Crisis Stabilization Program (CSP), providing one-on-one crisis navigator support with customized care plans; and Collaborative Partner Services (CPS), an active referral system that creates warm handoffs to partner agencies. UP Centers annually serve more than 59,640 unique households across three Florida locations (Orlando, Indian River, St. Lucie).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP): An accessible, dignified food assistance program where individuals and families can personally select food and household items suited toward their needs. Members contribute a small handling fee and can save up to two-thirds on their food budget.
• Success Training Employment Program (STEP)
• Crisis Stabilization Program (CSP)
• Collaborative Partner Services (CPS)
• Build UP

Products and services

• Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP) A dignified food assistance program where eligible members at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level personally select food and household items, contributing a small handling fee to save up to two-thirds on their household food budget. Membership is free and unlimited.
• Success Training Employment Program (STEP) A free 3-phase employment program (Job Training, Career Connection, Success Coaching) that provides participants with skills, confidence, and knowledge to secure employment and achieve financial stability. Includes 4 weeks of classroom training with industry-recognized certifications, resume building, employer networking, and post-employment coaching.
• Crisis Stabilization Program (CSP) A crisis care program that provides one-on-one meetings with crisis navigators, customized care plans, and long-term roadmaps to help individuals facing instability. Includes access to housing/shelter assistance, identification items, employment assistance, counseling, and community-based resources.
• Collaborative Partner Services (CPS) An active referral system that connects clients with partner agencies through warm handoffs rather than passive referrals. Case managers coordinate with partners to ensure clients receive appropriate services, providing follow-up and accountability throughout the referral process.
• Build UP A program offering within United Against Poverty's portfolio of services, listed alongside MSGP, STEP, CSP, and CPS.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served 59,640+ unique households annually
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Dot FoodscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Dot Foods partnership to provide food donations supporting affordable groceries, job training, and crisis stabilization. Partnership began June 2025 with nearly 250,000 pounds of food donated. Reduced food waste exceeding 90% at Dot Foods' Mount Sterling headquarters. Plans to expand collaboration to additional Dot Foods distribution centers.
• Rivers FoundationminorOthersProduct donation partner contributing to the Member Share Grocery Program.
• Coca-ColaminorOthersProduct donation partner contributing beverages and other products to the Member Share Grocery Program.
• SyscominorOthersFoodservice distributor providing product donations to support food assistance programs.
• CareerSource (Orlando)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides employment assistance, resume writing and job search aid. Representative on-site at UP Orlando Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• CareerSource Research CoastcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnects employers with qualified talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities in the Research Coast region.
• DiscoverAbility (Orlando)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides traditional and supported employment services through resume building and job placement. Services for vocational rehabilitation participants with disabilities or receiving social security benefits. On-site Tuesdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
• Primary Care Access Network (PCAN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides uninsured and underinsured individuals access to health care by assisting enrollment in adequate health coverage. On-site at UP Orlando every Thursday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
• Department of Children & Families ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Food Assistance, Temporary Cash Assistance, Medicaid, Refugee Services, Homelessness, and Hope Florida services at UP Centers.
• Florida Department of Children & FamiliescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner providing comprehensive social services including food assistance, cash assistance, Medicaid, and homelessness programs.
• Treasure Coast Community HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides patient-centered, integrated outpatient care in a technologically advanced, financially secure, and compassionate environment.
• Resource Center for Disability SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides services and programs promoting independence for people with disabilities, empowering individuals to live independent lives.
• Safe Families for ChildrenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSurrounds parents facing crisis with a caring community. Volunteers provide temporary housing for children while parents deal with crises.
• Access to JusticeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides free supportive services to self-represented litigants needing assistance with Family Law, Small Claims, and Residential Evictions.
• Orange County Library SystemminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts monthly pop-up events on 1st Wednesday of month from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm providing books and community resources.
• Downtown Primary ClinicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers urgent and primary care services for individuals with or without insurance, free of appointments. Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
• Aetna Medicare SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers different provider networks and benefits for individuals seeking Medicare coverage. On-site at UP Orlando Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Dedicated Seniors Medical CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides services to seniors needing primary care, medication management, referral-based specialty care, and transportation for medical care. On-site Wednesdays 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Coordinated Entry Community HUBcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssists persons experiencing homelessness through assessment exploring alternative resources to keep individuals off streets and out of shelters. Team on-site Fridays 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
• Dynamic LifeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based sober living facility for men providing structured environment for discovering purpose and recovery skills.
• Team Success EnterprisesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAddresses, educates, coordinates, and provides relief to alleviate human suffering, eradicate homelessness and hunger, and contribute to safer communities.
• Coca-Cola Beverages FloridaminorOthersDonated 300 new laptops to the St. Lucie UP Center to support the employment training program.
• Sailfish Brewing CompanyminorOthersEmployer partner that hired STEP graduate Cheryl as an employee.
• Freight LinersminorOthersEmployer partner that hired STEP graduate Leroy as a CDL Driver.
• The Porch FactoryminorOthersEmployer partner that hired Navy Veteran Zach after his STEP graduation.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• CareerSource Florida: Florida's statewide workforce-development board and an active on-site STEP partner at UAP. Comparable employment-training outcomes framework and DOL-aligned funding access.
• Habitat for Humanity International: Nonprofit addressing housing instability — adjacent to UAP's crisis-stabilization and homelessness-reduction mission through CSP. Florida affiliates operate in the same geography as UAP campuses.

Broad incumbents

• Catholic Charities USA: National social-services nonprofit delivering case management, food, housing, and employment support — analogous to UAP's integrated MSGP/CSP/STEP/CPS portfolio. Operates regional agencies including in Florida.
• United Way: National community-coordination nonprofit that funder-aggregates and routes resources to local social services — analogous to UAP's CPS warm-handoff model and multi-agency partnership network.
• The Salvation Army: Multi-service faith-based nonprofit offering food assistance, crisis care, employment support, and social services. Operates Florida-regionally with comparable integrated programming and donor-funded model.
• Feeding America: National network of 200+ food banks distributing donated food to communities in need. Closest direct comparison for UAP's MSGP food-assistance scale and corporate-donor supply model.

Regional players

• Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida: Regional food bank serving the Orlando metro area where UAP operates its UP Orlando campus. Comparable food-distribution model, donor base, and member-choice programs.
• Feeding South Florida: Regional Feeding America affiliate covering Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. Comparable Florida food-assistance model and corporate-donor supply chain.
• Treasure Coast Food Bank: Regional food bank serving the same Florida geography as UAP's Indian River and St. Lucie campuses. Comparable food-distribution scale and reliance on corporate product-donation partners.

Direct peers

• Goodwill Industries International: National nonprofit combining workforce training, community support, and donated-goods retail — the closest large-scale analog to UAP's combined employment-training (STEP) and community-hub model. Operates across Florida through regional Goodwill affiliates.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/uporlando
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-against-poverty-inc.
• Instagraminstagram.com/UAPSLC
• Xx.com/up_orlando

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about United Against Poverty